All attorneys meet with prospective clients in an initial consultation. The purpose of this first meeting is to gather and exchange information, including general legal advice about the case. This initial time together will provide the foundation of the client-attorney relationship if moving  forward with a working relationship.

As a potential client, it is important to be prepared for the initial consultation. To make the best use of the meeting time, consider the following:

1 –  The attorney may have their own intake forms for you to complete prior to your first meeting. These forms provide information about your upcoming consultation beforehand, enabling your lawyer to be prepared and make the most of your first meeting.

2 – Write down your questions and concerns, to remember and ask them. If there is something specific you want to tell or ask the lawyer, include that. Bring a notepad to take notes. Note that anything you say to the attorney is confidential, unless required to share it with a court or law enforcement for a public-safety reason.

3 – Gather documents that might be relevant. This includes anything that has been filed with any court related to your situation. Other relevant documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, cell phone texts, emails, photos, audio recordings, or videos. Copy, scan or fax everything that you plan to share with the lawyer, and forward to their office beforehand for pre-consultation review.

4 – If you bring someone to the initial consultation for support, be aware that the attorney-prospective client confidentiality you’d normally be entitled to, is lost if a third party is present. They also could be subpoenaed later to testify against you in a court. It is usually in your best interest to meet with the attorney alone.

Call The Usman Firm today to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions about how best to prepare for that meeting, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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