Lawyers offer what you might call a “first meeting” to discuss your legal troubles. This meeting helps you decide if this lawyer fits your case well. It’s a two-way street: you learn about their skills, and they learn about your situation.
At this first meeting, where you’ll discuss your case with an expert attorney, try to learn about their experience and discuss what kind of help they can offer and how much it would cost. It should take somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on your situation and the lawyer’s schedule.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for that meeting:
Conduct A Background Check Before the Visit
Just like checking out a new restaurant online, take some time to research your lawyer beforehand. Look them up on their firm’s website or a legal directory. See what kind of cases they specialize in and how long they’ve been practicing.
Reading client reviews (if available) can also give you a sense of their communication style and approach. However, you should always take these reviews with a pinch of salt because they can always be doctored. If you can, physically ask for testimonials from people you know who have patronized them in the past.
Prepare All Valid Documents
Lawyers love documents! Gather any paperwork that might be relevant to your case. This could include contracts, emails, receipts, police reports—anything that helps tell your story. Having everything organized beforehand saves you (and the lawyer) valuable time during your meeting.
Find Out How They Work with Clients
Lawyers all have different styles. Some might be super detail-oriented, sending you frequent updates. Others might prefer a more hands-off approach.
Before you dive in, figure out how the lawyer typically communicates with clients. Do they prefer email, phone calls, or in-person meetings? Knowing this upfront can help you determine if their style meets your expectations.
Ask About Their Legal Strategies (Especially the One to Be Used for Your Case)
This is where you become a legal detective, uncovering the lawyer’s strategy for your case. Here are some key questions to ask, tailored to get the most out of the conversation:
- “Based on what I’ve told you, what are the potential strategies you see for my case?” This question opens the door for the lawyer to outline their initial approach.
- “What are the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy?” Every plan has pros and cons. Get a balanced view of potential approaches by understanding their advantages and disadvantages.
- “What is your experience with similar cases?” Experience matters. When you understand their track record in handling situations like yours, it can give you the assurance you need.
- “What are the potential risks involved with each strategy?” Don’t be afraid to ask about potential roadblocks. A good lawyer will be upfront about the challenges you might face.
- “How will you keep me informed about the progress of my case and any changes in strategy?” Communication is key. Knowing how often you can expect updates and how the lawyer will approach adjustments to the plan is crucial.
Get Details About Their Payment Structure
Don’t shy away from talking about money. A transparent fee structure is essential for a healthy lawyer-client relationship. Try to get a general idea of their fee structure. Some lawyers work on an hourly basis, while others have flat fees or retainers.
Drill down into the details. Ask if there are any additional charges beyond their base fee, such as court filing fees or expert witness costs. See if the lawyer has flexible payment arrangements you can discuss.
You should also ask them how their fees might change if the case becomes more complex. As a precautionary step, always get things in writing. A clear fee agreement protects both you and the lawyer and ensures everyone is on the same page financially.
Wrapping Up
As you search for your legal wingman, you must know what to look out for. A few lawyers are walking red flags. You must also be on alert to spot these red flags and keep them in mind before you make your final choice.
It’s always a good idea to check out more than one lawyer before you decide who you’ll be going with.