how soon can i set up a consoltation with a lawyer

by Mr. Brooks Schmitt 9 min read

Full Answer

How long does it take to launch a solo law practice?

If you’re planning to launch your solo practice in six months, let people know your plans now. Then remind them closer to your official launch date. 9. You can rise to the challenge Having your own solo law shop is challenging.

How long will my initial consultation with an attorney last?

The initial consultation may last more or less than one hour. Although we schedule each initial consultation for one hour, your actual appointment may last more or less than one hour. It depends on the complexity of your situation and how much information you were able to have organized before your initial consultation with an attorney.

Should you start a solo law firm?

You practice the law you want, you pick the clients you want, you work the hours you want. And you keep the profits. Often, the idea of launching a solo law firm is more daunting than the reality.

How do I prepare for a consultation with a 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.

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

What to ask a lawyer about a case?

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

Can you ask where an attorney went to law school?

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When should you consult with legal counsel?

Answer: The best time to consult with an attorney is when you don?t need one. Whenever you have concerns about a potential problem, that the time to talk to a lawyer.

How long should initial consultation be?

A good initial consultation meeting usually takes some time. Anything less than an hour is probably not long enough for a potential client to decide to hire the lawyer. 3.) Let the potential client do most of the talking.

What is initial consultation?

An Initial consultation is a 90 minute consultation for a new client who would like to meet with a psychologist to discuss current issues and/or concerns and talk about strategies and goals for therapy and/or a treatment plan.

How do I prepare for a consultation?

Prepare For Your ConsultationBring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case and give these copies to your lawyer.Have notes ready. ... Dress for success. ... Be honest. ... Talk about costs. ... Ask your lawyer questions. ... Understand all documents you sign. ... Keep your own files.More items...

What is the purpose of a consultation with a lawyer?

The purpose of a free consultation is not to obtain specific legal advice in the consultation, but rather to allow you to determine whether you would like to hire the attorney and to allow the attorney to determine whether he or she can help you achieve your legal goals.

What should I wear to a lawyer consultation?

Day of 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.

What happens at an initial consultation with a lawyer?

You will decide if you want to work with the attorney and the attorney will let you know whether she is willing to take your case. If you agree to work together, your attorney should clearly outline the scope of work to be done – for example: drafting documents, settling a dispute, litigating a matter etc.

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 it called when you meet with a lawyer?

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.

How do I prepare for an interior design consultation?

7 Preparation Tips for Your Most Rewarding Interior Design ConsultationKnow Your Goals. ... Determine Your Budget. ... Consider How You Live in the Space. ... Be Upfront and Specific about Your Needs. ... Have All Materials Present for Consideration. ... Explore Your Likes and Dislikes. ... Determine the Decision Makers.

8 Things Most Lawyers Won't Tell You but Should | LawFirms.com

We've all heard horror stories from the legal trenches.... Your lawyer fails to show up, he doesn't make an objection when it's the most important moment, he or she loses your big case for you...

10 Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer You’re Meeting - AskTheLawyers.com™

You’ll want to make sure you’re dealing with a true professional. If not, you move on. Here are some questions to ask a lawyer in your first meeting.

Seven tips on preparing for your initial consultation with a lawyer

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.

Sample Letter for Asking for Help to Lawyer - Msrblog

Sample Letter for Asking for Help to Lawyer [These are sample Letter for Asking for Help to Lawyer. When you hire an attorney, you will need to communicate with him frequently so that he obtains all of the necessary evidence to present a strong case on your behalf.

Sample Letter Requesting Legal Advice

1. We informed you that the Government of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, vide circular no. 17/2011 and 18/2011 on Green Initiatives in the Corporate Governance…Clarification regarding service of documents by e-mode instead of Under Posting Certificate, the Department of Posts has recently discontinued the postal facility under ‘Certificate of Posting’ vide their letter dated 23.02 ...

Do I Need A Lawyer?

It’s true that not every disagreement or accident case requires a lawyer, but many do. The best way to determine if you could benefit from a lawyer is by evaluating several factors of your case. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the below, it may be time to get that free consultation on the books:

How Will A Lawyer Help Me?

