Before hiring a lawyer, it’s important to schedule consultations with at least three attorneys who specialize in the relevant area of law. Research the attorneys beforehand, gather all relevant documents, and prepare a list of questions to ask during the consultation. Check the Bar Association’s records to ensure that the attorney is in good standing.
A legal consultation is the first step in hiring a lawyer to deal with a legal matter. For people who don’t have a regular attorney, or who need an attorney who specializes in an area outside of their attorney’s area of practice, it’s a good idea to schedule to meet with at least three attorneys to get information. Many attorneys offer client consultations for free or at a reduced cost and encourage clients to meet with multiple attorneys to find the right solution for a given situation. Before meeting with an attorney, take the time to do some research on the attorneys you plan to speak with, gather all the documents related to your case, and write down any questions you have.
The first step in preparing for legal advice is to find an attorney who deals with the type of law that is relevant to your case. If you want to discuss a divorce, for example, an environmental lawyer would not be a good person to meet. Many attorneys mention their areas of practice in the phone book or on their websites, and if not, someone in the office should be able to answer a few quick questions over the phone about the attorney’s goal.
It is also advisable to seek lawyers from the Bar Association before making an appointment. The bar makes its records available and these can be used to confirm that a solicitor is in good standing, to look up any complaints that have been lodged and to find out how long the solicitor has been practicing law. If an attorney is unlicensed or has received numerous complaints, that attorney is probably not a good candidate for advice.
Once you have an appointment for legal advice, gather information and supporting documentation. This includes anything relevant to the situation, such as any documents received in the post, along with documents such as deeds, birth certificates, passports and bank statements that may be relevant to your case. For example, if you have been involved in a traffic accident and want to sue the insurance company, all documentation about the car, insurance and driver must be brought to the consultation of the lawyer together with all communications received from the insurance company and the other driver, a police report if one was filed, and so on.
It is also recommended that you generate a list of questions related to the case. Lawyers are well aware that their clients are usually not legal experts, and you may have questions about the specifics of the case, along with more general questions about how the legal system works. No question is a bad question. If you want to know the steps that will be taken to take the case to court, for example, and what can happen at each step, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask the lawyer consultation.
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