What To Expect The First Time You Meet With Your Lawyer
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on November 28, 2019
Today many lawyers offer free consultations. You can book an appointment and speak with a professional about your case for some time. This is an important meeting because you have the time to assess the lawyer and determine whether they’re the right fit for you.
A lawyer can make or break a case, so hiring a good one is essential. The first meeting with them sets a foundation for your future interactions, which is why it is crucial to be prepared. Here’s a look at what you can expect during the first meeting with your lawyer:
What Should You Bring With You?
Even expert lawyers can’t offer concrete advice on the case if they don’t know anything about it. It is wise to create a file with all the details of the case, including any official records or documentation you can find. Here’s a look at what you should bring to the appointment:
- Medical reports, doctor’s letters, and pictures of injuries.
- Details about the date, time, and location of the incident.
- Insurance information.
- A copy of the police record.
- Witness statements or information about witnesses.
- Information about the other party, including their name, occupation, and involvement in the incident.
- Reports of all expenses involved.
- Details about the long-term consequences of the incidence. This can include things like permanent injuries, loss of job, fatalities, etc.
Lawyers will collect their evidence, but creating a file can help them understand the bare bones of the case. They can offer advice and explain the scope of the case after reviewing the facts.
Who Can You Bring With You?
Some people are intimidated by lawyers or shaken by trauma. They need some support as they discuss the facts of their case with a qualified professional. You can take a trusted relative or friend with you for moral support. Here are some suggestions:
- Take people who were in the car to your appointment. For example, if your best friend or mother was in the car, they should be present during the discussion.
- Trusted family members like a spouse, parent, or sibling can also accompany you.
- Some people also ask a witness to accompany them to the lawyer’s office.
These meetings are private and confidential. You should only allow people you trust to accompany you. Don’t take a large group of 4 to 5 people, especially during your first meeting with the lawyer.
Questions to Ask
You will only understand what a lawyer is capable of if you ask them the right questions. Direct and honest answers to these questions will provide an insight into the lawyer’s communication skills, dedication to the case, and reliability. Here’s what you need to ask:
- Have you ever worked on a personal injury case?
- How many cases have you won and how many have you lost?
- Do you have all of the required certificates and permits?
- Have you taken a case to court and argued it before a judge?
- Can you provide references to past clients?
- How do you charge fees?
- What is your methodology? How do you approach cases?
- How do you collect evidence regarding the accident?
- Do you think we have a chance of winning this case?
Honest and reliable lawyers will answer these questions without hesitation. They will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.
You only have a short amount of time during the first consultation, so it’s essential to make the most of it. Prepare all the questions regarding the lawyer’s experience and your case in advance. You can start the discussion immediately after the introductions.
Our attorneys provide exceptional, personalized legal representation to individuals seeking a personal injury lawyer in Louisville, Kentucky and throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Unlike many attorneys who advertise on TV and have large staffs of secretaries and paralegals who handle your case, at Cooper and Friedman PLLC we believe that the practice of law is a profession, which must be undertake seriously to ensure maximum client benefit from our services.
When you hire us as your law firm, your case will never be handled by a paralegal or secretary. Your case will be handled directly by one of our attorneys. For additional information or a free case consultation, call us at 502-459-7555.