Initial Consultations
It is to the client’s advantage to maximize the benefits of the initial consultation. If the client comes prepared he or she can leave with a good idea as to how complex the case is and an approximation of the likely duration of the case. These two aspects will also dictate how expensive a case will be (i.e. how much attorney time it will involve).
The client needs to bring all pertinent papers for the attorney to be able to look over. In many instances, what those papers are will be obvious. For example, if one has been served with a petition or complaint in a family law matter or another civil suit he or she should bring that document. If a person has been charged with a crime, a copy of the citation or criminal complaint is similarly an obvious key document. If a person is seeking modification of a court order, it helps to be able to read that order. Financial documents – paystubs and tax returns – are also helpful when consulting about a divorce. These are just a few examples.
Whether initiating or responding to a suit the client needs to be able to summarize his or her position (explain how it got to this point & what he or she would like to see as a resolution, and have prepared questions to ask the attorney).
It is then the attorneys turn to articulate a strategy to attain the prospective client’s goal.
Sometimes it is a help for perspective clients to bring in a support person (friend or family) to listen as often each will remember different points and having one party not emotionally involved can help.
At the end of the conference both the client and the attorney should have a good idea if they can work together. The attorney at the time will tell the client what he would need as a retainer before beginning working on the case.
Then it is the client’s obligation to make financial arrangements and often a retainer agreement is made.
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