how to prepare for a meeting with attorney

How to Prepare for a First Meeting with an Attorney

1. Having a friend at the meeting may make you comfortable but the meeting may not be confidential then so choose wisely.
2. Be yourself.
3. Be organized when you first meet with the lawyer.
4. Tell the story, but only provide a summary. ...
5. Take notes! ...
6. Ask the questions you prepared and speak up if you don’t understand. ...

More items...

Full Answer

What should I expect at my first meeting with a lawyer?

Apr 10, 2022 · Bring all Documents Relevant to Your Case Gather some essential documents that can help our lawyer assess the value and strength of your case. Having the paperwork ready when you meet with our attorney will help them understand the circumstances of your accident and how it can affect your immediate and long-term needs.

How do I prepare for a consultation with a lawyer?

Apr 08, 2016 · In order to show up prepared, here are some things you can do to prepare for your initial meeting with a business lawyer: 1. Prepare paperwork – Upon scheduling your initial meeting, the firm’s office staff might have provided you with a questionnaire or other intake forms. Be sure to fill these out to the fullest extent possible.

Do I need to bring documents to meet with a lawyer?

Jun 01, 2020 · 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 ...

How can I speed up the process of meeting with a lawyer?

Feb 20, 2018 · For your first meeting, know the balances of your secured debts, like mortgages or car loans. Know the monthly payment. Ideally you could bring in your most recent statement. If you are behind on the debt, try to figure out how far behind you are, dollar-wise.

See more

Oct 21, 2021 · Even if a lawyer doesn't ask for documentation beforehand, it's still a good idea to bring a copy of all relevant documents to the meeting. Spend some time thinking about what you might have on hand. Try to organize the documents in a logical manner before you meet with the lawyer. Other Questions for Your Attorney In what increments do you bill?

What should I wear to a meeting with an attorney?

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.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 questions should you ask your attorney?

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 is the first meeting with an attorney called?

initial consultationAll 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.

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 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 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...•Apr 13, 2018

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...•Aug 4, 2015

What do most lawyers charge for a contingency fee?

Typically the contingency rate free ranges from 33%-45% of the recovery. A contingency fee agreement is a payment arrangement that enables injured victims pursuing legal recourse to have legal representation, even if they do not have the financial ability to pay a lawyer out of pocket.Aug 3, 2021

What should I expect at my first lawyer meeting?

The lawyer will ask questions designed to focus the discussion on the background facts he or she feels are important. If the lawyer is willing to take your case and you wish to proceed, you will be presented with a retainer agreement, which should be fully explained to you. Do not sign until you understand it.

What do I bring to a consultation?

What Should you bring to your initial consultation?A pen and pad of paper or something to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise.Take the time before you meet with your attorney to write down a list of questions. ... An understanding of your financial situation. ... Bring any documents relevant to your case.Jan 7, 2021

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

What are some examples of legal documents?

Examples may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, cell phone texts, emails, photos, audio recordings, or videos. 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.

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 ...

What is the purpose of 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. 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.

What is the purpose of a questionnaire?

The purpose of the form is to provide the attorney with the information he or she needs to properly analyze your case. You should receive the form in the mail or as an attachment to an email.

What is compensatory damages?

In that situation, you can get “compensatory damages.”. This is a sum of money that reimburses you for money spent treating your injury. You may have to bring copies of the following: Receipts for money spent treating a physical injury. Get copies of medical bills, receipts for prescription drugs, etc.

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 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.

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.

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 the first meeting with an attorney?

The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan.

How to start a relationship with an attorney?

After you decide on which attorney to hire, you’ll sign a fee agreement and officially begin your relationship with your lawyer. The first meeting with an attorney usually involves the exchange of a lot of information. You will spend a good deal of time explaining to the attorney the details of your legal issue and answering his or her questions. He or she will spend a good amount of time discussion and laying out a plan. If you think you might get nervous or forget something, you could practice this conversation with a friend, or you could write down what you want to say.

How to save money on legal fees?

To save money on legal fees, take the time to select a good lawyer, prepare well for your first meeting, and do everything you can to reduce the time that lawyer will have to spend on your case . Even eliminating one email exchange could save you hundreds of dollars.

Do lawyers charge for consultations?

Attorney consultations vary, depending on the attorney’s preferences. Some lawyers charge for a consultation, others don’t. Some will only hold consultations over the phone, but some will let you come in (this is best, so that you can get a better feel for the attorney).

Is it expensive to hire a trust lawyer?

Hiring a trust and estates lawyer is almost always expensive. Learn how to save money by hiring the right lawyer, preparing for your first meeting, and making the most of your lawyer's time.

What do bankruptcy lawyers need to know?

In order to help you best, your bankruptcy lawyer will need to know about your life and finances. They will want to know what has brought you to consider bankruptcy , such as credit card debt, difficulty paying a mortgage, medical bills, and so on. They might also ask: If you’re married. If you have children. How much money you and your spouse make.

How to find out if you are going bankrupt?

In order to help you best, your bankruptcy lawyer will need to know about your life and finances. They will want to know what has brought you to consider bankruptcy, such as credit card debt, difficulty paying a mortgage, medical bills, and so on. They might also ask: 1 If you’re married 2 If you have children 3 How much money you and your spouse make 4 How much money you’ve made over the last six months 5 If you own a business 6 If you have any assets, and if so, what they are worth 7 If you’ve recently sold or transferred any property (see what not to do) 8 If you owe back taxes 9 If you are behind on child support or alimony payments 10 If any creditors have judgments against you 11 What you hope to achieve through bankruptcy