Always ensure the lawyers clearly state engagement...

Always ensure the lawyers clearly state engagement terms and rates in writing. Always ask for itemised billing, and make sure deliverables and milestones are clearly defined. Some are good, but several of us have poor experience with a few. A very senior lawyer charged his time cost when his juniors were handling the matter, and there was no engagement agreement that agreed he could charge time cost instead, there was already a negotiated fee. He then threatened to bring the client to court if his fees were not paid.