how to prepare for attorney

How To Prepare For The Initial Consultation With Your Attorney

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What to ask a lawyer about a case?

What to ask a lawyer before a consultation?

How to get an attorney consultation?

What is a meeting with a lawyer?

Why is it important to meet with a small business attorney?

Why do lawyers offer free consultations?

How long does it take to write a will?

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How do you prepare for an attorney meeting?

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 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...•

What are 3 questions you should ask a lawyer before hiring?

Five Questions You Should Ask:Will you be the attorney personally handling my case?Will you take the case all the way to trial if necessary?What results have you obtained in the past for cases like mine?Can I call or email you directly with questions I have about my case?More items...

What are four things that you should find out about in looking for an attorney?

Five Things to Look For When Hiring an AttorneyEXPERIENCE. One of the most important things to look for in a potential attorney is experience – i.e. experience the lawyer and their law firm have in handling matters similar to those which you are facing. ... LEGAL FEES. ... COMMUNICATION. ... AVAILABILITY. ... HONEST ADVICE.

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...•

What should I wear to meet my lawyer?

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 is an attorney vs lawyer?

However, when practising law, lawyers can only provide legal assistance, advice, and counselling to their clients while an attorney can represent clients in court and initiate defendant prosecutions in addition to providing legal counsel and consultation.

What are two questions one should ask of their 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...

What questions should I ask a legal counsel?

Put the attorney to the test, starting with this question….How Long Have You Practiced Law? ... What Types of Cases Do You Manage? ... Who's Your Typical Client? ... How Many Similar Cases Have You Taken On? ... What Kind of Special Training or Knowledge You Have Outside Your Law Degree? ... What Are Your Fees and Costs?More items...

What do people look for in an attorney?

Compassion for Clients Without compassion for their clients, a lawyer will never reach their true professional potential. The top legal minds in the field almost invariably highlight compassion and service when they offer advice to law students and aspiring lawyers.

What do people want in a lawyer?

The Avvo survey indicated that "responsiveness" was the top factor, cited by 92 percent of respondents, when choosing a lawyer, followed by track record (80 percent).

How do I ask my lawyer for an update?

AnswerRaise the issue early on. Establish, in advance, a clear understanding about case updates. ... Be reasonable. A defendant who phones his or her attorney with a request for information can indicate a willingness to speak with the lawyer's associate, secretary, or paralegal.

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...•

What questions should I ask my 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...

What do you say when you call a lawyer for the first time?

0:081:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou.MoreYou.

What is an attorney vs lawyer?

However, when practising law, lawyers can only provide legal assistance, advice, and counselling to their clients while an attorney can represent clients in court and initiate defendant prosecutions in addition to providing legal counsel and consultation.

Lawyers and Legal Advice | USAGov

Find a Lawyer and Affordable Legal Aid. Learn what questions to ask when choosing a lawyer. And find organizations that give free legal advice and may help you find a free or low-cost attorney.

Presenting Your Case to an Attorney - Legal Guides - Avvo

× Avvo Rating. Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

How to Write to a Lawyer for Help | Legal Beagle

Writing a letter to a lawyer is as simple as finding the right lawyer and writing up a formal letter including all the important information about the case. Documents related to the problem should also be enclosed with the letter, and the letter should be sent to a specific attorney at the firm.

Writing a Simple Letter to Attorney Requesting Help [Free Sample]

A letter to an attorney can be the first step to getting the help that is needed. There are several reasons to ask a lawyer for help. A letter can ask for initial help with a variety of issues. Help may be needed to know what is happening with a pending case such as a child custody case or a car accident.

12 Questions To Ask Your Potential Lawyer | Lawyers.com

Here are 12 questions you can ask your potential lawyer to help you decide if the lawyer is the right lawyer for your case.

Why is it important to come prepared for a first time attorney?

The better prepared you (the client) are for the initial consultation, the better able your attorney will be able to answer your questions and dive right into your matter. Having everything ready from the outset can also save you money, as it will take your attorney less time to work on your case. This is especially true when your attorney is billing by the hour.

What to do after initial consultation with attorney?

If you are comfortable with the attorney, the next step after the initial consultation is to sign a retainer agreement. The retainer agreement should, at least, set forth the fee structure and the scope of representation. The exact terms and conditions of your retainer agreement will depend on the attorney and on the nature of your legal matter.

How to present yourself during initial consultation?

Additionally, if your case may go to trial, the way you present yourself during the initial consultation will also help your attorney get a better sense for how you will appear in court. Be truthful. Don’t ever lie to your attorney. Even if you think something can be damaging to your case, it’s even worse to withhold information.

What to do if you can't trust your attorney?

You need to trust your attorney, which is the cornerstone of any successful attorney-client relationship. If you can’t trust your lawyer, then you need to find one who you can . The above tips should help make your initial consultation with your attorney as productive as possible.

Why is it important to hire an attorney?

Hiring an attorney as early on in your case is essential to getting the best representation you can. Meeting with an attorney as soon as possible not only ensures that deadlines aren’t missed, but it also gives your attorney more time to understand the issues and help you reach the best possible resolution.

Do lawyers keep files?

