how to consult an attorney

by Prof. Mae Metz II 5 min read

Method 1.
  • 1. Decide if you need a local attorney. The type of legal issue you're facing may be one that heavily depends on state or local law. Depending on the ...
  • 2. Determine the scope of representation you need. Before you consult a lawyer online, assess your situation and figure out exactly how much ...
  • 3. Search online directories. There are many online directories of licensed attorneys that can help you find names and contact information for people ...
  • 4. Evaluate consultation services. Many websites offer legal consultation services, some of which are free of charge. However, you need to find out ...

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.

Full Answer

How do I find a good lawyer to consult?

The online lawyer consultation is a two step process: Step 1. Describe Your Case. You first select the category of law you are interested in and the zip code of the location of your legal problem. This allows us to send your messege to the best attorneys for your kind of case, and your location. A series of questions will automatically drop ...

How does the online lawyer consultation work?

Mar 10, 2022 · What to Look for in a Lawyer. Before looking for an attorney, decide what kind you need. Common fields include: Criminal law. Family law. Landlords and Tenants. Labor and Employment. You can often talk to a lawyer for free for at least the first conversation. Ask questions about their experience and fees. Find Free and Low-Cost Legal Help

What is a legal consultation and do I need one?

Initial legal consultation is a good opportunity to get to know the lawyer who may be handling your legal matter. Ask the lawyer for his experience in handling cases like yours in the past. You should also ask about your case's likely outcome. Call LegalMatch and get …

Is it cheaper to consult a lawyer online?

Apr 15, 2021 · Do: Be honest. Be honest with the attorney and with the court. An attorney needs certain information in order to fight for an individual’s rights during a divorce proceeding. Attempting to hide money and/or assets will cause legal issues during the process, and even criminal penalties, including jail time.

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What does it mean to consult an attorney?

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.Jul 22, 2019

How do I prepare for a lawyer 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 you say when looking for a lawyer?

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...•Apr 13, 2018

How do I ask for a consultation?

Clearly state what you are requesting from the consultant; your first remarks should reflect whether you are asking a question or for a consultation. State your working diagnosis and specify whether you are asking for advice, ongoing management, or the disposition of the patient (i.e., admission or follow- up care.)

How do you start a conversation with 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...•Aug 4, 2015

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

What are some good questions to ask a lawyer?

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...•Jan 29, 2017

What questions should I ask in an attorney interview?

Litigation-related questions to ask a lawyer in an interview include:How many court and jury trials have you done and what is your win percentage? ... What is the chance that I receive a favorable outcome? ... What are the risks if the case does fail? ... What are the odds of a settlement? ... How long should I expect this to take?

If you have a legal problem, and need immediate help, you can consult with a lawyer online here. Get a quick response to your legal inquiry from a qualified attorney in your area

If you have a legal problem, and need immediate help, you can consult with a lawyer online here. Get a quick response to your legal inquiry from a qualified attorney in your area.

Internet Lawyer Consultation

Consulting with a Lawyer Online gives you the opportunity to reach out to several attorneys at once, explain your case in detail, and send it to all of them at once. Then the attorney has a chance to review the details of your situation and get back to you with the help you need.

Who is Jennifer Mueller?

Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 8,547 times.

Can you post a question on a forum?

On other services, you simply post your question on a forum-like page, and anyone may answer . This may be beneficial if you'd prefer to have several different opinions on your situation at once, but keep in mind you may have to wait awhile before you get an answer.

What is an individual lawyer?

Individual lawyers (also called attorneys) are experts in different areas of the law. Some attorneys specialize in a certain field of law, such as business, civil, criminal, or juvenile law. You will need to determine which type of attorney is right for your legal situation.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Keep in mind, Chapter 7 bankruptcy information stays on your credit report for 10 years. This can make it hard to get credit, buy a home, receive life insurance, or get a job. Learn more about bankruptcy, and other options for dealing with debt .

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.

What is a legal consultation?

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. Further, the attorney will also use the consultation in order to determine if they can legally and competently represent you based on ...

What is legal advice?

