Suing or Being Sued?
If you’re considering filing a lawsuit, or if you’ve recently been served, consult with a civil litigation attorney fast. You need to understand your rights and options because the consequences of missing a deadline are severe.

After reviewing your case, an experienced civil litigation lawyer will explain how much the case is worth--or the amount you could stand to lose--and evaluate your chances of winning. Armed with that information, you’ll be ready to decide whether it’s best to fight, settle, file for bankruptcy, or do nothing. Whatever course you choose, having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side will increase your chance of success.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings by clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be responsible for your case. Consider bringing a list of questions you’d like answered and any documents you have that are related to your matter. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult with. First and foremost, you want a lawyer you can trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
While gathering your documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. It’s normal to get overwhelmed by the amount of information received at the first meeting, so it’s a good idea to write your questions down. That way you won’t forget to ask something important. Consider including questions about:

• the lawyer’s experience with cases like yours
• whether the lawyer practices in the relevant court
• how often the lawyer goes to trial (as opposed to settling the case)
• the attorney’s fee structure (hourly or contingency) and any retainer amount
• other case-related expenses (including cost increases if the case goes to trial)
• options other than litigation, and
• the lawyer’s recommended strategy.