Hiring Guide · a Lawyer or Attorney
How to Hire a Litigation Attorney
Hire a litigation attorney whose case volume and resolution track record in your dispute type match your situation — commercial, employment, IP, and contract disputes each require specialized litigation experience. Ask for their case resolution breakdown: settled versus tried versus dismissed.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Legal services & attorney vetting · Reviewed June 2026
How to vet a specialist
Questions to ask
Ask these in any initial consultation to quickly separate strong candidates from weak ones.
1.What is your settlement versus trial rate, and given my situation, how do you see this most likely resolving?
Why it matters: Settlement rate reveals expectations. An attorney who settles everything is appropriate for most matters; one with genuine trial experience is necessary when the other side knows settlement is your only option.
2.Who will handle day-to-day work on my case, and what is that person's experience level?
Why it matters: Delegation is standard at larger firms, but you should know who is responsible for your file, who to contact with questions, and at what point the supervising attorney personally reviews the work.
3.What is your realistic total cost estimate for this matter through resolution?
Why it matters: Litigation costs surprise most clients. Upfront calibration of total expected cost — not just hourly rate — allows you to make an informed decision about whether to proceed, settle early, or explore alternatives.
Related specializations
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