Meeting with a Lawyer? Here’s How to Make it Count

Meeting with an attorney can feel like a big step, especially when you are facing a significant decision that may impact your future. That is why it is important to prepare for the meeting in advance so you can use your time efficiently and set a strong foundation for your case.

1. Provide full names of all involved parties in advance

Often, an attorney will tell you that they cannot speak with you in detail about your case if they do not run a “conflict check” first. This process ensures that neither the attorney nor their firm has previously represented any parties with interests that may be adverse to yours. To meet this obligation, they will need the full legal names of all parties involved. If there is a business entity or someone goes by a nickname, it is helpful to provide this identifying information as well. If the attorney does happen to have a conflict, figuring it out right away will save you time, so it is not wasted on any of the steps listed below.

2. Understand the scope and the purpose of the consultation

An initial consultation with an attorney is typically intended to serve as an introduction between you and the attorney. The benefit of this meeting is that it gives you the opportunity to speak with the attorney to determine if they are a good fit for your needs. During the consultation, you may also discuss legal options, potential strategies, and get a general sense of cost.

3. Prepare a list of questions and take notes

Most legal consultations are scheduled for a limited time, and with so much to cover, that time can pass quickly. To make the most of your meeting and ensure that all of your questions are addressed, it is a good idea to prepare a list of questions or concerns in advance. It is also important to take notes during the meeting and to follow the attorney’s recommendations after the consultation ends.

4. Be transparent

Being honest during the consultation is extremely important. An attorney can only develop an effective strategy and provide accurate advice if they have all the facts. Withholding information or misrepresenting details can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities which can negatively impact your case down the line.

5. Gather and organize relevant documents

If you already have a legal case pending, you should inform the attorney and bring all relevant documents with you or otherwise send them to the attorney in advance. Depending on the situation, this may include court pleadings, pay statements, emails, letters, and communications from the court. The more organized the documents are, the better. Properly labeling and arranging them not only saves the attorney time, but also demonstrates that you are a prepared and cooperative client.

6. Other considerations

Remember that having a single conversation and nothing more, may not be enough to establish an attorney-client relationship. More information about the formation of attorney-client relationships can be found HERE. It is important to read the terms of the fee agreement offered to you and to set expectations with the attorney early on. If you are not sure whether your meeting creates an attorney-client relationship, feel free to ask.

Meeting with an attorney can be intimidating, but being prepared will go a long way. Understanding expectations and preparing for the meeting in advance will help make the process more useful and productive. Even if you are not sure whether you are ready to take the next step, having a consultation is not only a great way to strategize and get answers, but it is also an excellent opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney is the right fit for you. If you’re facing a legal issue, contact Obermayer to speak with an experienced attorney and get the support you need.

The information contained in this publication should not be construed as legal advice, is not a substitute for legal counsel, and should not be relied on as such. For legal advice or answers to specific questions, please contact one of our attorneys.