List out your end goals and what you wish to achieve in your case. Your lawyer should be able to assess your end goals and to advise you whether they are achievable. Even if they are not achievable, your lawyer should be able to assist you in carving out practical solutions to resolve your issues.

There are many law firms around. However, who is the best fit for your case? Ask around your friends and get a few recommendations. While one could find lawyers through internet, please note that there are many firms who do not have internet presence but are equally renown in the legal industry. Then, you may proceed to shortlist lawyers whom you feel could assist you in your case.

Call the shortlisted lawyers and see the lawyers. Find out from them about how they can assist you to achieve your end goals. A good and responsible lawyer will be honest and frank with you whether your end goals are realistic and achievable. He/she should be able to explain to you the legal process. You may not be happy with your lawyer advising you that your end goals are not achievable – but hear from them why your expectations cannot be achieved. However, please remember that lawyers are not miracle workers and we certainly cannot bend the law to fit what you wish to achieve (if your end goals are not realistic at all).

Ask about the cost clearly and find out from your lawyers their charges stage by stage. They should be able to inform you honestly and how much you should be expected to fork out from your pocket. You should be able to find out from your friends how much they have paid to the lawyers.

Your lawyers should be honest with you and to update you on the due process. Do not bind your lawyers to the initial expectations as the case may progress differently from time to time. Work with them hand in hand. If we give you a deadline to give instructions, please abide by it as this is your only case whereas they have more than 1 case to deal with. Remember, they are the one facing the judges not you. Be a good client and your lawyer would respect you and work even harder for you.