How do you choose the right mesothelioma attorney?

These are exactly the right questions to be asking, and I'm glad you're thinking critically before signing anything.

A few things I'd look at first. Ask specifically how many mesothelioma cases the attorney has actually tried to verdict, not just settled. There's a big difference between firms that litigate and firms that just process claims. Some national firms handle thousands of cases but treat them almost like a volume business, which isn't always in your interest.

On the local vs. national question, it's complicated. Jurisdiction does matter. Where your husband was exposed, where the companies that manufactured the products were incorporated, and where you file can all affect the outcome. Some states like California and New York have courts with more experience in asbestos litigation and larger jury pools familiar with these cases. A good national firm should have local counsel in whatever jurisdiction makes sense for your case, so ask them directly who will actually be in the courtroom.

Red flags I'd watch for... vague answers about who specifically will handle your file (sometimes you meet a partner and then get handed to a paralegal), pressure to sign quickly, and anyone who gives you a specific dollar figure before they've even reviewed the exposure history. That's a promise no ethical attorney should make.

Questions worth asking: How many cases do you currently have pending? What's your trial record specifically in mesothelioma? Who is my primary contact? Will you explain every settlement offer to us before we make any decision?

The contingency fee structure (meaning no upfront costs, they take a percentage if you recover) is standard and legitimate. But ask what that percentage is and whether it changes if the case goes to trial vs. settles.

Definitely consult with your own attorney about your specific situation before signing a retainer with anyone.

Something the others haven't touched on yet, jurisdiction really does matter here, and it's one of the more overlooked pieces of this puzzle.

The firm's location matters less than where they plan to file your case. Asbestos cases can sometimes be filed in multiple venues depending on where exposure occurred, where the defendant companies operated, or where your husband lives now. Different jurisdictions have different track records, different average timelines, different judges who handle these cases regularly. A good firm should be able to walk you through why they're recommending a specific venue and what that means for your case.

So one question worth asking directly is "where do you plan to file, and why?" If they can't give you a clear answer on that, that's a real concern.

Also, ask whether they have local counsel in that jurisdiction or if they're handling everything remotely. It's not automatically a red flag either way, but you want to understand the setup.

Like Carl and David said, case history matters. But I'd push further and ask specifically about trial experience in the venue they're recommending. Settlement volume is one thing. Knowing how to try a case in front of a specific court is another skill entirely.

One more thing, ask how they communicate with clients and who your actual point of contact will be day to day. Sometimes you sign with a senior partner and end up working with a paralegal you've never met.

Please do consult with an attorney about your specific situation before making any decisions.