10 Things to Do Before you First Meet Your Attorney (3 of 3)
You've gotten this far. Our firm and many firms alike are grateful that you would even take the time to doing preliminary research about a first meeting. First meetings can be nerve-wrecking for you, finding someone to help you address something of high importance. In the same regard, the importance of finding someone who you can work with to overcome such an issue is a consideration of both sides. Starting your first interaction with any attorney on stronger footing means higher likelihood of preferable results for both you and your case. Without further ado, please enjoy the final installation of this mini-series.
Point #7 – Write it Down
Be sure to Take Notes!! Don’t fool yourself into thinking you will remember everything that was discussed. Quite often people leave their initial consultation only to later realize they felt overwhelmed by the experience. Taking notes helps keep you organized in addition to remembering what was said. This can be especially important when it comes to deadlines, required documentation, or steps you will need to take. Sometimes an attorney will have a checklist they can give you.
Point #8 – Before You Leave
Determine the best way and whom you should be contacting. Most attorneys have paralegals or legal assistants who handle much of the paperwork and scheduling for their cases. You will want to know who the contact person will be for your case to save yourself the headache of waiting on hold and being transferred (especially at larger law firms). You should also find out how often you can expect to hear from the attorney and how that will be (email, phone, written statements). Depending on your case, you might want to find out what to do you do if something comes up after hours?
If you are not prepared to pay the retainer that day, or not sure if you will hiring the attorney you met, find out if there is a deadline to contract them or if part of your case needs to be started immediately.
Point #9 – To Remember
As you go into your initial consultation with your attorney, remember to be yourself. Come in confident and ready to get to work. Dress in a way that makes you both feel good and is professional. Dressing and feeling confident will help you to feel in control, which is important. If your case is especially emotional, perhaps bring a friend or family member that helps you feel more relaxed. It is important to know that having a friend at the meeting may make you comfortable but the meeting may not be confidential anymore, so choose wisely.
Most importantly, be honest with your attorney. It is very important that you give an honest explanation of your legal problem, which includes issues that may be sensitive to you or to your family. Not telling the truth or leaving out certain facts may make your case more difficult for your attorney, they may change the course of action needed for your case, and may cost you more money in the long run.
Point #10 – Final thoughts
Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. Keeping your own records can help you to understand your notes and process when you leave your attorney’s office.
If you are unsure about choosing your attorney, think about the answers they gave to your questions and if you are comfortable with them. (Remember those non-negotiables you made before?) It is important that your lawyer’s strategy lines up with your needs.
Listen to your attorney and think about what they ask you to do. The attorney’s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Remember that lawyers cannot work magic and no lawyer wins every case. And although the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear, your attorney will provide advice that has your best interests in mind.
In short, going into your first consultation prepared is important. Being prepared will not only save time and money, but it will ensure that all of your questions are answered, that your attorney has all the information needed in order to effectively represent you, and that you both leave feeling confident about your case!
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact an accredited attorney.
