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Your First Meeting With a Lawyer: A Preparation Checklist
Most people do not meet with a lawyer often, and the first consultation can feel intimidating. You may be dealing with something stressful, such as an accident, a family matter, a business dispute or an immigration question, and you may not know what to expect from the meeting or what it will cost.
A little preparation helps you use the time well and leave with a clear sense of your options. This article is general information to help you prepare. It is not legal advice; for advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.
Before you book
Find the right kind of lawyer
Lawyers usually focus on specific practice areas: family law, personal injury, criminal defense, estate planning, real estate, employment, business, immigration, bankruptcy and more. A lawyer who handles your type of matter regularly is more likely to spot issues quickly. When you call, describe your situation in a sentence or two and ask whether it is the kind of case they handle.
Check the license
Lawyers are licensed by each state, usually through the state bar or the state's highest court. Most states offer an online lookup to confirm that an attorney is licensed and in good standing, and whether there is any public disciplinary history. If your matter involves federal law, such as immigration, ask about the attorney's experience with the relevant federal agencies or courts.
Ask about the consultation
- Is the first consultation free or paid, and how long is it?
- Is it in person, by phone or by video?
- Will I meet the attorney, or a paralegal or intake staff member?
- What should I bring?
What to bring
Gather what you have; you do not need everything to be perfect. Useful items include:
- A written summary of what happened, in your own words, one page if possible.
- A timeline of key dates and events, in order.
- Documents: contracts, leases, letters, notices, court papers, police or incident reports, medical bills, emails and texts that relate to the matter.
- Names and contact details of the other people or companies involved, and any witnesses.
- Deadlines you know about, such as a court date or a response date on a letter. Bring any document that mentions a deadline.
- Your questions, written down.
- Photos if they are relevant, such as damage or injuries.
Make copies, and keep your originals unless the lawyer asks for them.
Questions to ask the lawyer
About your matter
- Based on what you know so far, what are my options?
- What are the possible outcomes, and what affects them?
- Are there deadlines I need to know about?
- What additional information or documents would you need?
- Roughly how long do matters like this take?
- Are there alternatives to court, like negotiation or mediation?
About working together
- How many matters like mine have you handled?
- Who will work on my case day to day?
- How will you keep me updated, and how quickly do you usually reply?
- What will you need from me?
About fees
- How do you charge for this type of matter?
- Is a retainer required, and how is it used?
- What other costs might there be, such as filing fees or expert costs?
- How often will I be billed, and what detail will the bill show?
- Will you put the fee arrangement in writing?
How lawyers commonly charge
Fee arrangements vary by practice area and by lawyer. Common types include:
| Arrangement | How it works |
|---|---|
| Hourly | You pay for time spent, often billed in small increments. |
| Flat fee | A set price for a defined task, such as a simple will or a specific filing. |
| Contingency | The lawyer is paid a percentage of any recovery, common in some injury cases. Ask how costs are handled if there is no recovery. |
| Retainer | An up-front deposit that the lawyer bills against as work is done. |
Some types of fee arrangements are restricted for certain kinds of cases, and rules vary by state. Ask the lawyer to explain the agreement until you understand it, and read the written engagement letter before you sign.
During the meeting
- Be honest and complete, including facts that you think hurt your position. A lawyer can only advise you well with the full picture.
- Ask about confidentiality if you are unsure what is protected.
- Take notes, or ask if you can bring someone to help you remember. Ask the lawyer whether having another person present affects confidentiality.
- Ask about conflicts. The lawyer should check that they do not represent anyone on the other side.
Signs of a good fit
- They listen before they talk.
- They explain things in plain language.
- They are realistic about outcomes and do not guarantee results.
- They are clear and upfront about fees.
- You feel comfortable asking questions.
Red flags
- Guarantees of a specific result.
- Pressure to sign an agreement on the spot.
- Vague answers about fees, or no written agreement.
- They cannot confirm their license or seem unfamiliar with your type of matter.
- Unsolicited contact pushing you to hire them right after an accident.
After the meeting
It is normal to meet with more than one lawyer before deciding. Write down your impressions while they are fresh, compare the fee arrangements, and pay attention to any deadlines the lawyer mentioned. A deadline can matter more than finding the perfect fit.
Find a lawyer near you
Browse law firms and immigration lawyers in the directory, read reviews, and check each attorney's license with your state bar before you book. You can also browse by city to find attorneys close to you.