what to have ready for a first lawyer meeting

• Your Contact Information. Regardless of the type of legal matter, your lawyer will want to know who you are and how to contact you.
• Key Facts About Your Case. Your lawyer will surely ask you to describe the key facts leading up to your decision to meet with an attorney.
• Gather Relevant Documents and Evidence. 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 ...
• Make Sure the Lawyer Has No Conflicts of Interest. Before you get too far into a meeting or conversation, the lawyer will want to know about any possible conflicts of ...
Consider Your Goals for Representation. Sometimes, clients realize that they have a legal problem, but don't think clearly about their specific objectives, particularly if they're angry.
Consider Questions to Ask. Undoubtedly, you have many questions you'll want to ask your attorney. To ensure that you get all these answered, try listing them out ahead of time.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?

You should bring a list of people who may be witnesses or defendants in the case. If, for example, the lawyer or the lawyer's firm represents anyone on the other side of the fence, he or she will have a conflict and probably won't be able to represent you.

What should I do once I have selected a lawyer?

Once you have selected a lawyer, you should call and tell them that you want to hire them. They will tell you what next steps to take. For example, you may need to get additional documents for the lawyer. The lawyer will also send you a “fee agreement” or “engagement letter.”

What happens the first time you meet with your lawyer?

The first time you meet with your lawyer will probably be for a consultation. The purpose of the consultation is to summarize your situation for the attorney and to find out about his or her qualifications and fees.

What should I do before signing a document with a lawyer?

The document is ordinarily a few pages long. The lawyer should explain it to you. Read and understand the document before you sign it. 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.

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What should you expect when meeting the lawyer for the first time?

To prepare for this first meeting, you should do your homework and collect all the relevant documents you think you many need to present your case such as medical records, witness statements, police reports or receipts. Next, you should write down a summary of any memory you had from the incident.

How do you prepare to talk to a lawyer?

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 are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

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 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...•

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 is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

12 Tough Questions to Ask a LawyerWhat's your opinion of the probate process?Under what conditions do you recommend a Living Trust?How do I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?Can I keep my kids from controlling their entire inheritance at 18?More items...•

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'.

How do you answer a lawyer question?

Give positive, definite answers when at all possible. Avoid saying, “I think”, “I believe”, or “In my opinion” if you can answer positively. If you do know, then say so. You can be positive about important things which you would naturally remember.

How do I prepare for a legal interview?

As a guide you should be thoroughly prepared to speak at length about:» Your current role.» Your legal skills.» Your actual legal experience.» The areas of law relevant to the employer.» The market relevant to the employer.» Why you are leaving your current employer or left past employers.» Anything written on your CV.More items...

What questions should I ask in a legal interview?

Are you willing to make sacrifices for this company?What role do you tend to play in a team?Describe your ability to work under pressure.If you were hiring a manager for this job, what would you look for?Do you have any questions for me?Tell me a little about yourself.What area of law most interests you.

What is a good question to ask a judge?

Good questions to ask the judge include the following: “How do you like being a judge?” “How did you decide to become a judge?” “What was the most important thing that helped you become a judge?”

How to prepare for a lawyer consultation?

To prepare, you should begin by gathering all relevant documents. Then write up a list of questions. Remember not to be late to your consultation. Lawyers are very busy people and you may have to reschedule if you are late.

How to dress for an attorney interview?

Dress nicely. You don't have to put on a suit. However, you should dress like you are going to an interview for a nice office job. Remember that the attorney is judging your professionalism just as much as you are judging theirs. You want to show that you are serious.

What happens if you meet with a lawyer?

After you meet with the attorney, you may decide they are not a good fit for your case. In other circumstances, the attorney may be too busy to take your case. If, for whatever reason, the lawyer you meet with cannot take your case, you will want to ask them for recommendations about other attorneys in the area.

What other training or expertise does an attorney have apart from a law degree?

What other training or expertise does the attorney have apart from a law degree? For example, an attorney might also be a certified accountant. This could be helpful in a child support or alimony case.

How to know if an attorney is professional?

Always pay attention to how the attorney's staff treats you. This is a good gauge for judging how professional the attorney is. An attorney with unprofessional staff probably isn't too professional him or herself.

What to do if you are running late?

Be sure to call the attorney if you are running late. He or she might have time to wait for you, or you might need to reschedule.

How to get more information about a lawyer?

Obtain more details about the lawyer's experience. The lawyer's website should contain general information about their experience. At the consultation, you can drill down and get more details. For example, you should ask the following:

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.)

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 him or her to see you as a serious client with serious needs.

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.

Why is it important to meet 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.

How do lawyers bill their clients?

In the case of lawyers who charge hourly, some start out by charging a retainer, which is an initial up-front fee that they then bill against at an hourly rate until it runs out (at which point the assumption is usually that you'll be ready to pay more).

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 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 ...

What to do after meeting with a lawyer?

This is normal. Reopening wounds, new or old, can do that. It’s significant that you plan something pleasant to do after your first meeting with your lawyer. Plan a shopping trip with friends , meet with your favorite relative for lunch, or treat yourself to your favorite meal immediately after your meeting. This can settle any negative feelings you may have, and properly prepare you for your court date.

How to dress for a divorce lawyer?

You don’t have to opt for formal wear necessarily, but make sure you look presentable. Wear business casual attire. Women can wear a nice dress with dress shoes, while men can wear khakis with a nice polo. There are no strict and exact rules here, but try to make the best impression possible.

Can a lawyer help you through divorce?

Knowing all of the intricacies of the law can be difficult. But thankfully, whenever you are tied up in a situation that requires a vast knowledge of the legal system, you can always count on a knowledgeable lawyer to help you get through it. Whether we are talking about child custody or divorce, lawyers can help you walk through the entire process, answering every single question you may have along the way.

1. Documents

When setting up a meeting, it is best to ask the lawyer which documents you should get with you. Many times (at initial meetings), lawyers ask to see some paperwork relevant to your issue or case. They do this to assess if they are qualified and can help you with your requirements.

2. Dress Appropriately

Meeting with a lawyer is serious business. You should dress in smart business casuals or formals. You should ensure your clothes are clean, well-ironed, and non-wrinkled. Dressing appropriately shows confidence and understanding of your situation. Most lawyers also want to assess whether they would like to take your case and work with you.

3. Personal Information

Many people prefer writing everything down. The lawyer may ask you for personal information about your health, marital status, past records, finances, and more. While this may seem highly objectionable, you should condition your mind to accept that you will have to respond to these questions.

4. Identify Your Objectives

When you visit a lawyer for the first time, it is best to have your objectives listed about the outcome. Many times, lawyers present you with different results. You should also have an idea about which most likely outcomes you want from your case.

5. Write Out All Your Questions

Always remember that you are visiting the lawyer to get your questions asked. You should make a detailed list of all the doubts, queries, and questions you may have. In addition to the questions about your case and how things will proceed, you should also ask all relevant questions about the billing hours or packages, fee deposits, and so on.

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.

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 ...

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 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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