Finally: Pay your attorney. If your representation agreement calls for legal fees to be paid up front or by billing (as opposed to contingency fee cases), then be sure to pay the full amount on time. Again, how hard will your attorney want to work for someone who doesn't pay on time or pay the full amount? Make sure that you can make the payments before you hire your lawyer, otherwise you may get minimal effort from your attorney. Or worse, your lawyer may drop you as a client. Then you'll be out all the money you paid, with no lawyer to show for it.