what to do during skype consultation with a lawyer

How do I get a consultation with a lawyer?

 · Having Skype in a law office can do wonders in streamlining working. As a family law firm, you can this system to educate clients about virtual visitation. By John E. Harding, Family Lawyer. I have an accountant that I work with who is even more high tech than me. His office is at one end of the state, and mine is at the other end.

What should I do if my lawyer is not clearly spelled out?

Skype for Business. application, you will be prompted to choose what application you would like to use to join the meeting. If you have the Desktop Client, you will choose the Skype Desktop Client. If you have the Web App version, you will open the link through the Skype Meeting App. See Figure 3 below: 3.

How do I hire a lawyer?

 · The primary purpose of the consultation is to learn more about you and your ambitions. First, we’ll talk about your professional trading experience and overall career goals. Second, we’ll discuss any prospective investors you have on board, or the existing assets under management you already have.

How should I approach my first meeting with my lawyer?

 · Setting up your firm on Skype can be done quickly. Central administration is accomplished using Skype Manager, which: Creates an account for each individual. Allocates numbers and Skype Credits to staff. (Skype Credits are purchased in $10 blocks, or you can pay through subscription plans that start at $2.99 for unlimited calling per “phone ...

How do you prepare to talk 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...•

What should I do if my lawyer isn't communicating with me?

If you have called your attorney, left messages, sent emails, and you still haven't heard a response, the best course of action is to send a certified letter to his or her office questioning the failure to communicate and informing them that you are prepared to find a new lawyer if the situation does not improve.

How do I talk to a law firm?

You can also find a certified lawyer referral service by:Going to LawhelpCalifornia.org. ... Calling the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Services Directory at 1-866-442-2529 (toll free in California) or 1-415-538-2250 (from outside California); or.More items...

When should you consult with legal counsel?

Some of the common reasons to consult legal counsel are: Before entering into any contract for the purchase or sale of real estate, personal property of significant value. All contracts should be in writing and review before formation. For tax planning, and to avoid tax issues.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI 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.More items...•

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

What are good questions to ask lawyers?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

What do you say when you first call 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.

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.

What does it mean to consult with a lawyer?

In short, a legal consultation is an initial meeting with an attorney that takes place before you make the decision on whether to hire that attorney to represent you in your particular legal matter.

Why is legal consultation important?

In simple words, just like prevention is better than cure, the legal consultant helps you manage and identify legal risk, be it personal, professional, corporate, HR, labor related. Today's market for legal consultant means the growth in primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary sector.

Why do I always need a lawyer?

being involved in a serious accident causing personal injury or property damage; a change in family status such as divorce, adoption, or death; and. a change in financial status such as obtaining or losing valuable personal property or real estate, starting a business, or filing for bankruptcy.

By John E. Harding: A look at how a minor investment can provide impressive technology and functionality in your office

Having Skype in a law office can do wonders in streamlining working. As a family law firm, you can this system to educate clients about virtual visitation.

Skype in the Law Office: The Great Convenience

We have now installed Skype on everyone’s computer, and we have installed high-def webcams at everyone’s desk. Right now it is as much a novelty as anything else, but it is also impressive technology. Picture quality is great, sound is great, convenience is great. Plus, it is fun to click a button and have a video call with a colleague.

How to get an attorney consultation?

Before you can have an attorney consultation, you need to find a lawyer who might be a good fit. Look for an attorney who focuses his or her practice on your type of legal question, or someone who lists this as a type of law they regularly practice. Your local bar association may have a referral program. If you have used an attorney in the past for something else, ask him or her for a referral. It is also helpful to ask family and friends for names.

What to ask a lawyer before a consultation?

When you have your lawyer consultation, one of your primary questions will be about the attorney’s background. Some people feel intimidated asking about this, but the truth is you are going to pay a lot of money for services. You wouldn’t hire an electrician who had never done wiring, so it is wise to ask questions about the attorney’s experience. You can find out basics on the firm’s web site before the appointment, which will save you time. You may want to ask how many of this type of case the attorney has handled. For example, how many divorces has this lawyer done in the past year? A lawyer who has done one or two is not very experienced. You may wish to ask how long the attorney has been practicing law and how long he or she has practiced in your county or area, which will give you an idea how familiar the lawyer is with local judges and procedures. 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.

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.

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 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 ...

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 to conduct a client interview?

If you want to perfect your process, the key is to prepare with the right lawyer-client interview questions—and truly listen to their answers. By asking questions at the start, you’ll get a better idea of what your client expects from you (whether you move forward or not). This way, your potential client will start their journey with your firm feeling heard, which is key to a great client-centered experience. Will you be hiring at your firm? Here are some examples of law firm questions for interview subjects.

What to do when asking lawyer interview questions?

