Meeting Your Attorney for an Initial Consultation

An initial meeting with your attorney is crucial, not only for exchanging information regarding your case but also for building rapport and establishing trust. Typically, you will first have a brief introductory call with the attorney, who will then request an in-person meeting.

If you are still undecided about whether to retain this attorney, be sure to ask if they charge for the initial consultation. While some lawyers offer free first consultations, others may charge several hundred dollars.

What should I bring?

Here are a few suggestions on what to bring to your meeting with your lawyer.

A pen and a notepad, or their digital equivalent! During your conversation with your attorney, you will likely want to take notes on any issues or questions that arise.

A list of questions: clients often have a million questions and concerns before a meeting—one or more that they subsequently forget to ask in the presence of their attorney. Write these questions down in advance to ensure you address everything while you are seated.

A check for the fees of legal consultation  initial, if you have an attorney handling one. This should be discussed prior to the meeting. Nothing undermines the attorney-client relationship faster than forgetting to make your first payment. Presenting these fees upfront demonstrates that you are taking the relationship seriously.

All documents relevant to your case. For instance, if you are negotiating a lease and want your attorney to review it, you must, of course, provide a copy of the draft lease. Whenever possible, make several copies of every document you hand over to your attorney so that you can keep a set for your own records. (Alternatively, you may request that the law firm handle the copying, but you will likely be billed at a premium rate.)

How should I conduct myself during the meeting with the lawyer?

Approach your first meeting as a business consultation. While you are working to build a friendly rapport with your attorney, you also want them to view you as a serious client with significant needs.

Be punctual. Lawyers value their time, as they generally bill by the hour. Arriving ten minutes late could disrupt the remainder of an attorney’s schedule for the day.

Dress professionally. This does not necessarily mean you must wear a suit, but you should wear the type of attire you would wear to a formal business meeting. This demonstrates to your attorney that you are a professional and that you are taking your case seriously.

First, let the lawyer speak. You will have all sorts of information to share, but the lawyer will be better positioned to focus on the facts they deem relevant. The more prepared you are—with completed questionnaires (if the lawyer sent them in advance), documents, diagrams, and your own questions—the smoother the process will be and the more you will impress your counsel.

Be honest. Remember that even if you do not end up hiring the attorney, everything you disclose during your meeting is generally subject to attorney-client privilege. (It is not surprising that the primary exception to this rule is when you inform your lawyer of your intent to commit a crime, information that the attorney may be required to disclose to law enforcement.) In most cases, honesty is in your best interest. Attorneys rarely encounter cases where one party is entirely the “good guy.” It is far better for your attorney to know the bad news from the outset than to be blindsided later by undisclosed revelations. (In fact, an attorney’s fee agreement may even stipulate that fees will increase if you have withheld relevant information.)

Understanding legal fee structures and associated costs

During your initial consultation with your attorney, it is important to understand the anticipated cost of representation and how it is calculated.

Different lawyers use different billing methods for their clients. Some bill by the hour, while others charge per project, using either a flat fee or an as-needed basis. In the case of lawyers who bill hourly, some begin by establishing a retainer, which acts as an initial deposit billed at an hourly rate until it is exhausted (at which point, clients are generally expected to be prepared to pay more).

If the attorney is willing to take your case, you must ask what they are alleging. You should also ask exactly when you will be billed: quarterly, monthly, or at the beginning or end of the project?

You may be engaged under a contract known as a mandate or a service agreement legal. This typically specifies the scope of your attorney’s representation, as well as the fees you will be required to pay. The document is usually a few pages long. Your attorney should explain it to you. Be sure to read and understand the document before signing it.

Clarifying the next steps following the meeting

Be clear about what will happen next, then ensure you follow through on everything your new attorney asks you to do. Your attorney will need your full cooperation.

Generally, an attorney will ask you to send additional documents or information regarding your case so they can review it in detail. If it is not clearly stated in your representation agreement, ask your attorney how they would prefer to communicate with you (via email, telephone, or any other method), and then ensure you maintain regular contact with them.

An attorney can provide guidance on how to proceed. This can be particularly critical when time is of the essence. For instance, if your company is facing a lawsuit and must file a response to the complaint immediately, you will need legal counsel to step in right away. By the end of your meeting, you should walk away with a clear understanding of what has been accomplished and what the next steps will be.

Keep in mind that you are under no obligation to retain a specific attorney simply because you have had an initial consultation. Much like seeking a second medical opinion before undergoing surgery, it is common practice to consult two or more lawyers before making a commitment.