Before hiring a lawyer, interview several and ask the following questions:

How do you charge and what can I expect to pay?

Have you handled cases like mine before and if so, what was the outcome?

How long do you think it will take to resolve this case, and what steps are involved?

Will you handle my case personally or will you turn it over to an associate?

For more tips, see http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_generic.jsp?cid=10581&id=2165