The best thing you can do when asking your lawyer-client interview questions during your initial consultation is just listen. This is the time when the client should be doing most of the talking. Follow client communication best practices and try to avoid cutting them off or filling in pauses.

How to make a client feel comfortable?

You may deal with the law every day, but pursuing a legal issue can be stressful, draining, and even scary for potential clients. With this in mind, do your best to be emotionally sensitive and make them feel as at ease as possible.

How to put client experience first?

To put the client’s experience first, you need to know why the client is pursuing a matter, how serious they are about taking it on, and how they feel about it. Let them share their reasons and feelings about the case.

Why is client interview important?

The client interview is part of your overall client intake process, so it’s important to track it for efficiency and ensure that no potential clients get missed. If you’re using online client intake software, you can easily track and see a potential client’s status in stages (for example, “needs a follow up”).

What to do after reviewing client file?

Once you’ve reviewed the client’s file, prepare your questions for the client, and take some time to anticipate questions that the client may have for you. We’ll discuss more on what answers (for clients) lawyers should prep for before the interview below.

What should be the first step in a client interview?

Review the client’s file. The initial client interview should be for asking questions, not for learning basic client details. Before the interview, ask for any relevant information and documents so you can review them in advance.

How to consult with an attorney?

Before consulting with an attorney you should make sure that you properly prepare for the consultation by gathering any and all documents that are relevant to your case. It is important to bring every document you have for the attorney to review, as they will be able to properly determine which documents are relevant, and which are not. Documents that you should bring with you may include any of the following: 1 Contracts: If your claim arose from a contract dispute, then you should bring copies of the contract and any documents explaining the contract; 2 Police or Accident Reports: If possible, you should bring any police or accident report that was created as a result of the incident you were involved in; 3 Property Deeds: If your claim involves a property dispute, you should be sure to bring a copy of the deed or any documents relating to the property, such as an oil and gas lease, etc.; 4 Employment Records: If you claim is an employment dispute, then you should bring all of your employment records, such as your employment contract, employment agreements, or timesheets; or 5 Other Documents Evidencing Damages: Other important documents to bring include any evidence of damages, such as medical records or expenses, or any warranties or letters created by the party you are trying to sue.

How to prepare for a consultation with an attorney?

Before consulting with an attorney you should make sure that you properly prepare for the consultation by gathering any and all documents that are relevant to your case. It is important to bring every document you have for the attorney to review, as they will be able to properly determine which documents are relevant, and which are not.

Can an attorney be an attorney-client?

As noted many times above, an initial consultation or discussion with an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship. However, an attorneys communications towards you may form an implied attorney-client relationship, even though there was not a signed agreement.

What to ask an attorney about divorce?

For instance, in a divorce case, you may want to ask the attorney what their legal strategy is for obtaining child custody or alimony. Further, you may want to know if you are able to evict your spouse from the marital home, or create a separate bank account. An initial consultation is a great time to figure out whether the attorney you are discussing your case with would be helpful or the right fit for your particular case.

Is a consultation a client relationship?

Once again, although an initial consultation does not form an attorney-client relationship, as that is not formed until there is a signed representation agreement, everything that you communicate with an attorney during a consultation will remain privileged and confidential, as if an attorney-client privilege had formed.

Is it important to discuss attorney fees during a consultation?

It is important to discuss an attorney’s fee arrangement during the consultation; and. Legal Claims and Facts: It may seem obvious, but a consultation will always include a discussion of the legal facts and your legal claims.

What documents are needed to bring a lawsuit?

Other Documents Evidencing Damages: Other important documents to bring include any evidence of damages, such as medical records or expenses, or any warranties or letters created by the party you are trying to sue.

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 important to understand when meeting with an attorney?

As part of your initial meeting with your attorney, it's important to understand the anticipated cost of the representation and how this will be calculated.

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 ...

How to impress a lawyer?

The more prepared you are with completed questionnaires (if the lawyer sent you any ahead of time), documents, diagrams, and your own questions, the easier this process will be , and the more you will impress the lawyer.

Do you need to wear a suit to a business meeting?

Dress professionally. This does not necessarily mean you need to wear a suit, but you should wear the type of attire you would wear to any formal business meeting. This shows the attorney that you are a professional, and are taking your case seriously.

Can you bring a copy of a draft lease?

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.

What is the best way to handle an employment discrimination claim?

A discrimination lawyer in your area would be best suited to handling your employment discrimination claim. Your local lawyer can help you prepare your case by informing you of how your state’s laws will affect the outcome of your case.

What is initial consultation?

In general, some discussions that occur at a consultation include: Costs: An initial consultation will include a discussion of the fees that an attorney may charge in order to represent you regarding your legal dispute. Attorney fee arrangements may be based on a contingency fee, a flat fee, or hourly fee basis.