Make sure you will have the continuing personal attention of a lawyer you trust. Consider the lawyer's perspective; integrity; good judgment; trial exposure; and familiarity with special issues.

Look for demonstrable skills: plain speaking; persuasive brief writing; deposition taking that uncovers helpful facts; insightful issue summarizing; handling the other side's attorneys; and trial results.

Get recommendations: a website does not provide endorsements - other professionals do. Most of CPW's new clients come through referrals by lawyers who have worked with us (or against us) or been our clients.

Ask questions: How big is the "team" that is proposed? Are you being offered an emcee with a young partner in tow and a cluster of new associates in the wings? What is a client decision and what is not? Is the case "economical"? What is likely to be the total cost? And ask about the lawyer's willingness to consider non-traditional arrangements which may make a "black hole" case viable.