Ask about the actual legal and factual problem
Describe the event and ask which jurisdiction, deadline, defendant, insurance, evidence, and procedure questions the firm would investigate first.
Ask who is responsible for the work
Confirm the individual lawyer, current license, supervising relationships, daily contact, use of co-counsel, and who makes recommendations at important stages.
Ask about relevant experience precisely
Ask about the same incident type, defendant, evidence system, insurance issue, and forum. Avoid relying on unsupported “best” labels, broad practice claims, or a single past outcome.
Ask how the relationship is documented
Review communication expectations, decision authority, contingency percentage, expenses, termination terms, file access, privacy practices, and the next action before signing.