what to bring to a meeting with a lawyer

by Katheryn Stracke 7 min read

Top Ten Things To Bring To Your First Meeting With Your Attorney.

  • 1. A list of all your contact information. Your lawyer is going to need to know your full legal name and any other names you go by, your address, ...
  • 2. The names and contact information of other people that might get involved with the case - people on the other side, people on your side, witnesses, ...
  • 3. A typed up or written down account of the circumstances surrounding the situation that is causing you to seek legal help. Try to make your summary ...
  • 4. A timeline of events. The best way to do this is to buy a calendar, write all the important events on it, and bring it to the meeting with you.

Here are some suggestions for what to bring to your meeting with your attorney (or prospective attorney).
  1. A pen and pad of paper or the electronic equivalent! ...
  2. A list of questions. ...
  3. A check or other means of paying the initial consultation fee, if your attorney charges one. ...
  4. Any documents relevant to your case.
Mar 11, 2022

Full Answer

What should you wear to a lawyer meeting?

Apr 23, 2021 · It’s not always necessary to bring financial documents, including pay stubs, credit card bills and tax returns to your first consultation with a family law attorney. The family law attorneys of Plog & Stein, P.C. suggest asking your family lawyer whether or not this information needs to be presented during the initial consultation.

Do I need to bring documents to meet with a lawyer?

Oct 20, 2021 · Never sign anything or deposit any checks before speaking with your lawyer. Be sure to bring all letters and email correspondence as well as any form of communication you receive from any insurance company to your first meeting. Your List of Questions; Anyone going through the process of seeking legal representation is going to have questions. Keep a list of …

How to make a good first meeting with a lawyer?

Jan 20, 2022 · You should bring your pay stubs, documentation of the days you were off work, and your tax return to your appointment. Contact information. Bring the contact information for the property or business owner, their insurance company, and any witnesses to your slip and fall accident. Communications with the insurance company.

What should I bring to my divorce attorney appointment?

Oct 25, 2016 · Top Ten Things To Bring To Your First Meeting With Your Attorney Top Ten Things To Bring To Your First Meeting With Your Attorney 1. A list of all your contact information. Your lawyer... Final Comment It is always a good idea to be prepared when you meet your attorney for the first time. The ...

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Jul 31, 2018 · Since you will need to list your treatment history on your application, including the dates you have seen your various doctors, you should go ahead and have that information handy when meeting with your attorney. It will help your lawyer organize your claim in a way that is straightforward and easy to follow. List of Medications

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How do you prepare for an attorney meeting?

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

What should I wear to a meeting 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.Sep 4, 2019

What you should know before you talk to a lawyer?

10 Things You Should Know Before Contacting a Lawyer
  • Have 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.
Feb 6, 2020

How do you impress a lawyer?

Asking good questions is also an opportunity to sell yourself. They should be clear, thoughtful and relevant. Asking a lot of smart questions about the firm and your practice area also shows interest, and thus motivation. It also makes you look good by showing that you are intelligent, savvy and well-prepared.

Can you wear jeans to mediation?

You want to be well-groomed and dress somewhat conservatively. Button-down shirts and blouses, sweaters, slacks or khakis are all appropriate choices. You may also wear jeans to a deposition or mediation if they are clean and without tears.Aug 23, 2019

What should you wear to a lawyers office?

Generally, it is recommended that you dress in business casual attire when consulting with a lawyer. Wearing appropriate attire can mean the difference between being taken seriously and not. Your purpose for meeting with a lawyer can also influence the way you choose to present yourself.Sep 30, 2021

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your Lawyer
  • I forgot I had an appointment. ...
  • I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ...
  • I have already done some of the work for you. ...
  • My case will be easy money for you. ...
  • I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ...
  • Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.
Mar 17, 2021

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

What do you say when you call a lawyer for the first time?

Have a summary of your issue(s) – Before contacting an attorney, give some thought to your issue(s) and summarize the key aspects of your problem. I often find that when people call me to discuss an issue they are nervous and forget details.Oct 15, 2018

Who are lawyers most likely to marry?

Lawyers and judges

Female lawyers and judges are most likely to marry male lawyers and judges. Male lawyers and judges are most likely to marry female lawyers and judges.
Feb 17, 2017

Do lawyers make good lovers?

