how long is first consultation with lawyer

How long will my initial consultation with an attorney last?

During this initial consultation, we are focused only on the “highlights” of what happened to you, not the nitty gritty details. This process can take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes depending on the potential client’s situation. After the initial consultation, the employment attorney reviews the case and does any necessary legal research. If the attorney believes there is a good case …

Will I be charged for my initial consultation with an attorney?

Jun 01, 2020 · Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

What happens during an initial consultation?

The first series of questions usually pertains to name, address(es), phone numbers, dates of birth, and social security numbers for you and your spouse. The reason this information is needed is so that the attorney can be prepared to file a case, if necessary, on short notice should you call back in two days, two weeks, two months, or two years.

How do I prepare for a consultation with a lawyer?

May 17, 2016 · How long is the meeting? An initial legal consultation is simply a short meeting between a lawyer and a potential client. This short meeting should be 20 minutes or less. Phone, Email or In Person legal consultation? A legal consultation can be done over the phone, via email or in person at the attorney's office.

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Jun 27, 2019 · The first consultation is always an educational, introductory session with the client. It’s there for the lawyer to understand in-depth what’s the issue at hand. If they get the facts straight, they can help you better with proper advice. Many people have the wrong idea that free consults mean they’re either shallow or limited to an hour or two.

How long is an initial consultation?

This process can take anywhere from ten to thirty minutes depending on the potential client's situation. After the initial consultation, the employment attorney reviews the case and does any necessary legal research.

What is an initial consultation?

What is an initial consultation? An initial consultation is the first time that you are able to speak one-on-one with an attorney. Both you and the attorney have a chance here to learn about each other. The lawyer will learn about the details of your case while you learn about the lawyer and the firm.Aug 30, 2020

How do I prepare for my first meeting with a lawyer?

Tips For Meeting With Your Lawyer For the First TimeDress To Impress. ... Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. ... Gather Your Evidence And Have It Ready For Your First Meeting. ... Get Your Facts Straight. ... Plan Something You Can Look Forward To For After Your Meeting.

What is the first meeting with an attorney called?

initial consultationAll attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship.

What do lawyers do in a consultation?

The consultation is about getting a feel for if the lawyer is the right one for you. The lawyer is also trying to figure out if you will make a good client or if you will be in trouble. A lot of clients come to law firms with issues, and the lawyer wants to make sure the clie3nt doesn't cause drama at the law firm.Jun 21, 2019

What happens at a consultation?

Consultation – an in-depth discussion between you and the Consultant about your medical symptoms or condition. Preparing to visit us. At your outpatient visit, you will meet with the Consultant who will look after you throughout your treatment and, if necessary, your hospital stay.

What should I wear to a lawyer consultation?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. Nothing too revealing.Sep 4, 2019

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a LawyerHave Your Documents Ready. ... Research the Elements of Your Case. ... Don't Call if You Just Have a Question. ... You May Not Speak to a Lawyer Right Away. ... Do Not Ask the Legal Support Staff for Advice. ... Don't Provide Too Much Information. ... Answer the Lawyer's Specific Questions.More items...•Feb 6, 2020

How do I ask my lawyer about my case?

10 things to ask your lawyer in a case reviewHave you handled this type of case before? ... What is the best method for contacting you? ... Who will be handling my case? ... To whom may I speak with about my case? ... What are your fees? ... Are there other fees for which I will be held responsible?More items...•Apr 18, 2014

What should I expect at my first lawyer meeting?

The lawyer will ask questions designed to focus the discussion on the background facts he or she feels are important. If the lawyer is willing to take your case and you wish to proceed, you will be presented with a retainer agreement, which should be fully explained to you. Do not sign until you understand it.

What do you say when you call a lawyer?

0:261:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific. Situation. And when you keep it simple in the beginning it really does make it easier.

What do I bring to a consultation?

What Should you bring to your initial consultation?A pen and pad of paper or something to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise.Take the time before you meet with your attorney to write down a list of questions. ... An understanding of your financial situation. ... Bring any documents relevant to your case.Jan 7, 2021

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation so that you have a chance to determine if he or she is the right person for you. Going to the first meeting with some simple questions can help you ensure you find the right person for the legal help you need. You will not get much legal advice at this consult since it is not meant to resolve your legal ...

