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Attorneys are licensed professionals who are permitted to practice law. Attorneys may also be called attorneys at law and lawyers.
Attorneys provide many services to their clients, including:
Legal consultations are initial meetings with attorneys that occur prior to an individual making a decision regarding whether or not to hire that attorney to represent them in a legal matter. In addition, attorneys use initial consultations to determine if they are able to legally and competently represent them based on the information that they provide.
It is important for an individual to be aware that the initial legal consultation does not mean that a lawyer is officially representing the individual or has taken on their case. In general, in order for the lawyer to represent the client, there must be a written representation agreement that is signed by both the client and the attorney. Or, the individual must be able to prove that, through their words or actions, the lawyer consented to representing the individual.
Prior to consulting with a lawyer, an individual should ensure that they prepare for their consultation by gathering any documents which are relevant to the case. It is important for the potential client to bring all documentation that they have for the lawyer to review.
The lawyer will then take all of the documentation and determine what is relevant and what is not. The documents that an individual may need to bring to a consultation may include:
There are numerous reasons why an individual may seek the services of an attorney. Because of this, what is discussed in legal consultations may vary depending on the legal issue.
There are also some general issues, which may be discussed at consultations, including the cost of the legal services and the facts and circumstances of the case. Initial consultations typically include discussions of what the lawyer will charge to represent the client to resolve their dispute.
It is important to discuss the fee arrangement that will be used for the case. Lawyers may use one of the following fee structures:
A consultation will also include a discussion of the facts and circumstances of the legal claim. It is important for the potential client to disclose all of the information about their issue honestly.
In some cases, lying about facts and circumstances surrounding a case may lead to civil penalties or criminal sanctions. Another reason an individual can feel free to be honest during their consultation is that the consultation will be confidential.
This means that what an individual discusses with their attorney will not be discussed outside of the meeting room. It is important to note, however, that having an initial consultation does not form an attorney-client relationship.
The former attorney-client relationship is not formed until a representation agreement is signed. However, everything that is communicated with the lawyer during the consultation will remain privileged and confidential, as if an attorney-client privilege had formed.
For example, a consultation with a family lawyer for a divorce may include:
During a consultation, an attorney may provide legal advice. Legal advice is given to an individual pertaining to matters within the lawyer’s competence or when the lawyer expressly or impliedly agrees to give advice regarding their assistance in the matter.
If legal advice is provided, an implied attorney-client relationship may be formed between the attorney and the client at the initial consultation. If, however, the attorney states that the advice they are provided is not intended to form an attorney-client relationship or should not be relied on, an individual may consider that as a pitch for their legal services.
In many cases, lawyers will offer consultations free of charge. It is important for an individual to ask prior to their consultation whether it will be free or if there will be a charge.
There are many ways an individual can locate a lawyer for a consultation near them. An individual may begin by seeking recommendations from their family or friends.
Other methods an individual may use to locate an attorney include:
These methods of searching for an attorney may provide an overwhelming number of results which may not be accurate. This applies especially to internet searches.
Additionally, an individual may not be aware of what category of law their legal issue falls into and, therefore, do not know what type of lawyer they need. LegalMatch can help an individual find an attorney in their area who practices in the area of law they need.
With LegalMatch, an individual can present their legal issue online in just a few minutes. Within about 24 hours, they will receive responses from attorneys who are ready to begin work on their case.
LegalMatch provides information for pre-screened attorneys, including their fee structure and education. An individual can then decide which attorney best suits their needs or even have consultations with multiple attorneys before deciding on one.
Choosing an attorney is a very personal choice, as an individual must find someone with whom they are comfortable communicating and working.
Other Helpful Resources:If you have a legal issue, question, or concern, a consultation attorney can help. A consultation will allow you to present your legal issue to an attorney who can provide you with legal advice and options for how to resolve your issue.
During a consultation, a lawyer will be able to evaluate your case and explain how they can represent your best interests if you choose to hire them. It is important to remember that a legal consultation will not typically provide a solution to your legal problem because it is only the first step towards resolving your legal issue.
If an initial consultation is provided free of charge, you have nothing to lose by meeting with an attorney, or even multiple attorneys, to determine who is best suited to help you with your legal issue.
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