Contacting a lawyer can be a stressful experience for some people. In this post, we provide a basic game plan to ensure that your first contact with a lawyer goes off smoothly and with as little stress as possible.
Have a Summary of Your Situation
You may think you know your situation, but things can be more complicated than they seem in your head. Before you contact a lawyer, make sure you can provide a comprehensive explanation of your case. If necessary, write notes and take them with you to the meeting so you don’t forget any important details.
Gather Relevant Documents
Gather any relevant documents and have them at hand when talking to your lawyer for the first time. If you feel uneasy about carrying the originals with you, make photocopies or snap some pictures with your smartphone.
Be Honest
Honesty is paramount when talking to your lawyer. Tell the truth, provide accurate information, and if you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to admit so.
As we saw in a previous post, your communications with a lawyer are protected by the attorney-client privilege. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with your lawyer what are the rules that apply before disclosing any confidential information.
Make a List of Questions
It’s normal to feel nervous when you first contact a lawyer. However, this may lead you to forget to ask important questions about your case and about the lawyer. For example, in addition to the questions specific to your case, you will also want to know details such as the experience of your prospective lawyer and the way you will communicate with them (for more ideas on what to ask to your lawyer, take a look at this previous post).
As with the outline of your case, it’s a good idea to write down a list of questions you want to ask and keep it at hand while you talk to your lawyer for the first time.
At the Rivas Law Group, We Are Focused on You
At Law Rivas Group, we offer a wide variety of professional and efficient services that go from preliminary legal advice to litigation and civil law for both corporate and private clients.
We are located at 3800 Orange Street Suite 150, Riverside, California. Contact us today by email (info@lawrivasgroup.com), telephone (951-715-4695), or through our online form to learn more about our services. Hablamos español.