what to take when meeting with an attorney for the first time

How to make a good first meeting with a lawyer?

Being prepared will organize your thoughts, refresh your memory and do wonders for your comfort level. It will also help to focus the meeting so your attorney can give accurate and relevant advice. • Gather all significant documents. If your attorney has sent you forms to fill out, complete them in advance and bring them with you.

What should I bring to my first consultation with a lawyer?

Sep 04, 2019 · Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. Nothing too revealing. It is very important to arrive on time. Attorneys have limited time. If you are unable to make your consultation on time, contact your attorney's office and give them a heads up or you may have to reschedule your appointment for a later date.

What should I do when I visit my lawyer for the first?

People meeting with an attorney for the first time often do not know what to expect, and they may feel nervous as a result. Below you will find our advice for people who have never met with an attorney about their situation before. Following these tips will maximize the productivity of your time with one […]

What should I do before meeting my divorce lawyer?

employment materials, such as an employee handbook, and. witness statements and witness contact information. Try to gather and copy these documents before your meeting. If you can put them into an organized binder, you will make life much easier for your attorney and reduce the hours spent (and charged for).

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Dec 09, 2019 · 1. Dress To Impress. When first meeting with your divorce or child custody lawyer, make sure to dress to impress. You don’t have to opt for formal wear necessarily, but make sure you look presentable. Wear business casual attire. Women can wear a nice dress with dress shoes, while men can wear khakis with a nice polo.

What do I need to bring to my first meeting with a lawyer?

Be Ready To Give Your Attorney Important Information About Yourself. If you have not already done so, make sure you have all of your personal information ready before meeting with your lawyer. This can include your physical address, email address, information regarding your job or employer, and your cell phone number.

How do I prepare my first consultation with a lawyer?

Prepare For Your ConsultationBring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case and give these copies to your lawyer.Have notes ready. ... Dress for success. ... Be honest. ... Talk about costs. ... Ask your lawyer questions. ... Understand all documents you sign. ... Keep your own files.More items...

What should a lawyer do in the first meeting with a client?

During the New Client Consultation, Every Lawyer Should…Be Clear about Any Consultation Fees. ... Introduce the Firm and Working Attorneys' Experience as Is Relevant to the Case. ... Be Attentive. ... Showcase Knowledge and Know-How. ... Engage with Specifics. ... Discuss the Process.More items...•Aug 13, 2019

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 do you wear to meet with 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. ... If you need to refer to a document, pull out what you have and be sure to give it to your attorney.Sep 4, 2019

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...•Jan 29, 2017

What are some questions an attorney might ask a new client?

What Questions do Lawyers Ask Their Clients?What is your case about? A lawyer will want to know every single detail of your case. ... What do you hope to accomplish? ... How do you want us to communicate? ... Why did you choose me? ... Are you comfortable with my rates?Nov 28, 2019

What are some of the important things that an attorney should do when first considering representation of a client?

In order to determine whether an attorney may represent a potential new client or an existing client in a new matter, the attorney must (1) identify the client; (2) determine whether a conflict exists; (3) decide if representation could be undertaken despite the conflict; and, (4) get consent from all clients involved ...Jan 31, 2008

What do you say when you call a lawyer?

0:261:20What To Say When You Call An Attorney - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific.MoreKnow kind of ballpark. Terms where you're coming from. And then you can elaborate on your specific. Situation. And when you keep it simple in the beginning it really does make it easier.

How can I communicate with my lawyer?

Stay informed about your case.Take notes if you talk to your lawyer in person or over the telephone. Store your notes in the same place. ... Always review your notes before contacting your attorney. The answer to your question may be in your notes.Your lawyer should also send you copies of documents filed in your case.

What is a divorce consultation?

The aim of this process is for them to get a good understanding of your personal, financial and psychological situation so that they can assess matters and advise you about any legal questions that you might have.

what products do you offer?

Family Law, Child Custody Law, Divorce Law, Criminal Defense

What are your hours?

Mo 08:00-17:00; Tu 08:00-17:00; We 08:00-17:00; Th 08:00-17:00; Fr 08:00-17:00

what is your business address?

303 North Walnut Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, US

what payments do you accept?

Cash, Credit Card

What is the phone number to a business?

(615) 809-1410

What do you know about my business?

Hunter Fowler is a Murfreesboro divorce, family law, and criminal defense attorney. He focuses on divorce, child custody, and criminal defense in M...

Welcome Message

Welcome to Hunter Fowler, Attorney at Law! You can ask about Family Law, Child Custody, Divorce, and Criminal Defense Law.

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Hunter specializes in Family Law, Divorce Law, and Criminal Defense. If you need more information, go to our website at Mid TN Lawyer Dot Com.

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Hunter specializes in Family Law, Divorce Law, and Criminal Defense. If you need more information, go to our website at Mid TN Lawyer Dot Com.