Legal advice is advice given to a person that seeks the advice from an attorney, the advice given pertains to matters within the attorney’s competence, and the attorney expressly or impliedly agrees to give advice or their assistance in the matter. If such legal advice is given an implied attorney-client relationship may be formed between you ...

Why is it important to hire a divorce lawyer?

For most individuals, a divorce is simply too complex and emotionally challenging to handle on their own. A divorce lawyer can advise you on the laws of your state and your rights under those laws.

What do you do when you are divorced?

Some “do’s” for divorce cases include: Do: If possible, come to an agreement regarding divorce issues. This makes the process quicker and smoother for all parties. It is alright, of course, if every issue is not resolved by agreement. Do: Be honest. Be honest with the attorney and with the court.

What is business related information?

Business-Related Information, especially if the business is owned and/or operated jointly by the spouses: Tax information from the business; Profits and/or losses statements for the business; Balance sheets, financial statements, insurance policies, and/or any other books kept by the business;

How to prepare for a divorce?

Many, if not all, aspects of their life will be changing. The first step to a strong divorce case is hiring an experienced family law attorney.

What is a no fault divorce?

In a fault divorce state, a party must show the spouse caused the marriage to end. An attorney will be able to determine what actions constitute fault in these states.

Can you hide money during divorce?

Do: If children are involved, keep them and their needs in mind at all times. Children often have the hardest times during their parents’ divorce.

What is the purpose of a free consultation?

The purpose of a free consultation is not to obtain specific legal advice in the consultation, but rather to allow you to determine whether you would like to hire the attorney and to allow the attorney to determine whether he or she can help you achieve your legal goals.

What is retainer in a case?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work.

What is retainer in a trust account?

A retainer is basically a down payment for the attorney’s work. It is kept in a trust account and remains your money and refundable until the attorney earns it. This is a great time to ask the attorney any questions that you have, including questions about his or her experience with cases like yours.

Do attorneys give free consultations?

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client.

What to do if you have medical malpractice?

If you happen to be dealing with an instance of medical malpractice, then it is crucial for you to consult with an attorney before making any drastic moves. When you consult with an attorney they will offer you your options on moving forward. They also tend to have the kinds of knowledge and experience that can assist in the process of trying to create a case for medical malpractice. In addition to their knowledge of the laws that may or may not apply to the case you are dealing with, a lawyer who focuses on medical malpractice can also work to gather evidence that may become important and relevant later down the line.

What to do after a car accident?

In some cases, you may even be unable to act towards making a decision such as working to consult with an attorney about the details of your situation. However, if you are able to consult with an auto accident attorney after a car accident, then you can focus on healing and recovery. The right attorney will work on your behalf which means that you can free up more time to place your attention on your own health and being with your family and loved ones.

Can you ignore a speeding ticket?

While a slight speeding ticket may seem like something you can simply ignore, it may have some major consequences. When you consult with an attorney, you can get a much better grasp of your options so that you can decide on the best course of action moving forward.

How many years of experience do I need to become an attorney?

Typically, you should look for an attorney with at least three to five years of experience practicing the type of law you need help with. Additionally, you should choose an attorney that currently practices in the area you need help with.

What is a family law attorney?

Family law attorneys handle matters such as separation, divorce, pre-nuptial agreements, adoption, guardianship, child custody and support. Personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys handle cases involving medical malpractice, dog bites, car accidents and any injury to a person that may be the fault of another.

What is hourly rate in law?

Lawyers charging an hourly rate “bill” hours and then charge the client for the amount of hours worked on the client’s matter. Usually, hourly rates are used by businesses and corporations who may be involved in litigation. Additionally, individuals may be charged hourly rates for long or complicated litigation. ...

What is an engagement letter?

This is a contract between you and your attorney that defines the nature of the legal engagement you are involved in, and the conditions and terms of your agreement with your attorney.

Do attorneys charge for consultations?

Most attorneys do consultation appointments for free. However, some may charge a small fee for a consultation. Make certain that you know whether you will be charged, and don't make an appointment with an attorney who isn't forthcoming about these details. Most attorneys offer consultations for free.

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