An initial, and ideally meeting in person with an lawyer you’ve chosen is crucial not only for exchanging information regarding your case but also to establish trust and rapport. Typically, you’ll make a brief telephone conversation with your attorney, who will request to meet with you in person.
If you’re not yet sure that you’ll be using the lawyer you’ve chosen, make sure to inquire about the cost of this initial consultation. Certain lawyers provide free initial consultations, while others may cost several hundreds of dollars.
What Do I Need to Bring to the Meeting with My New 墨尔本 律师 咨询?
Here are some suggestions on what you should bring to the meeting and with the attorney (or potential attorney).
A pad and pen paper, or an electronic version! You’ll definitely be tempted to make notes about any concerns or issues that pop up.
Questions to ask. If you’re looking for legal assistance it’s likely that you’re in a difficult enough position that you’re faced with a myriad of concerns and questions. It’s easy to ask these questions while sitting face-to-face to an attorney. Make a list of these questions before you go to ensure that you have each and every question addressed while you’re in the room.
Checks or other methods to pay the initial consultation fee should your lawyer charge one. The matter should be discussed prior to the time of time prior to the meeting. Nothing sets a lawyer-client partnership beginning badly quicker than being unable or unwilling to pay the first payment. Making the payment immediately proves that you’re taking your relationship seriously.
Documents that pertain to your situation. For instance, if you’re in the process of in the process of negotiating a lease and you want your lawyer to look over the document, you must have a copy draft lease. If you can, create copies of all documents that you hand to your lawyer to ensure you have the set at home. (Or you can request the lawyer’s office to prepare copies, but they’ll likely charge higher rates for these.)
How should I behave during the meeting with the lawyer?
Consider your first meeting an opportunity for business. When you’re trying to establish a rapport between you and your lawyer would like the lawyer to view yourself as an important customer with serious requirements.
Be prompt. Lawyers are adamant about their time, because they typically bill hourly. If you show up 10 minutes late, it can disrupt the remainder of the schedule of the lawyer throughout the day.
Dress professional. This doesn’t mean you have to dress in a formal suit however it is important to dress in the same type of clothes you’d wear to a formal business event. This will show the lawyer that you’re an expert and are considering your case with seriousness.
Let the lawyer handle the talking for you, first. There’s a lot of information that you’ll need to share but the lawyer will be able to concentrate on the facts from the background that are relevant. The more prepared you are , with completed questionnaires (if the lawyer provided the questionnaires ahead of time) and documents, diagrams and even you own inquiries, the more straightforward the process will be.
Be honest. Keep in mind that, even if it’s not the case that you decide to hire a lawyer, the information you share during the meeting could be covered by the attorney-client privilege. (The major exemption to this, perhaps unexpectedly, is when you inform your lawyer that you intend be committing a serious crime, and this details the lawyer might be obliged to provide to law enforcement authorities.) In the majority of cases, being honest is the best way to go. Lawyers rarely see cases that are just cut and dry, with one side entirely considered to be the “good man.” It’s far more beneficial for lawyers to be aware of any negative information upfront rather than be astonished by revelations that you didn’t to divulge. (In fact, your attorney’s fee agreement could mention that fees could rise if you’ve kept pertinent details.)
Find out more about the Structure of the Attorney’s Fee and the Related Costs
In your first meeting with your lawyer It is important to know the estimated costs of representation and how it will be calculated.
Different lawyers charge clients in different ways. Some charge per hour, while others charge per the project, either on the basis of a flat fee or on a contingency. For lawyers that charge hourly they usually begin with a retainer fee, which is an initial upfront cost that they charge at an hourly cost until the time is exhausted (at which point it is assumed is that you’ll be prepared to spend more).
If you are considering hiring a lawyer to handle your case, inquire about the fees structure. Also , ask when exactly you will be charged whether it is monthly, quarterly in advance or at the end to the work?
You may be offered an agreement known as a retainer agreement or legal service agreement. The contract typically defines the legal services provided by the representation provided by your lawyer along with the fees you’ll be required to pay. The documents are usually only a few pages in length. Lawyers should explain the terms to you. Learn and comprehend the legal document prior to signing it.
Make clear what will happen following the Meeting
Make sure you know what’s going to take place next, and ensure that you adhere to whatever you’re instructed to follow by your new attorney. The attorney will require the cooperation of your side.
In most cases, lawyers will request additional documents or other information related to your case in order that they can look over it in greater detail. If it’s not explicitly laid out in your agreement to represent and you’re not sure, ask the lawyer what they’d like to contact you (email or phone or another method) and stay regular contact.
Lawyers can offer guidance regarding how to proceed. This is especially crucial when you have a short time. If, for instance, your company was accused of a crime and you have to respond to the lawsuit as soon as possible You’ll need an attorney to take care of the issue as soon as possible. When you’ve finished your meeting, you’ll be able to leave with an understanding of what you’ve accomplished as well as what’s to come.
Keep in mind that there is no obligation to choose a specific attorney just because you attended one initial conversation. Similar to seeking a second opinion from a doctor prior to procedure, it is normal to consult several lawyers prior to making a decision. The relationship between the attorney and client is crucial and you should be comfortable with the choice you make.
You have questions for your attorney
How long have your been practicing in this field of law?
How many cases have you dealt with similar to my own?
What was the result in these instances?
How long will it usually take to settle cases such as mine?
What budget type can I expect in this type of situation from beginning to finish?
Do you need an retainer? If yes, what is the cost?
What additional documents, information or other information do you require from me to start working?
What additional steps should I immediately take?
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