Seems to be a truism of life, we only get one chance to make a good first impression. That first meeting with your potential new attorney is such a moment. The initial consultation is important to you cause you want to get the most out of it while evaluating the lawyer. It is a terrific opportunity to gather and organize your information.
Meeting Your Attorney
Think of your initial attorney consultation like having a meeting with a future partner who is going to help you write a really good, factual news story. You’ll want your story to express all the really important information we learned about so many years ago: who, what, when, where, how, and why.
For now, don’t be overly concerned about the style of your story, the heroes and villains, the plot and peril. Be more concerned about having information from each of the above labels.
Exchange the information during your initial consultation and judge how familiar, interested, engaged, and with it the attorney appears.
Please know, while telling your story to an attorney is really important, more important may be the things you have that relate to or support your issue.
While you will certainly have a lot of questions, you’ll want to listen very closely to your attorney and remember what is said, even take notes or per their permission record certain information.
Have your list of the questions you want to ask with you so you don’t miss any.
Items to Bring to Your Attorney Consultation
Consider bringing the following things in hard copy, a thumb drive, or on a mobile device:
- Letters received or exchanged
- E-mails
- Text exchanges
- Financials such as ledgers, bank statements, invoices
- Photos
- Police reports or citations
- Insurance records and correspondence
- Legal documents like licenses, policies, or deeds
- Medical records, inclusive of mental health and/or dental
- Medical information, including: treatment, diagnosis, invoices
- Receipts or invoices for expenses, repairs, or other costs
- Witness statements and contact information
- Evidence of threats or harassment
- Information about loss or disruption of work or documented trips and plans
- Unusual circumstances or happenings involved
Please keep in mind you’ll have information from all kinds of people and businesses involved which is the reason you want to use who, what, when, where, why, and how to help you find those things. Once you have your information, organize it in a way that makes the most sense to you.
Be sure and dress for a professional meeting. Should you want to come casually, clean and neat are always welcomed.
The Powell Law Firm is Here to Guide You Through Your Case
Now, you might be overloaded and overwhelmed by everything going on to the point you just can’t pull together the limited information you have at this time, or even truly grasp what you’re supposed to get. Or maybe you find legal proceedings confusing or even intimidating. Don’t worry. We will work with you. Come at least talk to us, and let’s see what we can do to help you.
We’ll talk about costs that are or could be involved. And tell you all about terms of payment.
The more you tell and the more you show, the more our attorney will be able to know the best way to help you. Be honest, open, and fully communicative. Hold nothing back, even if you think it may damage your case. Remember, this is not a selling situation where you are trying to convince the attorney to take your case. Nor do you want a situation where a lawyer is pitching you to do business instead of learning about your situation and offering strong advice.
The Paul Powell Law Firm will NEVER take more money than you after your case settles. We put it in writing. We believe injury victims deserve a voice for what is right and fair. More Lawyer. Less Fee.