how to set up a consultation with a lawyer

^{Seven tips on preparing for your initial consultation with a lawyer}

• Just as you would do before doing to a doctor, write down any questions you have so that you do not forget to ask them. ...
• If there is anything you want to be sure to tell the lawyer about your situation, write it down. ...
• Gather any documents that you think might be relevant. This includes anything that has been filed with any court related to the matter for which you are seeking legal help. ...
• 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. ...
If you plan to pay for the initial consultation with cash, go to a bank or ATM and withdraw the money the day before your appointment, if possible. ...
If you feel more comfortable bringing a friend or relative to the initial consultation for support, you may do so. ...
To avoid interruptions, be sure to turn off all cell phones or other electronic devices just before your appointment.

How to get the most out of a legal consultation?

“Ask as many questions as you can in the time you have scheduled,” Woodard adds. “Don’t leave anything on the table before you walk out the door.” If feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing a legal professional and/or simply don’t know where to begin, there are resources to point you in the right direction.

How much is a lawyer consultation fee?

When clients ask, "how much does a lawyer cost," the answer can vary from $50 to $1000 or more per hour. But if you're facing a legal issue, working with a lawyer is very helpful and can affect the outcome of the case.

Should attorneys charge a consultation fee?

Should an attorney charge a consult fee? Lawyers have to balance time spent obtaining clients versus time spent working on client matters. In high volume consumer practices, charging a small consultation fee will weed out people looking for free legal advice.

Should attorneys offer free consultations?

Questions to Ask

• What is your legal background?
• What area of law do you specialize in?
• How many cases have you served on?
• How often do you enjoy a successful outcome?
• Do you have any special experiences or training?
• How do you charge for services – by retainer, per hour, or on a contingency?
• Do you take payments by check or credit card?
• Do you offer financing options?

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What is the purpose of a consultation 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.

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...

How do you start talking to a lawyer?

Tips for Talking to an AttorneyAlways be as honest and candid as possible about the facts of your case. ... Ask questions if you don't understand something that your attorney mentions or explains to you.Approach an attorney about your case as soon as you think you may need one.More items...•

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 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.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

What do I say when calling a lawyer?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

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...•

What do you wear to a consultation with a lawyer?

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 is it called when you meet with a lawyer for the first time?

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.

What is an initial consultation?

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 ...

How to avoid interruptions in an attorney appointment?

To avoid interruptions, be sure to turn off all cell phones or other electronic devices just before your appointment. Following these tips will help ensure that you have a productive first meeting with the attorney and start a good working relationship should you decide to hire him or her.

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 you bring a friend to an attorney consultation?

If you feel more comfortable bringing a friend or relative to the initial consultation for support, you may do so. But realize that any attorney-prospective client confidentiality you otherwise would enjoy at the meeting is lost if a third party, including your friend or relative, is present. He or she could even be subpoenaed to testify against you about what was said or heard. 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.

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:

How to make a consultation meeting efficient?

To make your consultation meeting efficient, try writing your story down as if you were communicating it to a person who had never met you before. You'll probably want to do this chronologically, identifying the key dates and names (for example, "It all started when I went into business with my friend Bill in 2013...").

Why is it important to prepare for a first consultation?

In short, preparation for your first consultation meeting is critical. Strong preparation will save time and money. It will also ensure that all of your questions are answered, and that your attorney has all the information needed in order to effectively represent you.

What do lawyers want to see?

In addition to learning about you and hearing your narrative, your lawyer will also want to see documents and evidence, both for informational purposes and to help assess the strength of your case. Obviously, the nature of the evidence will vary dramatically from one type of case to another. As you prepare to meet with your lawyer, try ...

How to speed up information gathering?

Sometimes, a lawyer may also try to speed the information gathering process by sending you a questionnaire to fill out in advance of any meeting. If this happens, be sure to fill out the questionnaire and send it in to the lawyer's office beforehand, so that the lawyer doesn't have to review it wmhile you sit there.

What to know before meeting with a lawyer?

Before you get too far into a meeting or conversation, the lawyer will want to know about any possible conflicts of interest that might prevent him or her from ethically representing you.

What are the goals of a lawyer?

Typical goals might include: review and provide comments on a contract or legal document. draft a will.

