What should you bring to your first meeting with a lawyer?

Bring whatever papers you already have, and a short timeline. You do not need to organize everything first. The first meeting is for working out what happened and what matters.

Which papers are worth bringing?

For an accident, bring the police report number, photos, insurance letters and any medical bills. For a family matter, bring court papers you have been served, any existing orders, and your children's usual schedule. For a criminal charge, bring the citation, the bond paperwork and anything the officer handed you.

Why write a timeline?

Write down what happened in order, with dates if you know them. Keep it plain, and include anything you are unsure about. A page of notes you wrote while it was fresh is often more useful than papers gathered later.

What should you ask?

Ask who will handle your case day to day, how you will hear about progress, and how fees work. It is fine to ask what the next few weeks will look like. A good first meeting should leave you knowing the next step.

Does the first meeting cost anything?

No. Our first consultation is free, and there is no obligation to hire us afterward. It usually takes about fifteen to twenty minutes on the phone before anything else is arranged.

What happens after the meeting?

If we can help, we will explain the next step and how fees work before anything starts. If we cannot, we will say so plainly, and where we can, we will point you to someone who can.

What should stay out of emails and forms?

Keep private details out of email and website forms before you have met. A name, a phone number and the kind of matter is enough to set up the meeting. The details can wait until you are in the room.