Questions to Ask Your Attorney: A Survivor’s Checklist

Taking the step to meet with an attorney after sexual assault is a huge act of courage. But walking into that first consultation can feel intimidating. You may not know what to ask or how to make sure the attorney you’re speaking with is the right fit. That’s why we created this survivor-focused checklist: so you can walk in prepared, with clear questions that put you in control. At SurvivorsRights.com, we can help match you with a compassionate attorney who is experienced in handling these types of cases. Yet, it always helps to be prepared.

Attorneys are there to guide you, but they work best when you feel comfortable, informed, and supported. Asking direct questions helps you understand not only the legal process but also whether the attorney truly has the experience and compassion you need. And that’s what this list is for.

The Survivor’s Checklist: Questions to Ask

About Their Experience

• Have you handled sexual assault or abuse cases before?
• What outcomes have you achieved for survivors in similar cases?
• Do you have experience dealing with large institutions (schools, churches, rideshare companies, etc.)?

About the Legal Process

• What are the possible paths for my case (civil lawsuit, settlement, trial)?
• How long do these cases typically take?
• Will I have to appear in court, and how often?

About Support and Communication

• How will you keep me updated?
• If I have questions or feel anxious, how quickly can I expect a response?
• Will you or someone from your team walk me through things like depositions or court appearances?

About Costs and Compensation

• How do you get paid? (Most survivor attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle.)
• Are there any costs I might have to pay out of pocket?
• What kinds of compensation could I be eligible for (medical bills, therapy costs, lost income, pain and suffering)?

About Privacy and Safety

• How will you protect my identity?
• What happens if media outlets ask questions about my case?
• Will my name be made public, or can I proceed as “Jane Doe”?

Using the Checklist

Print this checklist and bring it to your consultation. You don’t need to ask every question — just the ones that feel important to you. The point is to remind yourself that you deserve answers and that your attorney should be working for you, not the other way around.