A lot of people put off calling a lawyer because they do not know what the conversation will involve. This is what a free consultation looks like, so the process feels less like a mystery before you pick up the phone. Our post on whether you can call a lawyer and ask a question for free covers the confidentiality side of that first call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have everything organized before a consultation?
Nobody arrives at a first consultation with a perfectly organized file. If it is a criminal matter, bring whatever paperwork you have: arrest documents, a citation, a case number. If it is an injury matter, a crash report number or insurance information helps, but is not required. If nothing is available yet, that is fine. The conversation still moves forward.
What gets discussed at a free consultation?
The consultation is a conversation about what happened, what the immediate concerns are, and what the realistic next steps look like. You should leave understanding what deadlines apply to your situation, what the general process looks like, and what your options are, even if the full strategy is not decided in that first call. See our Practice Areas overview for the range of matters this covers.
Am I also evaluating the attorney during the consultation?
A consultation is not a one-way interview. You are deciding whether this is someone you want handling something important. Notice whether you are being listened to, whether questions get direct answers, and whether the conversation feels rushed toward a decision or focused on what you need. Our post on what to ask before you hire a criminal defense lawyer lists good questions to raise.
Does a free consultation obligate me to hire the firm?
A consultation does not create an attorney-client relationship by itself. That happens when a representation agreement is signed. Until then, avoid sharing anything you would consider highly sensitive in a written message, though the consultation conversation itself is generally treated as confidential.
What happens after the consultation?
If you decide to move forward, the next step is a written fee agreement outlining what is covered and how the fee is structured. If you decide not to move forward, or the matter falls outside what the firm handles, you should be told that directly rather than left uncertain.
How does a consultation work with your office?
Consultations are handled personally, not by an intake screener. You speak with me directly, and if your situation falls outside what I handle, you will be told that plainly. The consultation is free and confidential, with no obligation to retain. If it’s after hours or the weekend, the office keeps a 24-hour answering service.