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Hunter Fowler understands your unique situation and will listen to your special case.

Can Melissa Graham Hurd and Associates prepare for an appointment?

The attorneys at Melissa Graham-Hurd & Associates, LLC, can take time to prepare for your appointment if you complete any provided client information sheets and return them to the office well in advance of your appointment. Your time with one of the attorneys will be most productive if you fill the questionnaire out fully so we know what questions to ask you.

Can you remember what you discussed with an attorney?

It can be difficult to remember what you discussed with an attorney days or even weeks later when the situation arises again. We encourage all potential clients to take a few notes on important discussion topics during their consultation so they have something to jog their memory later. Additionally, there may be follow-up information or documents we need you to obtain before we can take the next step, and it is always helpful to have those type of instructions written down.

What questions should I ask my attorney?

Questions for Your Attorney 1 How long have you practiced in this area of law? 2 How many cases have you handled that are like mine? 3 What was the outcome in those cases? 4 How long does it typically take to resolve cases like mine? 5 What sort of budget should I anticipate for this sort of case, from beginning to end? 6 Do you require a retainer? If so, how much? 7 What additional information, documents, or data do you need from me in order to begin work?

What is an initial meeting with an attorney?

An initial meeting with your attorney is important, not just for exchanging information about your case, but also for building rapport and trust. Commonly, you will first have a short phone call with the lawyer, who will then ask to meet you in person. If you aren't yet certain you plan to use this lawyer, ...

Do I need to wear a suit to a business meeting?

This does not necessarily mean you need to wear a suit, but you should wear the type of attire you would wear to any formal business meeting. This shows the attorney that you are a professional, and are taking your case seriously. Let the lawyer do the talking, initially.

What happens if you don't hire a lawyer?

Be honest. Remember that, even if you do not end up hiring the lawyer, everything you tell him or her during your meeting is generally subject to the attorney-client privilege. (The biggest exception to this, not surprisingly, is if you tell your lawyer that you are going to commit a crime, which information the lawyer may be duty-bound ...

Should I get a second opinion before surgery?

Much like getting a second medical opinion before a surgery, it is common to seek advice from two or more lawyers before committing. The attorney-client relationship is important, and you need to feel comfortable with your choice.

What is retainer agreement?

You may be presented with a contract called a retainer agreement or a legal services agreement. This typically spells out the scope of the lawyer's representation of you, as well as the fees that you will pay. The document is ordinarily a few pages long. The lawyer should explain it to you.

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 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 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.

How to respond to a legal complaint?

respond to a legal complaint, lawsuit, or threatening letter. research whether you have a meritorious legal claim against another person or entity. draft a legal complaint or demand letter to another person or entity, or. negotiate a lease, contract, or other agreement.

What to know before meeting with a lawyer?

Before you get too far into a meeting or conversation, the lawyer will want to know about any possible conflicts of interest that might prevent him or her from ethically representing you.

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 do after meeting with a lawyer?

This is normal. Reopening wounds, new or old, can do that. It’s significant that you plan something pleasant to do after your first meeting with your lawyer. Plan a shopping trip with friends , meet with your favorite relative for lunch, or treat yourself to your favorite meal immediately after your meeting. This can settle any negative feelings you may have, and properly prepare you for your court date.

How to dress for a divorce lawyer?

You don’t have to opt for formal wear necessarily, but make sure you look presentable. Wear business casual attire. Women can wear a nice dress with dress shoes, while men can wear khakis with a nice polo. There are no strict and exact rules here, but try to make the best impression possible.

First, a Word About Legal Ethics . .

Most movies and television shows depict lawyers as unethical people who lie at every opportunity. But reality is quite different. In real life, lawyers must follow a strict set of ethical rules.

The Point of the First Meeting

Before meeting with your lawyer for the first time, it’s important to remember a few things. First, keep your expectations reasonable. Most initial consults last about 60 minutes. The lawyer will not be able to solve a complex legal matter in that time; court cases take months or years to resolve.

What the Lawyer will do during the First Meeting

The first meeting is a time for both you and the attorney to figure out how much time, money, and effort the case will take. So, you can expect the lawyer to do a few things to help him make those calculations.

What to Bring When Meeting with a Lawyer for the First Time

Clients often feel nervous before meeting with a lawyer for the first time but being prepared can help. Though the lawyer will ask you a series of questions, you should have a list of questions of your own to help you evaluate the attorney. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

What Should I Bring?

• Here are some suggestions for what to bring to your meeting with your attorney. 1. A pen and pad of paper or the electronic equivalent! In the course of your conversation with your attorney, you will surely want to write down notes on any issues or questions that arise. 2. A list of questions. Clients often have a million questions and concerns before a meeting, one or more of which the…

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How Should I Act During The Meeting with The Lawyer?

Get An Understanding of The Attorney's Fee Structure and Related Costs

Clarify What Will Happen After The Meeting

Questions For Your Attorney