Meeting with a lawyer before hiring them is always a good idea. A lawyer consultation can offer insight into how an attorney operates, their skills, and whether or not you will work well together. Reach out to our New Jersey personal injury and workers’ compensation lawyers to book your free consultation today.
What is a Lawyer Consultation?
When you realize that you may need to hire a lawyer, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Searching for lawyers on the internet yields hundreds of thousands of results. It can seem impossible to know which attorney will work best for you. That is where a consultation comes in.
A consultation is the first meeting between a lawyer and a person who is looking for legal representation. Consultations are oftentimes free and can happen in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. Hiring an attorney is an important step and it is crucial that you find the right fit for you. In your consultation, you will discuss relevant information about your case and explain what you are looking for in terms of legal assistance.
What Are Some Tips for My Lawyer Consultation?
- Write a list of questions: Unless you have been through a similar situation or have a background in the law, you probably have an array of questions to ask about varying topics. You only have limited time during your consultation so you want to get as much out of it as possible. Keep a list of questions so you don’t forget anything important and can walk away from the consultation feeling well-informed.
- Know what you are looking for: The point of the consultation is to determine if you want to hire the lawyer and feel they are a good fit for you. Have an idea of the type of person you want representing you, from their character and morals to their areas of specialty.
- Gather relevant documents: Paperwork is important in any case. Your lawyer will have a much clearer understanding of your situation and their ability to represent you if you provide them with copies of relevant documents including police reports, incident reports, medical examinations, medical bills, financial statements, and more.
- Write notes: Your situation might be complicated or span over several years. Write down any relevant details that you can share with the lawyer to explain your situation so you do not forget anything.
- Be honest: Once you are there, it is important that you are honest with the lawyer. Tell them the truth regarding what your needs are and desires for the outcome of your case. They will be able to better represent you if they understand the specifics of your situation.
- Bring payment: While many law firms offer free consultations, some require payment and charge fees. If you have to pay the lawyer for their time make sure you are bringing an appropriate method of payment.
