how to prepare for meeting with an attorney

How to Prepare for a First Meeting with Your Lawyer.

• 1. Ask the attorney what to bring. When you call to schedule a consultation, you should ask what you need to bring. Write down what the attorney tells ...
• 2. Fill out a questionnaire from the attorney. Depending on your case, the attorney may send you a questionnaire to fill out. [1] T. The purpose of ...
• 3. Get copies of medical records. If you have a personal injury lawsuit, then you will probably need to show the lawyer the extent of your injuries.
• 4. Find receipts for relevant expenses. You may be suing because someone injured you. In that situation, you can get "compensatory damages." This is a ...

Full Answer

What to do before meeting an attorney for the first time?

Here are seven tips on what to do before meeting the attorney for the first time. Just as you would do before doing to a doctor, write down any questions you have so that you do not forget to ask them. Bring a notepad to take notes, or leave space after each question so you have a convenient spot to write down the attorney’s answers.

What does a lawyer want to know when meeting you?

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 to help assess the strength of your case. Regardless of the type of legal matter, your lawyer will want to know who you are and how to contact you.

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

Sometimes, a lawyer may also try to speed the information gathering process by sending you a questionnaire to fill out in advance of any meeting. If this happens, be sure to fill out the questionnaire and send it in to the lawyer's office beforehand, so that the lawyer doesn't have to review it wmhile you sit there.

How do I prepare for a consultation with a 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.

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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 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...•

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 should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

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 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...•

How do you approach a lawyer for the first time?

First time speaking to a lawyer? Let's make this easy, start with “hello.”There is no such thing as a quick question.Collect your thoughts, find the time, and find the place to have the conversation.Let the lawyer lead the conversation and ask the questions.Patience.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'.

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 should I wear to meet a 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.

Should you tell your lawyer everything?

It's almost always advisable to tell your lawyer the whole truth about your case, even if you've committed a crime. Giving your lawyer all the facts helps them craft the best defense by raising reasonable doubt. Even when a client admits guilt, there are usually many mitigating circumstances that can come into play.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

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.

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.

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 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:

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.

How to Prepare for Meeting with Your Criminal Defense Attorney for the First Time

Facing a criminal charge is an extremely stressful situation for anyone, so it goes without saying that meeting with a criminal defense attorney for the first time is not a stress-free experience either.

Write Down Details of What Happened

The precise events of what led up to the crime can seem like a blur, but it is of extreme importance that the potential client write an accurate account of what led to the offense in question while using assistance, like a calendar, calculator, or map if relevant.

Honesty Is Key

The last thing a criminal defense attorney wants is to be surprised at trial by a fact that was never disclosed to him or her by the client. As stated previously, even if a detail seems small, it could be extremely important later.

Bring Copies of All Paperwork Received

The attorney will want copies of any and all documents that the potential client has received in the case.

Write Down All Questions

Unless someone is experienced in criminal law, the odds are the potential client will have questions about his or her case and what to expect. Do not assume that these questions will be remembered during the appointment but write them all down in advance.

Contact The Law Offices of M.J. Snyder, LLC Today!

If you need a criminal defense lawyer, act fast and call 215-515-3360. We can help 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including holidays.

How to prepare for a lawyer meeting?

To be best prepared for your meeting, you should gather all of the significant and relevant legal documents that relate to your case. If your lawyer has sent you forms to complete or requested certain documents, ensure they are accurate and completed to the best of your ability in advance and be sure to bring them with you to your meeting with a lawyer. It is common practice for attorneys to distribute client information sheets that need to be filled out before a client’s initial consultation. Completing paperwork, such as questionnaires and intake forms, helps your attorney narrow down what questions he or she will ask you, ensuring that your meeting time is spent productively. If you have received legal documents, either from the court or an opposing party to your case, it is important to bring these with you so that the attorney can review them and better understand your case.

What to expect at the end of a lawyer meeting?

At the close of your meeting with a lawyer, you should make sure that you have shared all the necessary information and raised all of your questions and concerns. Ideally, you should leave the consultation feeling comfortable with contacting your attorney, clear about the next steps in your case, and confident that your legal matter is in competent hands. Although meeting with a lawyer can be intimidating, being prepared and knowing what to expect can help you navigate the process successfully.

How do clients pay attorneys?

There are two ways that clients pay attorneys. The first way is called a “retainer,” where the client pays the attorney in advance for his or her legal services, and when the lawyer has worked for the full amount of the retainer, the client pays the attorney at their hourly rate. Retainers are most common in cases that don’t involve claims for money–usually criminal defense, divorce, and bankruptcy claims.

How to remember what you discussed with an attorney?

Even though you are meeting with him or her to share your story, your lawyer will have a lot of information to share with you in return; they will answer your questions, debunk legal myths, and offer peace of mind. Taking notes on important discussion topics during your consultation can help you remember key points from the conversation. For example, there may be follow-up information or paperwork that the lawyer asks you to acquire in order to proceed with your case. Everything the attorney says may feel important, but don’t feel the need to try to get everything down. It’s more important to listen to the lawyer’s advice and be able to ask any questions that may arise.

Why is it important to remember that lawyers are people?

First and foremost, it is important to remember that lawyers are people, too! They understand that it can be nerve-wracking to meet with an attorney for the first time– especially when the meeting involves disclosing private information and discussing sensitive matters. Keep in mind that lawyers are looking to help you with your legal issues and ultimately help you come to a resolution that satisfies you.

Why is it important to meet with an attorney?

Your first meeting with an attorney is an opportunity to share your story and obtain a powerful tool–legal representation . While it is important to tell your story , it is also important to get comfortable with each other.

Is it normal for a lawyer to charge more than a new attorney?

It’s normal for lawyers with more practice experience to charge higher fees than newer attorneys. Sometimes, an attorney may be able to work out a payment plan so that you can make reasonable payments over time. If you are unable to afford the fees that your lawyer outlines in their contract, ask the attorney whether he or she is willing to come to an alternative agreement regarding fee payment.