Why are lawyers so good at sex? Lawyers are confident, dominant, and even intimidating. While these are good qualities to have in the courtroom as well as in bed, good attorneys possess other qualities that make them exceptional lovers. They are innovative inventive and most importantly good listeners.

Is it good to marry a lawyer?

Marry a lawyer is infinitely more secure and higher than marrying some other. The reason behind that, lawyers are amazingly smart individuals and they are good potential too. Most of the time a lawyer interacts with people, which does not make them a terrible person.Jun 1, 2019

Be Detail Oriented

It’s important for you to understand that the more information lawyers have regarding the details of your case - starting on day one - the more effective they will be in the long run. Bring anything and everything with you that could potentially be relevant to your case, even if you aren’t completely sure that it will be helpful.

Gather As Much Documentation As Possible

The exact documents your personal injury attorney will need will vary based on your lawyer’s preferences and the nature of your case. There are, however, some basic things you can bring with you to make your consultation go smoother.

Know What To Expect

The first time you meet with a lawyer will be more of an exploratory session than anything else. After this first meeting, your lawyer will need time to go through all the details of your case, including injuries, damages, and cost of medical treatment, before assessing a realistic compensatory value to shoot for. Be patient.

What information do you bring to an appointment?

Make sure you bring with you to the appointment your current or most recent employment information, including: the name of the company, the dates you were employed, the nature of your job, your wage or salary, and the contact information for your supervisor.

Do you have to know the name of every prescription you are taking?

Moreover, your lawyer, from their past experience fighting disability claims, might notice a certain medication on your list and ask for more information, details that could bolster your claim and give it a stronger chance of approval.

Can you bring too much information to a disability consultation?

Although it is possible to bring too little to your consultation, you can never have too much information . Your attorney can always disregard anything that is not applicable or does not help your claim. Aside from what we mentioned here to bring to your first meeting with a disability lawyer, if you have a document or piece of evidence you think might help, bring it with you.

What to do if denied Social Security?

If you have been denied Social Security benefits, take your denial letter with you to your attorney consultation. Often, it holds valuable information that a lawyer can use to strengthen your application before you resubmit it for an appeal.

What is the first meeting with an attorney?

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.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

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.

Is it expensive to hire a trust lawyer?

Hiring a trust and estates lawyer is almost always expensive. Learn how to save money by hiring the right lawyer, preparing for your first meeting, and making the most of your lawyer's time.

The First Meeting: Questions to Ask a Lawyer

You want a lawyer who is right for you. While every lawyer has their own style and method of practice, there are some basic things you may want to know before hiring him/her.

Get Peace of Mind From an Experienced Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you may need an experienced accident and injury lawyer. Protecting your rights and pursuing a case zealously are just some of a lawyer's obligations; and they often will provide free initial consultations. Get started today by contacting a local injury law attorney.

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What Should I Bring to The Meeting with My New Lawyer?

  • Here are some suggestions for what to bring to your meeting with your attorney (or prospective attorney). 1. A pen and pad of paper or the electronic equivalent!You will surely want to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise. 2. A list of questions. If you're seeking legal help, you're probably in a sticky enough situation that you h...
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How Should I Act During The Meeting with The Lawyer?

  • Treat your first meeting as a business consultation. While you are trying to develop a friendly rapport with your lawyer, you also want the lawyer to see you as a serious client with serious needs. 1. Be prompt.Lawyers value their time, since they generally bill by the hour. Showing up ten minutes late could throw off the rest of the lawyer's schedule for the day. 2. Dress professionally…
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Get An Understanding of The Attorney's Fee Structure and Related Costs

  • As part of your initial meeting with your attorney, it's important to understand the anticipated cost of representation and how this will be calculated. Different lawyers bill clients differently. Some charge by the hour; some charge by the project, on a flat-fee or contingency basis. In the case of lawyers who charge hourly, some start out by charging a retainer, which is an initial up-front fee t…
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Clarify What Will Happen After The Meeting

  • Be clear on what will happen next, and then be sure to follow through on whatever you're asked to do by your new attorney. The attorney will need cooperation from your end. Commonly, a lawyer will ask you to send additional documents or information pertaining to your case so that the lawyer can review it in detail. If it's not clearly spelled out in your representation agreement, ask t…
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Questions For Your Attorney

  1. How long have you practiced in this area of law?
  2. How many cases have you handled that are like mine?
  3. What was the outcome in those cases?
  4. How long does it typically take to resolve cases like mine?
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