Prepare for each meeting with your lawyer. Make sure you have all documents in order and that you have reviewed any documents your lawyer has sent you.

Keep your communications with your lawyer concise and organized. Don't spend time discussing issues unrelated to your legal matter.

Tell your whole story, even if it is damaging or embarrassing - your lawyer needs to consider all options. Anything you tell your lawyer is confidential and your lawyer is not allowed to disclose it without your consent.

Try to make the right decisions the first time - changing your mind all the time can cost you money.

Get to know your lawyer's assistants. If a secretary, paralegal, articling student or junior lawyer can help you, contact that person instead of the most senior lawyer.

Find out if your expectations are reasonable. Talk to your lawyer about his or her legal opinion. Find out about your options and alternatives. Make sure you and your lawyer agree on your plans and priorities and that they are likely to lead to the outcome you want.

Above all be realistic. Don't spend $1,000 to recover a $500 asset.