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Meeting with a lawyer for an initial consultation is generally not a chance to ask legal questions that are in depth, but is instead an opportunity to get a sense as to whether this lawyer is the right one to handle your case. Use this meeting to help you decide which lawyer will be the best one for your case.

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

An important question to ask a lawyer is what the strategy for your case will be and the outcome the lawyer expects. You’ll want to get details on what kind of procedures to expect. Ask how long it will take for the entire case to be resolved. Discuss the legal strategies that will be used. Find out if your attorney will attempt to settle and if mediation or arbitration are options. Think about the answers and if you are comfortable with them. Maybe you want to avoid a trial at all costs but your attorney really wants to just go to trial, or perhaps you have no intention of settling and want your day in court. It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Meeting with a small business attorney is an important way to get your business off to a good start and minimize future risks. Here are questions to ask at your first meeting.

Can you ask where an attorney went to law school?

It is generally not very helpful to ask where the attorney went to law school since you can find this information online and it often tells you nothing useful anyhow. Focus instead on experience with your type of case. You can also ask the average verdict the lawyer has obtained in your type of case.

How much does a lawyer consultation cost?

If you have never hired a lawyer, you might wonder about free attorney consultation. There are many law practices that provide such an incentive to their clients. The cost of a lawyer consultation can be prohibitive. It can set you back between $100 to $400, depending on where you are.

What is the first consultation?

The first consultation is always an educational, introductory session with the client. It’s there for the lawyer to understand in-depth what’s the issue at hand. If they get the facts straight, they can help you better with proper advice.

Why is free legal advice important?

Your free lawyer advice affords you the flexibility to learn your proper legal course of action. It is in place to give you proper clarity to make an informed decision. Both parties will expect honesty from each other.

What is the nature of the first consult?

The nature of the first consults is always exploratory in nature. Attorneys don’t care how many hours for a session it will take for them to understand your case. They don’t care for the complexity of your case either. What’s important is they understand and can give you a good understanding of the law.

Is free legal advice legal?

Much like any free service, you should understand that free lawyer advice is not “official” legal advice. Official legal advice needs comprehensive, multi-session study of the case and law concerned. It also needs a further study of the court procedure that comes after.

Is there a free lunch for attorneys?

It’s no free lunch for the client. If you agree to continue, that first consult provides them a consistent source of income. If you don’t push through with your case, they move on. This is standard across the entire practice. Even then, you’re not getting any type of bad advice with a free attorney consultation.

Is a lawyer's first consult free?

It is, however, not “free” in the strictest sense of the word. The first consult is a lawyer’s investment in a client. It’s their way to create a relationship with a potential client by providing free lawyer advice. It’s no free lunch for the client.

What is an initial meeting with an attorney?

An initial meeting with your attorney is important, not just for exchanging information about your case, but also for building rapport and trust. Commonly, you will first have a short phone call with the lawyer, who will then ask to meet you in person. If you aren't yet certain you plan to use this lawyer, ...

What to write in a conversation with an attorney?

In the course of your conversation with your attorney, you will surely want to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise. A list of questions. Clients often have a million questions and concerns before a meeting, one or more of which they then forget to ask when sitting face to face with their attorney.

What to bring to a lawyer meeting?

What Should I Bring? 1 A pen and pad of paper or the electronic equivalent! In the course of your conversation with your attorney, you will surely want to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise. 2 A list of questions. Clients often have a million questions and concerns before a meeting, one or more of which they then forget to ask when sitting face to face with their attorney. Write these questions down ahead of time, to make sure you get every query answered while you're sitting there. 3 A check for the initial consultation fee, if your attorney charges one. This should be discussed ahead of the meeting. Nothing gets a lawyer-client relationship off on the wrong foot faster than forgetting to make your first payment. Presenting that fee immediately shows that you're taking the relationship seriously. 4 Any documents relevant to your case. If, for example, you are negotiating a lease and want the lawyer to review it, you should obviously bring a copy of the draft lease. If possible, make multiple copies of each document you give to your lawyer, so that you can take a set back home. (Or you can ask the lawyer's office to make the copies, but you'll likely be charged at premium rates for those.)

