This post was written in collaboration with Personal Injury Attorney and Managing Partner Dean R. LeBoeuf
In our last post, “How to Find the Right Attorney,” we discuss the many different aspects to consider when searching for an attorney. With so much to think about, successfully narrowing down to a select few options often feels like a milestone; but how do you make the final decision? The next step is to set up a consultation, preferably in person, with your final choices. If the lawyer is not willing to meet with you, take him/her off the list.
Your consultation will be a short meeting where you, as the potential client, and the attorney will be able to get to know each other. During this meeting you can present all the materials and documents that you have for your case and ask any questions you may have for the legal professional.
Though all of this seems straight forward it can be difficult to know what kind of questions to ask during your legal consultation. We encourage you to take the time to prepare and think about it before you meet with the lawyer and to write them down, so you will not forget.
Along with preparing your questions set aside time to complete any pre-consultation paperwork or tasks the firm provides for you. Most lawyers will tell you to bring certain things with you to the appointment or to send the materials in advance. If they do not, you may want to take them off your list. Many firms will also have client questionnaires and frequently offer to send these to you before your appointment to save each of you time in the office.
These tasks may be tedious, but they are a good sign. They indicate that the attorney and their office are organized and efficient. If they send you a questionnaire in advance, you should do your best to fill it out before you arrive and bring any materials that were requested to that first meeting, even if you decide not to hire that lawyer.
What to Bring:
- Something to take notes with
- A list of your written questions to ask the attorney
- Any documentation you have relating to your case
Questions to Consider Asking the Attorney:
- Ask them to tell you about their practice.
- What is their specialization? How long have they been specializing in this area of the law?
- What is their typical client?
- Have they handled cases like yours before?
- Do they think that your case has potential?
- How are they paid and what do they think the total fee will be?
- Can they tell you what to expect?
- What will your role be as the client as the case moves forward?
- How will they communicate with you as the case progresses?
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What is your first impression of the attorney?
- Do you feel that he/she is knowledgeable and experienced?
- Are you comfortable with giving them your case?
- Do you feel that there was a connection between you and the attorney?
Taking the time to ensure that you are well prepared for your consultation can help you thoroughly present your case and get answers to important questions regarding your situation. Each consultation will provide the information that you need to make an informed decision and move you one step closer to zeroing in on the right attorney for your case.
At Brooks, LeBoeuf, Foster, Gwartney, & Hobbs P.A., we have a team of experienced attorneys that are here to help you when there is Too Much At Stake to go with anyone else. To learn more about our practice Click Here. To read more of our blog posts Click Here