how to speak to an attorney

How to contact an attorney for the first time?

Jul 13, 2018 · Documentation is important, and getting it in the hands of your lawyer as quickly as possible is a good idea. If you show up prepared and speak professionally about facts, you should find that your lawyer responds positively. Speaking to a lawyer doesn’t have to be intimidating — and it can often be essential to your legal and personal wellbeing.

How do I find a lawyer?

Jun 18, 2014 · How to Talk to a Lawyer (and When You Need One) When You Need a Lawyer (Even If You Don't Think So) You may think the only times you need a lawyer's help are if you're being sued or you need to sue ... The First Call, and How to Determine If a Lawyer is Right For You. Be Honest and Bring Everything ...

How to talk to a lawyer?

Here are some tips: Search for legal articles online and read through them. Read the article carefully to see if it contains any information... Watch videos of law firms describing their work. Look at how they present themselves to impress potential clients. See... To ensure that you sound ...

What is it like to be a lawyer?

Apr 09, 2015 · Preparing to Meet With a Lawyer Your Contact Information. Regardless of the type of legal matter, your lawyer will want to know who you are and how to... Key Facts About Your Case. Your lawyer will surely ask you to describe the key facts leading up to your decision to meet... Gather Relevant ...

First things first: do you need an attorney?

Before you set out to find the right attorney for your needs, you need to take a closer look at what those needs are. Are you hoping to recover money after an injury in an accident that was not your fault? That’s personal injury law, of course.

Identifying qualified attorneys

That you need an attorney — or even a specific type of attorney — is still only a very broad conclusion. You’ll want to narrow things down quite a bit and identify a specific attorney to speak to. But how can you do that?

How to speak to a lawyer

Once you’ve found the right attorney for your case, you’ll need to know what to bring to your consultation and how to speak to the attorney.

How to communicate with a lawyer?

1. Ask your lawyer how he or she communicates. Each lawyer is different. Some might prefer to communicate by email. Others may communicate by telephone. At your first meeting with the lawyer, you should discuss how you will communicate. Try not to demand that the lawyer use your preferred method of communication.

Is a lawyer a therapist?

Your lawyer certainly understands that you have feelings and that this is a stressful time for you. At the same time, however, your lawyer is not a therapist and is not trained to handle emotional breakdowns or excessive venting. These types of outbursts hinder effective communication.

What to do if communication has broken down?

If you feel communication has broken down, address your own shortcomings. For example, you might not get requested information to your lawyer until right before a deadline. This makes it very difficult for a lawyer to represent you. Think about why you are struggling to communicate with your lawyer.

What is a good lawyer?

A good lawyer works with you, helps you understand the situation, and guides you to the best possible result. To do that, they need a client they can work with. Here's how to be just that. Advertisement.

What does "tell me everything" mean?

Rule number one, says Unrath, is to be honest and truthful. Your conversations with them are legally protected, which means now's not the time to hold back. When your lawyer says "tell me everything," they mean it:

What do lawyers want to see in a case?

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.

What are the goals of a lawyer?

Typical goals might include: review and provide comments on a contract or legal document. draft a will.

What to look for in a lawyer?

There are certain characteristics to look for in a lawyer, including the following: 1. A lawyer that primarily practices in the area of law that is the subject of your legal issue. 2. A lawyer who treats you with respect, listens to you and addresses your concerns. 3.

What does a lawyer do when you have questions?

A licensed lawyer that practices in the area of law in which you have questions can tell you about the applicable laws that apply to your case. Looking for information online may yield inaccurate or outdated information. A professional can provide current information based specifically in the geographic and practice area that applies to your case.

What does it mean to be a professional?

A professional can provide current information based specifically in the geographic and practice area that applies to your case. 2. You Want to Ease Your Mind. Not knowing is sometimes the worst feeling in the world. It is often better to know what you are facing even if this involves negative information.

Is legal information accurate?

While legal information is widely available on the Internet, this information is often not accurate. Even if the information is accurate, the law is a complex area that requires strict adherence to deadlines, filing requirements and procedures.

Why are people hesitant to seek legal advice?

Some people are hesitant to seek legal information and advice because they do not want to have to pay for these services. However, what you gain often far outweighs the cost of seeking such services. Many times, a lawyer can provide the following information and benefits: • Current laws that apply to your case.

What is ethical lawyer?

3. A lawyer who advertises that he or she practices in all areas of the law.

Is it better to know what you are facing or not knowing?

Not knowing is sometimes the worst feeling in the world. It is often better to know what you are facing even if this involves negative information. To remove the feeling of paralysis, many people consult with a lawyer to learn about their options.

Expert Q&A

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Tips

If you're addressing a female attorney, always use "Ms." unless you're certain she prefers "Mrs." Many professional women consider "Mrs." to be outdated.

About This Article

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. 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 29,118 times.