Demystifying the Law: Preparing to Meet With an Attorney

It’s not unusual for people to get nervous before meeting with a lawyer for the first time, particularly if you haven’t had much need for an attorney in the past. But there are a few things you can do to prepare for the meeting to make your appointment proceed much more smoothly. It also helps if you know what to expect at your first meeting. Today’s blog will demystify the process of meeting with an attorney to make you more at ease.

First Things First: Confidentiality

Before you sit down with a lawyer, it’s important to understand a bit about the concept of attorney-client privilege.

Attorney-client privilege means a lawyer must keep confidential any information you supply to him, unless you give the lawyer permission to reveal the information to others. This confidentiality requirement continues even if you change lawyers, ends your relationship with the attorney or even if you meet an attorney and ultimately decide not to hire him.

In other words, you can speak honestly and freely during your meeting, knowing that anything you say will remain confidential.

Gather Necessary Paperwork

You want your first meeting with a lawyer to be productive, whether you’re paying by the hour, paying a flat fee or simply having a free initial consultation. To ensure you get the most from the appointment, take the time to gather any paperwork that’s relevant to your legal needs.

If you’re hiring an attorney for a child-support dispute, for example, you’ll want to bring a copy of your child-support agreement, child-custody agreement or parenting plan, proof of past payments (including the date and amount) and an accounting of relevant expenses related to your child.

If you’re hiring a lawyer because you’ve been charged in a criminal matter, you’ll want to bring any documents related to the charges, including arrest and bail papers, information about upcoming court dates and a list of witnesses and involved parties.

Make a List of Questions & Topics to Discuss

To ensure your meeting stays on track – and all of your questions are answered – take some time prior to your meeting to make some notes.

I’d recommend making a list of questions you’d like to ask the lawyer. Keep the list handy so you can add to it as new questions occur to you. It’s helpful to bring a written list to the meeting, because it’s otherwise easy to forget questions. These 12 questions can start you out.

You’ll also want to make notes about everything that’s relevant to your legal issue. For example, if you’re drafting a will, make detailed notes about your assets and debts, as well as your beneficiaries and what you’d like to leave them. Type these notes, if possible, and be sure to include names, addresses and any other information that might be useful. Your lawyer may ask you to leave a copy of the notes for him.

Complete Forms & Make Copies of Requested Information

When you scheduled your appointment, the lawyer may have sent over some forms to be completed or given you a checklist of things to bring to the meeting. Fill out forms before you get to the lawyer’s office (though it’s OK to leave items blank if you don’t understand the question or don’t have the particular information) and review the checklist to ensure that you’re bringing the requested materials.

Make copies of important documents so you can leave them with the lawyer. You’ll want to hold onto the originals unless there’s a specific reason the lawyer needs the original copy.

Relax!

Meeting with a lawyer doesn’t have to be a scary process. The lawyer is your guide and advocate, and is there to help you through your legal issue.

Show up on time – or even a few minutes early – and be prepared with all of the materials you’ve gathered. Let the lawyer guide the meeting, and stay on track when answering questions.

If, toward the end of the meeting, you think there are important issues that haven’t been discussed, raise these with the lawyer. Also, offer to share copies of any notes and documents you’ve brought to the meeting.

Before leaving the lawyer’s office, make sure you understand the next steps. When should you expect to hear from the lawyer? Do you need to schedule another appointment? Is there any additional information the attorney needs from you to proceed?

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