Ask about fit and jurisdiction
Does the firm handle this kind of matter and the jurisdiction where it may belong? Which lawyer would be responsible? What facts or conflicts must be checked before the firm can decide whether to offer representation?
Ask how work and decisions are handled
Who is the daily contact? How are updates delivered? Which decisions require your approval? Could another lawyer or firm become involved? Ask for specific expectations rather than a general promise of responsiveness.
Ask about fees and expenses
Request the written agreement and an explanation of the fee calculation, case expenses, responsibility for expenses if there is no recovery, and how liens or other obligations may affect a distribution.
Ask what happens next
What documents are needed, what should you avoid doing, and is there an immediate timing issue? Ask how you will know whether the firm accepted the matter. Do not assume representation exists until the firm confirms it.