No matter how much research you’ve done and how well educated you are, the legal system is complicated and makes it extremely difficult for anyone to represent themselves. Because every case is unique, it is essential to have a specialist represent you.

Questions To Ask A Potential Lawyer

Before your first consultation with a personal injury lawyer, have the following questions prepared:

Tips To Prepare You For Meeting With A Lawyer

Have these questions with you before your first consultation with a lawyer. They will help you feel prepared and more confident about hiring an attorney. Let’s now go over a few additional tips to guide you when getting ready for an initial consultation with a lawyer:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rebecca A. Seibert

I agree with the responses that have already been posted but also wanted to address your question as to whether they would call you back even if they were not interested. I probably speak for most attorneys when I say that we do call back regarding inquiries for cases that we do not or cannot take.

Joshua Brent Raffini

I agree with the other attorneys. Call back or find another attorney who is available sooner. Many attorney offices have a policy as to how quickly calls should be returned, but even then it can give way to the reality of a busy practice. I doubt you will have trouble finding an attorney to speak with you with a little time and effort.

F. David Rusin

If a lawyer truly wanted to handle your case that lawyer would call you back. Given the fact that the attorneys you have called have failed to return your call, you should call other attorneys until you find an attorney that either will speak to you immediately or will call you back within a reasonable time. You are the boss. More

Michael Gordon Sribnick

As my colleague stated call as much as you like, as you are the one who has a legal problem. If the answer is not to your liking, hire a criminal defense attorney who is. Dr. Michael G. Sribnick, Esq. criminal defense and personal injury attorney in Charleston and Columbia, S.C. Michael G. Sribnick, M.D., J.D., LLC...

Jason William Burgess

Often they are busy in court and such. Call as often as you want. Few people get mad that you want to give them money. But if the service is not to your liking, call others. There is no shortage of lawyers available to you. So long as you can pay.

Brandon Alexander Robinson

So far, I would not be too alarmed, given that it was last Thursday. However, a polite phone call or email to the firm, in which you preface your follow-up with your understanding that they are busy with starting up the office, would not be inappropriate at all.

Can you remember what you discussed with an attorney?

It can be difficult to remember what you discussed with an attorney days or even weeks later when the situation arises again. We encourage all potential clients to take a few notes on important discussion topics during their consultation so they have something to jog their memory later. Additionally, there may be follow-up information or documents we need you to obtain before we can take the next step, and it is always helpful to have those type of instructions written down.

Can Melissa Graham Hurd and Associates prepare for an appointment?

The attorneys at Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC, can take time to prepare for your appointment if you complete any provided client information sheets and return them to the office well in advance of your appointment. Your time with one of the attorneys will be most productive if you fill the questionnaire out fully so we know what questions to ask you.

What is the purpose of a free consultation?

The purpose of a free consultation is not to obtain specific legal advice in the consultation, but rather to allow you to determine whether you would like to hire the attorney and to allow the attorney to determine whether he or she can help you achieve your legal goals.

Can an attorney give free legal advice?

The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client. Attorneys don’t give legal advice without first being retained ...

Do attorneys give free consultations?

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.

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 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 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 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.

Should I hire an attorney at the end of a meeting?

By the end of your meeting, you should leave with a clear understanding of what you've accomplished and what's ahead. Remember, you are under no obligation to hire a particular attorney merely because you had an initial meeting.

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

What happens at your first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information.

What does a probate lawyer want to know?

In addition to a general understanding of your legal needs, the lawyer may want to know who else is involved with the case and their relationship to you. For example, in some probate matters, a client visits the lawyer to seek help for his or her parents or siblings.

What to talk about at a lawyer consultation?

At the consultation, be prepared to talk about your case. The lawyer may not too many details of your case before you sign a fee agreement, but you should be prepared just in case.

What to do if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation?

Even if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation beforehand, it's still a good idea to bring a copy of all relevant documents to the meeting. Spend some time thinking about what you may have on hand. Try to organize the documents in a logical manner before you meet with the lawyer.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

How to save money on trust and estates?

Do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case. Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars. ...

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.

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