when meeting with an attorney is the first meeting free

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, be sure to ask about whether he or she charges for this initial consultation. Some lawyers do free first consultations, others may charge several hundred dollars.

Full Answer

What happens at the first meeting with a lawyer?

Feb 24, 2022 · The first meeting you have with your lawyer is one that can potentially have consequences reaching far into the future. Depending on the classification of the case, any step in a lawsuit can be life-altering, so you need to have the right person representing you .

Do lawyers do free first consultations?

Nov 28, 2019 · What To Expect The First Time You Meet With Your Lawyer. Today many lawyers offer free consultations. You can book an appointment and speak with a professional about your case for some time. This is an important meeting because you have the time to assess the lawyer and determine whether they’re the right fit for you.

What to do in the first meeting with a new client?

Sep 04, 2019 · The first meeting you have with your lawyer will serve as a consultation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to share your situation and learn more about the attorney you may want to hire. To prepare for this first meeting, you should do your homework and collect all the relevant documents you think you many need to present your case such as medical …

When should I meet with my bankruptcy attorney?

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 […]

See more

Feb 24, 2022 · Before you have a first call, video meeting, or in-person meeting with a patent attorney, you may have a number of questions or concerns. Here are the top questions/concerns that I usually hear from clients and potential clients.

What is it called when you meet with a lawyer for the first time?

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.

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.

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 is an initial consultation?

An Initial consultation is a 90 minute consultation for a new client who would like to meet with a psychologist to discuss current issues and/or concerns and talk about strategies and goals for therapy and/or a treatment plan.

What should I wear to an attorney meeting?

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.Sep 4, 2019

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation?

Why would a good lawyer not tell a client how their case will come out at the initial consultation? A good lawyer knows that every case is different and without doing research. A good lawyer will not guarantee the outcome of any case.

What happens at first lawyer consultation?

During your first consultation, we will listen to what you want, make recommendations on how best to approach your matter, and give advice on how to achieve the best outcome – whether it be by way of a negotiated settlement, mediation or litigation.

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 is a free initial consultation?

So, when a lawyer says that he or she will provide a free consultation it means that they will sit down with you, hear about your problem, and give you some initial thoughts about it, at no charge or obligation to you. This meeting gives you a chance to "interview" the lawyer and the lawyer the chance to interview you.Oct 17, 2011

What's a consultation fee?

What Is a Consultation Fee? A lawyer might charge a fixed fee or an hourly fee for the first meeting when you both decide whether the lawyer can help you with your case.May 22, 2018

What is the purpose of a lawyer consultation?

The purpose of a consultation is to determine whether our firm is a good fit for your legal needs. Although we often discuss expected results and costs, our attorneys do not give legal advice unless and until you choose to retain us.Nov 16, 2020

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.

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.

What are the three things that a bankruptcy attorney will likely spend the least amount of time discussing?

Oddly enough, of the three things, assets, debts , and income, your bankruptcy attorney will likely spend the least amount of time discussing your debts . At this stage, the character or type of each debt is more important than the balances. The bankruptcy code sorts debts into three broad categories: secured debts , priority unsecured debts , and general unsecured debts.

What do bankruptcy attorneys do?

Your bankruptcy attorney is going to do most of the work; that’s why you hire them. But by taking steps to prepare information about your assets, debts, and income before your first meeting , you’ll likely have a productive first meeting with your attorney and lay the foundation for excellent representation.

Do unsecured creditors matter in Chapter 7?

Speaking of general unsecured creditors, the amounts generally do not matter because, with certain exceptions, they will all be eliminated under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The amount you may be required to pay back in a Chapter 13 is more often determined by your income rather than the amount of debt you have.

What is secured debt?

Secured debts are those that have a piece of property attached to them as collateral . If you default on those debts, the creditor not only has the right to enforce the debt against you, personally, but may also have the right to enforce the debt against a piece of property, like a house or a car.

What is priority unsecured debt?

Priority unsecured debts are those that do not have a piece of property attached to them (like a secured debt), but which will not be discharged or eliminated in a bankruptcy. These include certain tax debts and child support arrears.

Can you file bankruptcy if you make too much money?

The bankruptcy code says if you make too much money, you might have disposable income available at the end of each month to pay something to your general unsecured creditors. That is one reason you may be ineligible for relief under Chapter 7 and may only be able to seek relief under Chapter 13.