A trick I'd use is to type 'civil lawyer forum' into a search engine, and see what comes up. If you find a lively forum, you can ask questions about the lawyer or law firm you're keen on, or ask for other users' recommendations.

WARNING: Some touts for law firms may lurk in these forums; you may not get unbiased advice. Also, some posters are overly negative; they hate everyone! Or they are fools, or unknowledgebale. Search thoroughly: you'll know the truth when you find it.

Some questions you should ask a prospective civil lawyer are:  

• How many years have you been in practice?
• How quickly can I expect my case to be resolved?
• When can we meet?
• How long have you been with your current firm?
• Are you a partner or an associate?
• Time and accessibility
• How much will you the total cost be, approximately?
• How do you charge for your services?
• Will you give a detailed written statement of fees?
• Is the first consultation free?
• Do you communicate via telephone, mobile phone, fax or email?

As the competition in this field is quite tough, every lawyer or law firm wants to create a niche of its own. Here the creative edge comes into play, for you have to stand out from the crowd.

Taking this into consideration some law firms supply all-inclusive packages, which offer a complete solution.

Demand a written estimate of fees, all disbursements and extras. They don’t usually get asked this. Be sure that the estimate includes an upper limit, an hourly rate and a schedule of chargeable items. Civil lawyers usually charge for phone calls and photocopies.

HERE'S A BIG TIP: ALWAYS HAGGLE. The first quote you're offered is not the bottom line. It's especially easy to get a better deal if you've been offered a better one by someone else. You can use this as ammunition.If they want your business, they will call back.

How to spot a dubious civil lawyer or law firm: If you can get to their offices, have a look around. What is your first impression? Lethargic or Dynamic? Obscure or Direct? Clean or Dirty? Don't let your anxiety override your instincts. Your instincts are probably right.

If a thing is right for you, it'll work right from the beginning. If you find you keep having problems, bail out, and don't look back. People often throw good money after bad, and good effort after bad. They've invested so much, they think they have to 'see it through to the end'. This is foolsih.

You hear people griping about the cost of emloying professional like accountaants and lawyers. The socialist-student-worker-miser believes capitalism is inherently evil. Someone is out to screw him.

The truth is 'yes', someone is out to screw you, and will, but only if you let them. They're not obliged to get you the best deal, and you're not obliged to take the first deal they offer. That said, go too cheap, and you get what you pay for. Is that all clear? [grin].

Note: If I don't reply to your email, please don't get angry. It's because I can't help you. Some products on this site are only open to UK residents. Others are only available to 'First-world' countries; if you live in Moldova, you're out. I'm basically a one man band. There are two things they ain't making any more of: real estate, and time. And I'm starting to value mine more.

Educate yourself about basic civil law, both in theory and practice. Look up past cases. Then you can ask your lawyer informed questions, instead of paying his fees and hoping for the best.