How to respond to a legal complaint?

respond to a legal complaint, lawsuit, or threatening letter. research whether you have a meritorious legal claim against another person or entity. draft a legal complaint or demand letter to another person or entity, or. negotiate a lease, contract, or other agreement.

What Should I Ask Before Hiring an Attorney?

Most people do not hire attorneys every day. Not knowing what to ask or what information is important may cause a disadvantage. Prior to obtaining a lawyer, information about these aspects of the lawyer-client relationship should be researched:

What is a small business lawyer?

Small business lawyers play an essential role in the creation and maintenance of a company. They are also a source of trust and expertise for small businesses that must rely on their work and advice. Here are several questions to ask a small business lawyer before deciding to hire him or her.

How to prepare for a first attorney consultation?

1. Gather your documents. 2. Have your questions ready. 3. Bring something to take notes. 4. Give all the facts.

Why is it important to have a free initial consultation with an attorney?

The first attorney consultation is essential. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations so you can get to know them and their firm. Take advantage of this opportunity. Don’t be afraid to “shop around” before choosing a lawyer because it can take more than one try to find a good fit .

What can an attorney do to help you with a case?

The more you bring, the better. The attorney can wade through your documents and figure out what is relevant to your case and what isn’t.

Why is it important to include all the facts in a case?

It’s crucial to include all of the facts, even if that means you’ll look bad. Your attorney has to know every detail of your case to determine whether or not they can help and to what degree.

What to say in a meeting about a car accident?

Most of the meeting will consist of giving an account of what happened that led you to seek legal counsel. For example, if you were hit by someone who was texting and driving, you would tell the story of what happened leading to the crash, how the crash occurred, damages and injuries it caused, etc.

Can you remember what an attorney says?

You won’t be able to remember all of what the attorney says, so writing down some main points is strongly encouraged. While the initial consultation doesn’t include legal advice, you may get some more general information or opinions on your situation.

How long does it take for a lawsuit to be resolved?

Lawsuits can take years to resolve. Don’t expect to go to an attorney’s office and have an immediate resolution to your case. Lawsuits are long and often complex processes, so expect to be in it for the long haul.

What is medical dispute?

In the case of a medical dispute, this includes correspondence between you and your doctor (if there is any), test results, drug warning labels, receipts for medication, insurance claims, any information given about the drug or medical device in question. In the case of a financial dispute, this includes contracts, monthly or quarterly statements, any correspondence between you and your financial broker or advisor, any marketing materials you were given about the investment and so on.

Can an attorney help you if you are taking multiple medications?

Your attorney cannot help you if you don’t provide all the important facts. If you were taking several medications at once, the attorney needs to know this, even if your claim is that only one of the medications caused you harm. If you already suffered back pain before your car accident, tell your attorney. Don’t keep secrets from your lawyer, or it’ll be much more difficult for her to make your case.

What Happens During an Initial Consultation with an Attorney?

At the initial consultation the attorney will generally ask you to give him or her a brief description of what you need help with. At this point, the attorney is not looking for the whole story, but a brief summary. He or she will then ask you a series of targeted questions in order to determine:

What does an attorney do when you have an understanding of your case?

Once the attorney has an understanding of your case, he or she will typically let you know what your legal options are, your prospects of success in achieving your goals, and how much he or she expects this to cost.

Is a free consultation free?

Most other consultations at our firm are free of charge. 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 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.

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.

How to find a good estate lawyer?

Expertise. Specifically, find out if the lawyer will handle a case like yours. Trusts and estates lawyers often specialize in a particular area— in estate planning, probate, trust administration, special needs issues, elder care, or other specific legal issues. You want an attorney who is experienced in the area you need, but not necessarily highly specialized in other areas—otherwise you might end up paying a higher rate for specialization that doesn’t apply to your situation. You could ask how many similar matters the lawyer has handled, or what percent of the lawyer's practice is in the area of expertise that you need.

How to save money with a lawyer?

To save money and to make the most of your time with your attorney, learn about your legal issue before you talk with the attorney. For example, if you’re interested in estate planning, learn the difference between a will and a living trust. Or, if you’re looking for a lawyer to help with a probate proceeding, take a bit of time to learn about probate, what a probate lawyer does, and what parts of a probate proceeding you might be able to take care of yourself.

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. ...

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.