what is a attorney consiltaion

by Prof. Hallie Kihn 7 min read

A consultation is actually for the lawyer, not so much for the potential client. A consultation is meant to help an attorney evaluate whether he wants to take a case, refer a case, or decline representation altogether.

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

Full Answer

What is the purpose of a legal consultation?

A legal consultation is a chance for prospective clients with legal needs to meet with (in-person, over the phone, or through video chat) and discuss their legal needs with the attorney. This is where you discuss the relevant information regarding the type of legal assistance you need representation for.

What happens at an initial consultation?

At your outpatient visit, you will meet with the Consultant who will look after you throughout your treatment and, if necessary, your hospital stay. He or she can discuss options with you, and help ease any worries you have. You may want to think about what you want to say before your visit.

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 is included in consultation?

The definition of a consultation is a meeting with a professional or expert for purposes of gaining information, or the act or process of formally discussing and collaborating on something. When you schedule an appointment with a lawyer to get information on your legal rights, this is an example of a consultation.

How long after consulting Do you see an operation?

Take as much time as you need to make your decision. We strongly advise that you take at least two weeks after your consultation with the operating surgeon to think things through before surgery. You can change your mind at any point and you can ask for a second opinion from another surgeon.

What should I wear to a lawyer consultation?

Day of consultation 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 it called when you meet with a lawyer?

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.

How do you approach 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 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.

Can an attorney give free legal advice?

The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client. Attorneys don’t give legal advice without first being retained ...

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.

How long does a lawyer consultation take?

A consultation for a simple divorce, on the other hand, might only take about 15 minutes over the telephone.

What is a free consultation?

A free consultation is essentially an appointment, either by telephone or in person, with an attorney and/or their legal team. This service is intended to grant you the opportunity to meet with the lawyer and get to know them – an important step in seeing whether you can work well together. The average free consultation is short (generally, ...

How to write a case?

Start by writing down a list of the most important aspects of your case. Keep this short, direct, and to the point. Keep this with you when you go. It’s also wise to bring a pen and paper with you. A tablet or smartphone works, too, if you prefer technology instead.

Is it better to hire a lawyer or a lawyer?

It is far better to connect with a true legal expert – a lawyer – instead. The law is complex and rife with grey areas that aren’t always easy for the average layperson to understand. An attorney is best equipped to help you navigate your case. In most cases, hiring a lawyer starts with an initial consultation.

Can you ask for a consultation in California?

Once you identify someone suitable, you can ask them to arrange a consultation directly. All legal referral services are regulated and mandated by the California Bar. They must provide you with recommendations that are truly in your best interests at all times. You can trust them to find the right person for the job.

Do lawyers offer free consultations?

Some lawyers offer free consultations, but don’t necessarily declare it on their website and/or in advertising. Don’t be afraid to be direct and ask for a free consultation if you feel one is warranted. Most firms know how important this initial appointment is to ensure you’re both a good fit for one another.

An Initial Consultation with an Attorney

First and foremost, your initial consultation with an attorney is the time when you first meet that person face to face. While you can do an awful lot of research about a lawyer online, nothing is as important as the meeting you’ll have with them for the first time.

Laying Out the Basics in a Lawyer Consultation

Your consultation is also a time for you to lay out the basics of what you need from the lawyer. If you are discussing setting up a business, for example, you’ll talk about the type of business you are setting up, any history you have in that field, and what you’re looking for from an attorney.

A Frank Assessment of What Happens Next

One of the most important things you’ll get during a consultation is a frank assessment of what should happen next. In some cases, the consultation will be the time when a lawyer will tell you that your needs are outside of their area of expertise and when they might refer you to someone else.

How much does a lawyer consultation cost?

If you have never hired a lawyer, you might wonder about free attorney consultation. There are many law practices that provide such an incentive to their clients. The cost of a lawyer consultation can be prohibitive. It can set you back between $100 to $400, depending on where you are.

What is the first consultation?

The first consultation is always an educational, introductory session with the client. It’s there for the lawyer to understand in-depth what’s the issue at hand. If they get the facts straight, they can help you better with proper advice.

Why is free legal advice important?

Your free lawyer advice affords you the flexibility to learn your proper legal course of action. It is in place to give you proper clarity to make an informed decision. Both parties will expect honesty from each other.

What is the nature of the first consult?

The nature of the first consults is always exploratory in nature. Attorneys don’t care how many hours for a session it will take for them to understand your case. They don’t care for the complexity of your case either. What’s important is they understand and can give you a good understanding of the law.

Is free legal advice legal?

Much like any free service, you should understand that free lawyer advice is not “official” legal advice. Official legal advice needs comprehensive, multi-session study of the case and law concerned. It also needs a further study of the court procedure that comes after.

Is a lawyer's first consult free?

It is, however, not “free” in the strictest sense of the word. The first consult is a lawyer’s investment in a client. It’s their way to create a relationship with a potential client by providing free lawyer advice. It’s no free lunch for the client.

How Much Does It Cost to Talk to a Lawyer?

A lawyer's time is very valuable whether they are working on a case, meeting with clients, or involved in negotiations. For this reason, lawyers have the option to charge current clients and potential clients a fee to have a meeting.

Typical Lawyer Consultation Fee Structures

Depending on the specific legal issue and the type of law, attorneys may offer potential clients a free consultation. Free consultations are most common in personal injury law and criminal law.

Factors that Impact Lawyer Costs

There are several factors that will impact how much a lawyer charges for a consultation and for future legal services if hired. Three substantial factors include the type of work or type of law practiced, the attorney's experience level, and the amount of work or what is to be discussed at the consultation.

What Are Typical Lawyer Hourly Fees?

Lawyer fees for a consultation vary throughout the United States. On average, consultation costs will range from about $250 an hour to $350 an hour. Rates will change depending on location, type of law, and attorney experience.

Free Question and Answer Forum

If you have more questions about how much lawyers charge for a consultation, go to ContractCounsel's Legal Questions and Answers page and submit your legal question today. After you post your questions, you will be notified when a knowledgeable, licensed attorney responds to your question.

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I have been practicing law for 35 years. In addition to my law degree, I hold an MBA. I've created six companies, currently act as outside counsel to another 12, and have been an advisor to more than 500 startups and entrepreneurs.

What do you learn from an in person consultation?

If you take advantage of an in-person consultation, you will learn much more about that attorney's manner, appearance, and confidence than you will over the telephone.

Do lawyers offer free consultations?

Many attorneys state in advertising that they offer a free consultation. Some eager potential litigants set the appointment, armed with countless questions with the secret hope that the lawyer will give them enough "advice" so they can figure things out without the need for legal expense.

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