What is retainer agreement?

You may be presented with a contract called a retainer agreement or a legal services agreement. This typically spells out the scope of the lawyer's representation of you, as well as the fees that you will pay. The document is ordinarily a few pages long. The lawyer should explain it to you.

What happens if you don't hire a lawyer?

Be honest. Remember that, even if you do not end up hiring the lawyer, everything you tell him or her during your meeting is generally subject to the attorney-client privilege. (The biggest exception to this, not surprisingly, is if you tell your lawyer that you are going to commit a crime, which information the lawyer may be duty-bound ...

Is honesty good for a lawyer?

In most cases, honesty is in your best interest. Lawyers seldom see cases that are cut and dried, with one party completely the "good guy.". It 's much better for the lawyer to know any bad news up front than to be surprised later with revelations you failed to share.

Should I get a second opinion before surgery?

Much like getting a second medical opinion before a surgery, it is common to seek advice from two or more lawyers before committing. The attorney-client relationship is important, and you need to feel comfortable with your choice.

What is the first meeting between a lawyer and a prospective client?

All attorneys meet with prospective clients in what is called an initial consultation. This is a first meeting between you and the lawyer to help you both decide whether you want to work together in an attorney-client relationship. At this point, you are both checking each other out, and getting information and advice that can help you with your case regardless of whether you hire that lawyer or any other one.

Why do attorneys keep their information confidential?

Remember, the attorney will keep this information confidential, unless required to share it with a court because it is relevant to the legal matter or with law enforcement for a public-safety reason. You may think the information is too trivial or embarrassing to mention, but it may well be extremely important, so share it.

How to share documents with a lawyer?

Make a set of copies of everything that you plan to share with the lawyer. Give the lawyer the copies at the beginning of the initial consultation. Prudent attorneys do not accept original documents, and you do not want to waste precious time or money waiting while the attorney makes copies. So fax the documents to the law office before the meeting.

What to do if you have no court papers?

Even if you have no court papers yet, you may have on hand or could readily obtain documents that could be helpful.

Can I meet with an attorney alone?

It is usually in your best interest to meet with the attorney alone, even if the other person is paying for the appointment. Your friend (s) or loved one (s) can wait in the lobby. To avoid interruptions, be sure to turn off all cell phones or other electronic devices just before your appointment.

What information do lawyers need?

For example, a lawyer needs the address, phone number, date of birth and social security number for both you and your spouse. This information is often necessary to file a case. Your lawyer may also need to know where you were married, the date of your marriage and who officiated.

What to do when you have a divorce lawyer?

However, one of the first things that a divorce lawyer must do is ensure that there is no conflict of interest. For example, a person’s spouse may have already contacted that particular lawyer, especially if the area is small ...

What to do if you have minor children in marriage?

Be prepared to inform the lawyer of your children’s ages, dates of birth, addresses where they have resided during the last few years and any issues related to their development or concerns about the other parent.

What You Should Expect at a Divorce Consultation

You already that you will be doing most of the talking since the case revolve around you. The divorce attorney will ask you for some information. Here are some of the details that the lawyer will ask you for during the initial consultations for the divorce meeting.

What You Should Bring to Your Initial Consultation

One of the things that you should do to be well prepared for the initial consultation is to bring documentation with you. The documentation will help the attorney to have an easier time evaluating your case.

Questions That You Should Ask the Attorney

When you visit the attorney’s office, it is important for you to find out as much as you can about the attorney, the process, and other details of the divorce process that you need to know about. To find everything you need to know, you need to prepare a list of questions to ask the divorce lawyer.

Are Meetings With Lawyers Confidential?

Most potential clients who go to an initial divorce consultation are not sure if they want a divorce. Potential clients want to understand what to expect if they choose to go ahead with the process. The law protects attorney-client communication. This means that the client’s right to privacy is well defined and should be preserved.