I agree with the idea of a good fit between yourself and the lawyer. It does not matter how qualified the lawyer is, if you do not get along, move on. Trust me, the lawyer also wants a good fit.

On the subject of free consultations, John’s comment that a lawyer should be willing sit down and talk with you if you are a serious business is true. But, you have to meet the second part of that statement. If you have a business and may be a future source of revenue (lawyers have rent to pay too), a lawyer should meet with you so you can decide if there is a good fit. But, if you have no intention of ever hiring the lawyer, don’t mislead the lawyer. It’s not justified, and you have just burned that bridge. This may be difficult, but come right out and say, “I can’t afford to hire you, but would you be willing to give me 15 minutes of your time?” Some will say no, but some will be willing to meet with you. In those 15 minutes, you can cut out all the pretense of wanting to hire the lawyer, and just ask the questions you really want answered. You are not going to get a contract written either way. But, if you are honest, you are setting the foundation for a future working relationship.

Regarding asking about education or asking to see diplomas, these generally suggest an unsophisticated consumer. Lawyers become good lawyers through experience. Law schools only teach how to be a lawyer, not how to be a “business” lawyer, or a “personal injury” lawyer, or any other kind of lawyer. The law school and the diploma is largely irrelevant; it is the experience that counts – and this is a topic you should definitely ask about. If you want to verify that the person really is a lawyer, look them on your state’s Supreme Court attorney regulation website, or state bar association.

As far as references, I cannot think of a single lawyer who provides these. Part of this is because of confidentiality issues, part is that clients pay to get a particular job done and then to be left alone. More common are satisfaction surveys and pull quotes. Of course, these can be gamed, but then again, so can references.

If you are looking for a lawyer, ask your friends and colleagues for recommendations, but also find some lawyers on your own. Make sure they work in the area you need help in. Set up some consultations to verify the lawyers experience and to gauge your comfort level. And last, be honest about your needs and what you can afford.