How to Prepare for an Employment Consultation With Your Lawyer
Employment Consultation
The more prepared you are to consult with your lawyer, the more productive your consultation will be. Below are steps to help you make the most of the time you have with your attorney.
Get organized. Write down notes outlining your legal problem, or any questions you may have. Your lawyer will need to know the details of your case in order to decide how to move forward in your best interests.
Bring relevant documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case. Give these copies to the lawyer. Not sure if a document is relevant? Bring it anyway and your lawyer will you let you know.
Be honest. It is very important that you give an honest account of your legal problem. This includes information that may be sensitive. Your conversation with your lawyer is private and can not be discussed with others unless you give your lawyer permission to do so.
Ask questions. In order for your lawyer to serve you better, you must understand your case and the legal process. But remember, you are paying for your lawyer’s time. It is more cost effective to ask several questions at once.
Read all documents carefully. Before you sign a document, ask your lawyer to fully explain to you what exactly it is that you are signing. If you do not understand what the document is about, ask your lawyer to explain it to you.
Keep your own files. Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement between you and your lawyer for your records.
Listen to your lawyer. Listen to your lawyer and think about what your lawyer asks you to do. The lawyer’s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Your lawyer's advice may not be what you want to hear but your lawyer has your best interest in mind.
Talk about costs. Your lawyer will be ready to discuss fees during your first meeting. You should be ready to do the same. It is perfectly okay to discuss payment plans with your lawyer. Get your agreement in writing and keep a copy for your file. It's important to note that if your legal expenses exceed $1,000, your attorney is required to provide you a written fee agreement
Communicate with your lawyer. For your lawyer to best represent you, it is important that you communicate with your lawyer throughout the entire representation should you choose to hire. You should make it clear what you want out of the representation. The lawyer-client relationship works most efficiently when both parties stay in communication and work together in order to achieve the best outcome.
If you have legal questions, we can help, contact an Arizona attorney at Tyler Allen Law Firm by filling out the contact form on this page or calling (602) 456-0545.