Your lawyer will keep a file of everything related to your case, but it is also a good idea for you to keep a file for your own records. Having your own working file will help if you have any questions as your matter moves forward. Listen to your lawyer. While you’re probably as smart as your attorney, you don’t know nearly as much about the law.

Does having everything ready save you money?

Having everything ready from the outset can also save you money, as it will take your attorney less time to work on your case. This is especially true when your attorney is billing by the hour. Below are a few things to remember that will help you get the most out of your initial consultation with your attorney.

Do Your Research

Before you call and schedule an appointment or consultation with just any attorney, do your research. There are dozens of attorneys in the area and you want to make sure you are choosing the best individual for your type of case, a specific area of law, and more.

Gather All Necessary Documents

During your first appointment, the child custody lawyer in Erie will likely request many documents that relate to your case. This could vary depending on the type of case, the area of law, and more. To make the process run more smoothly and to prevent any unnecessary delays from occurring, have all paperwork ready to be presented to the attorney.

Prepare Financially

During your first appointment, you will want to discuss the financial aspects of hiring the specific individual. Depending on the case and the attorney or firm you are hiring, this can cost you a significant amount of money. Each firm and attorney may bill differently, such as charge by the hour or require a flat fee.

Prepare a List of Questions to Ask

To ensure you make the most of your time with the attorney, have a list of questions prepared to ask them. These can be very basic questions, or they can relate specifically to your case. A few questions you may want to ask at the first appointment include:

How to give someone power of attorney?

If you want your loved one to have the power to make decisions for you, talk to them about why you want them to have this control. Make sure you choose someone who will respect your wishes as your “agent,” or the person to whom you are giving the power.

Where to keep power of attorney?

Keep it in a safe in your home or in a safety deposit box until the time comes when you need to bring it out.

What to do if someone is incapacitated?

If your loved one is already mentally incapacitated and did not grant power of attorney in a living will, it may be necessary to obtain conservatorship , or adult guardianship, in order to legally carry out your loved one's affairs. Consider seeking guardianship or conservatorship.

Why do people choose durable power of attorney?

For example, many seriously ill people choose a durable power of attorney because they want their agent to continue to make their decisions after they can no longer communicate their wishes, and, because of their illness, want the power of attorney to go immediately into effect.

What is a power of attorney?

In the United States, a Power of Attorney is a legal document whereby a person gives another person or people written ...

What is a financial power of attorney?

A financial power of attorney relates to the finances of the principal, meaning the person who grants the power to control his or her assets to the agent. You would have to provide this document to banks and other institutions where the agent needed to take financial action on behalf of the principal.

How to choose a trust agent?

While you should first and foremost choose someone who you trust, you want to make sure that the person will not refuse to carry out your wishes based on their own moral or religious views. Make sure that your agent could set aside any personal beliefs in favor of your wishes.

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.

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.

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.

Does attorney-client privilege extend to third parties?

However, this attorney-client privilege does not extend to third parties, including anyone you may bring with you to a consultation. A third party who is privy to confidential attorney-client communication may be asked under oath (in a deposition, for example) what the client and attorney discussed and will have to answer.

Can an attorney give advice to an unrepresented spouse?

The attorney who drafted the agreement for his or her client cannot give the other , unrepresented spouse any legal advice or answer any of their questions about the documents offered other than to recommend if they have such questions they should get their own attorney.

What to eat before court?

It’s important to eat a full breakfast before coming to court. Your brain needs protein, to function at its best. Avoid caffeine so you don’t need to use the restroom during your hearing. Eat something with lasting energy that will not upset your stomach. Prepare your own “care package” ahead of time.

How to practice for a court hearing?

Practice with your attorney (or a friend if you don’t have an attorney) what you will say to the court. If you have an attorney insist that they meet you at least a day prior to the hearing to run through your direct and cross examination and to talk about what to expect.

What to bring to a court hearing?

Bring an extra conformed (file stamped) clean (not marked up) copy of the pleadings that were filed for your hearing (sometimes the court misplaces your documents). Also, bring a copy of your opponent’s pleadings. Dress professionally, conservatively, and respectfully: — Your manner of dress should show respect for the judge.

Why do judges get irritated when they hear a cell phone?

Judges get VERY irritated when mobile phones cause disturbances and some bailiffs will confiscate your phone if it rings. When you get to your courtroom look on the wall next to the door or on the door itself. There will be a docket listing all the cases the court plans to hear that day.

How long does it take to appeal a court decision?

A motion for an appeal is typically only about 60 days. Thus, don’t delay consulting with an attorney if you feel the judge made the wrong ruling. Congratulate yourself! Regardless of how you did in court, getting through a court hearing is commendable.

Why should you avoid bringing metal objects to the courtroom?

Avoid bringing metal objects to the courtroom because you will set off the metal detector as you go through it.

What is the responsibility of a judge?

The judge has the heavy responsibility of efficiently getting through many cases each day and making hard decisions with little time. That can have a profound impact on the parties and their children (if any). Judges have to sleep at night knowing that perhaps they made a wrong decision on a tough call.

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 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 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 ...

How long does it take to write a will?

Writing a will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for your loved ones, and it can be done in just minutes. Are you ready to get started?