what to expect during initial consultation lawyer

What to Expect Generally, during the initial consultation, the attorneys will have a lot of questions for the client regarding how the incident occurred, the injuries involved, and the treatment rendered to date along with trying to get an understanding as to what the treatment is going forward.

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What happens at an initial 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.

What should I bring to my first consultation 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.

What should I expect from my attorney?

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.

What happens at the first meeting with a lawyer?

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.

What happens at an initial consultation?

At your outpatient visit, you will meet with the Consultant who will look after you throughout your treatment and, if necessary, your hospital stay. He or she can discuss options with you, and help ease any worries you have. You may want to think about what you want to say before your visit.

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 purpose of an initial consultation?

The ultimate goal of the initial consultation is for both the attorney and prospective client to obtain enough information to make an informed decision about what to do next, while balancing time and scheduling.

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 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.

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 does initial consultation mean?

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.

What is a standard consultation?

A standard consult will generally run over 10 minutes. These consultation can be via a phone call or a secure, dedicated video call. These consults are ideal for: discussing any medical issues. obtaining a prescription or repeat prescription for an existing medication.

What is consultation in law?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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What is the initial consultation with a lawyer?

Called the initial consultation with lawyer, this meeting is an opportunity for you and the attorney to evaluate one another.

Why is it important to have a first meeting with an attorney?

This first meeting is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the attorney. This is important, because you will be sharing thoughts and feelings that you may not share with anyone else. For that reason, you should feel comfortable speaking with the attorney and you should feel that you can trust the attorney to act in your best interests.

What are the options open to you in pursuing your case?

This is also an opportunity to learn more about the options open to you in pursuing your case, such as mediation, out of court settlements, or other options. It will be up to you to decide how to move forward, once the attorney has expressed an interest in handling your case.

Can an attorney guarantee a monetary award?

However, if the attorney does see merit in your case, you will discuss the situation further. While an attorney can’t guarantee you a specific monetary award, he can use his expertise and past experiences to give you an idea of what to expect in your case.

Expect the Meeting to be Fairly Short

Your case is important and it’s important to your lawyer, too. Most initial consultations last about one hour. While that may not seem like enough time, an experienced lawyer knows what questions to ask to make that hour efficient and productive.

Expect Questions – Lots of Questions

In your consultation meeting, your attorney will ask you a number of questions; basic “who-, what-, when-type” questions. Specifically, in a personal injury case, a lawyer will also want to know the details of the accident. Other pertinent information needed includes some specifics about your insurance policy, injuries, and financial losses.

Expect to Be Asked for Documents and Other Proof

Not only will you be asked many questions, but your attorney will likely request any proof you have or can get access to (see list of examples below). Before calling for an attorney consultation, or visiting the office, make sure you have these items at the ready.

Expect an Evaluation and Explanation

Toward the end of your first meeting with a personal injury attorney, the lawyer should be able to tell you the pros and cons of your case. (Note: lawyers cannot, nor should, promise certain outcomes; they can only tell you what they expect, based on past experiences.) The lawyer may offer to take your case on the spot.

Expect to Talk About Money

You can expect the attorney to talk about money, including fees. The attorney should explain – in clear language – how the billing process works. The attorney should explain their hourly rate, charges for items such as investigations, ordering records, or even making copies.

Be Prepared to Sign Documents

If you decide to engage your attorney after consultation, be prepared to sign documents. Signing a retainer or representation agreement will make the attorney your “official” legal representative in your case. Your lawyer may also ask you to sign releases allowing them to access insurance information, medical records, and other items.

How to prepare for a lawyer consultation?

How do I prepare for a lawyer consultation? In addition to any documents related to your case, it’s important to show up with a list of questions to ask the lawyer during the consultation. It’s also a good idea to consider the answers you expect, or hope, to receive beforehand. With that in mind, here are some good questions to ask a lawyer ...

What is a good follow up question for a lawyer?

Other good follow-up questions include how many of the lawyer’s cases typically get settled out of court and how much experience the attorney has going to trial.

What to ask a lawyer about monetary damages?

If you’re suing for monetary damages, you should ask your lawyer if they can represent you on a contingency basis, which means they get paid only if they win the case on your behalf. If a lawyer does provide the option to work on a contingency basis, ask what percentage of the money they’ll receive at the end of the case.

What do you need to review when filing a claim?

This means you will both need to review as much information as possible about the other. At the very least, the lawyer will ask you for details about the incident at the center of your claim, and review documents related to the incident or aftermath, such as police reports, insurance correspondence, medical appointments, etc.

Should a lawyer be vetting you?

This is an important way for the lawyer to be able to determine whether they have the knowledge, experience, and resources to handle your case. However, the lawyer should not be the only one asking questions. Just as the lawyer is vetting you, you should be vetting the lawyer.

Can a lawyer give you a strategy?

If the lawyer is willing to discuss it, ask not only about what strategies the lawyer is considering, but also about the amount of time they believe each strategy will take. You’ll have to balance the potential benefits with the cost and risk of different strategies, so it’s important to know about them early on.

Share Your Story About What Happened

The first thing to expect at an initial legal consultation is for the attorney to explain confidentiality to you. Then, they will ask you to share your story about what happened. This is your opportunity to get everything off your chest. By telling your full story about what led to criminal charges, your lawyer can begin to help you.

The Lawyer Will Evaluate Your Case

After you have explained your side of what happened, and the criminal defense attorney has asked you questions, the lawyer will evaluate your case. The lawyer will explain possible outcomes based on the information you have provided, and how likely each one may be.

Set Goals With the Lawyer

Another important thing to expect at the initial legal consultation is the lawyer will want to know your goals for the case. At the end of the day, your lawyer works for you and will try as hard as they can to accomplish your goal.

Evaluate the Lawyer

While your lawyer is evaluating the case, you should also be evaluating the lawyer.

Make Sure You Leave Knowing What to Do Next

The last thing to expect at an initial legal consultation is that the lawyer should explain to you what you need to do next. The whole reason you are hiring an attorney is because you don’t know what to do!

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.

What happens if your case costs less than the retainer amount?

But, if your case costs less than the retainer amount, your unused money will be returned to you.

Can you concentrate on the wealth of information our attorneys offer during an initial consultation?

Just trust us on this one: you will not be able to concentrate on the wealth of information our attorneys offer during an initial consultation if you are thinking of your next question!

Do you have to hire an attorney for Melissa Graham Hurd?

Meeting with an attorney in an initial consultation at Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC, does not mean you are required to hire us to represent you. Indeed, hiring an attorney may not be appropriate for your situation—not everyone with thousands of dollars in debt needs a bankruptcy, and people frequently come in for an initial consultation with questions about divorce who have no intention of filling for one!

Do you confer with your trusted loved ones before going into an initial consultation?

We recommend that you confer with your trusted loved ones before going in to the initial consultation so that you are able to get answers to their questions without destroying the confidential nature of your meeting . If you insist on having other people come into the meeting with you, we may have you sign a document stating that you understand you are voluntarily waiving your rights to confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege to memorialize your decision before we meet with everyone present.

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.