how long will the first meeting with attorney last

The initial consultation may last more or less than one hour. Although we schedule each initial consultation for one hour, your actual appointment may last more or less than one hour. It depends on the complexity of your situation and how much information you were able to have organized before your initial consultation with an attorney.

Full Answer

What should I expect at my first meeting with my attorney?

First, keep your expectations reasonable. Most initial consults last about 60 minutes. The lawyer will not be able to solve a complex legal matter in that time; court cases take months or years to resolve. (In fact, some attorneys provide little or no legal advice in the first meeting.) In the first meeting, the lawyer will only have time to let you know what she thinks will happen and how …

How long will my initial consultation with an attorney last?

Knowing what to expect can ease your mind. Being prepared will organize your thoughts, refresh your memory and do wonders for your comfort level. It will also help to focus the meeting so your attorney can give accurate and relevant advice. • Gather all significant documents. If your attorney has sent you forms to fill out, complete them in ...

What happens if I show up to my lawyer 10 minutes late?

Information about Children: if you have children and your divorce will involve custody , visitation, or child support issues, bring your ideal plan to your first meeting with your attorney. Also bring information about your children’s assets and what you spend supporting them each month. Whether you’re ready to schedule your first meeting ...

When should I meet with my bankruptcy attorney?

Feb 20, 2018 · During that first meeting, you, the potential new client, and the attorney should develop a rapport, outline goals and expectations, and review solutions. A thorough, productive first meeting will lay the groundwork for comfortable, effective, and predictable representation. A rushed or inadequate first meeting handicaps representation – both ...

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.

How should I dress for an attorney 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.Sep 4, 2019

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...•Feb 6, 2020

What is an initial consultation?

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.Aug 30, 2020

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.Aug 19, 2020

How do you prepare to meet 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.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

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...•Mar 17, 2021

How long should it take for a lawyer to get back to you?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.Dec 28, 2019

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation?

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation? A good lawyer knows that every case is different and without doing research. A good lawyer will not guarantee the outcome of any case.

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.Jun 21, 2019

What happens at a consultation?

Consultation – an in-depth discussion between you and the Consultant about your medical symptoms or condition. Preparing to visit us. At your outpatient visit, you will meet with the Consultant who will look after you throughout your treatment and, if necessary, your hospital stay.

First, a Word About Legal Ethics . .

Most movies and television shows depict lawyers as unethical people who lie at every opportunity. But reality is quite different. In real life, lawyers must follow a strict set of ethical rules.

The Point of the First Meeting

Before meeting with your lawyer for the first time, it’s important to remember a few things. First, keep your expectations reasonable. Most initial consults last about 60 minutes. The lawyer will not be able to solve a complex legal matter in that time; court cases take months or years to resolve.

What the Lawyer will do during the First Meeting

The first meeting is a time for both you and the attorney to figure out how much time, money, and effort the case will take. So, you can expect the lawyer to do a few things to help him make those calculations.

What to Bring When Meeting with a Lawyer for the First Time

Clients often feel nervous before meeting with a lawyer for the first time but being prepared can help. Though the lawyer will ask you a series of questions, you should have a list of questions of your own to help you evaluate the attorney. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

What is an initial meeting 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. If you aren't yet certain you plan to use this lawyer, ...

What questions should I ask my attorney?

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? 5 What sort of budget should I anticipate for this sort of case, from beginning to end? 6 Do you require a retainer? If so, how much? 7 What additional information, documents, or data do you need from me in order to begin work?

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 ...

Should I get a second opinion before surgery?

Much like getting a second medical opinion before a surgery, it is common to seek advice from two or more lawyers before committing. The attorney-client relationship is important, and you need to feel comfortable with your choice.

What is retainer agreement?

You may be presented with a contract called a retainer agreement or a legal services agreement. This typically spells out the scope of the lawyer's representation of you, as well as the fees that you will pay. The document is ordinarily a few pages long. The lawyer should explain it to you.

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

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. Let the lawyer do the talking, initially.

The initial conversation

Your first meeting can take some time because your attorney will want to know as many details as possible about your case. Plan to be at the office for a while.

The necessary paperwork

As long as there is no hearing on the horizon or another court deadline, you probably will not need to bring papers with you to the first meeting beyond any non-legal paperwork that you have that is specific or relevant to your case.

The fees and agreement

How attorneys present their fees varies by practice, but in general, you should receive a paper that spells out the fees you will or may be charged and the responsibilities both you and your lawyer have regarding your representation. Attorneys in New Mexico are ethically required to put the fees and expenses you will be charged in writing.

The next stage

What happens next will depend on your specific case. Your attorney should keep you informed about what your options are, what is going on in your case and what your next move will be.

What are the three things that a bankruptcy attorney will likely spend the least amount of time discussing?

Oddly enough, of the three things, assets, debts , and income, your bankruptcy attorney will likely spend the least amount of time discussing your debts . At this stage, the character or type of each debt is more important than the balances. The bankruptcy code sorts debts into three broad categories: secured debts , priority unsecured debts , and general unsecured debts.

What do bankruptcy attorneys do?

Your bankruptcy attorney is going to do most of the work; that’s why you hire them. But by taking steps to prepare information about your assets, debts, and income before your first meeting , you’ll likely have a productive first meeting with your attorney and lay the foundation for excellent representation.

Do unsecured creditors matter in Chapter 7?

Speaking of general unsecured creditors, the amounts generally do not matter because, with certain exceptions, they will all be eliminated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The amount you may be required to pay back in a Chapter 13 is more often determined by your income rather than the amount of debt you have.

What is secured debt?

Secured debts are those that have a piece of property attached to them as collateral . If you default on those debts, the creditor not only has the right to enforce the debt against you, personally, but may also have the right to enforce the debt against a piece of property, like a house or a car.

What is priority unsecured debt?

Priority unsecured debts are those that do not have a piece of property attached to them (like a secured debt), but which will not be discharged or eliminated in a bankruptcy. These include certain tax debts and child support arrears.

Can you file bankruptcy if you make too much money?

The bankruptcy code says if you make too much money, you might have disposable income available at the end of each month to pay something to your general unsecured creditors. That is one reason you may be ineligible for relief under Chapter 7 and may only be able to seek relief under Chapter 13.

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.

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 ...

What Should I Bring?

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. 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 sche...

See more on lawyers.com

Get An Understanding of The Attorney's Fee Structure and Related Costs

Clarify What Will Happen After The Meeting

Questions For Your Attorney

The Initial Conversation

The Necessary Paperwork

• As long as there is no hearing on the horizon or another court deadline, you probably will not need to bring papers with you to the first meeting beyond any non-legal paperwork that you have that is specific or relevant to your case. If there is already a pending court case and you were served with papers, your attorney will need to see those paper...

See more on kufferlaw.com

The Fees and Agreement

The Next Stage