Legal consultations, or attorney consultations, are the first meetings with potential clients before they make a decision regarding whether or not to hire an attorney to represent them or handle their legal issues. The attorney will also use this initial consultation to decide whether or not they will be able to represent the potential client based on the information that the potential client provides.
It is important to be aware that having an initial consultation does not mean that an attorney officially represents the client they are meeting with or that they have taken their case. For the lawyer to legally represent the potential client, there has to be a written representation agreement signed by both the potential client and the attorney.
Before a potential client attends their initial consultation, they should gather any documents that may be relevant to their case. A lawyer will review all of the documents and determine what will be relevant to the case and what will not.
Examples of the types of documents an individual should bring to their consultation include, but are not limited to:
- Contracts: If a claim is based on a contract dispute, the client they should bring copies of the contract and any documents that are related to the contract;
- Police or accident reports: Potential clients should bring police or accident reports that were created as a result of an accident or incident;
- Property deeds: If a claim involves a property dispute, a potential client should bring a copy of their deed or other documents that relate to the property;
- Employment records: If a claim is based on an employment dispute, a potential client should bring their employment records, which may include an employment contract, employment agreement, or timesheets;
- Other documents evidencing damages: Any other documents to bring include evidence of damages, for example, medical records, expenses, warranties, or letters that the party drafted the client is considering suing.
What Will Be Discussed at a Legal Consultation?
There are numerous different reasons why potential clients may seek out the counsel of an experienced lawyer. What will be discussed during the legal consultation will depend on the legal question or issue the potential client asks.
Issues that are commonly discussed at a legal consultation include:
- Fee arrangements: Initial consultations normally include a discussion of the fees that the attorney will charge to represent the potential client. Lawyer fee arrangements may be handled in several different ways, for example:
- Legal claims and facts: An initial consultation typically includes a discussion of the facts and circumstances of the issue and potential legal claims;
- A potential client should be completely honest with their lawyer, as that will be the only way that the lawyer can determine whether or not they will be able to represent the potential client.
For example, a real estate consultation will involve a discussion of the ownership status of the property, whether it is being bought or sold, or other issues, such as zoning. The consultation should also include a discussion of the fee arrangement the lawyer will use.
Before attending the initial consultation, a potential client should ask the lawyer whether or not they will be charged for the meeting.
Will My Legal Consultation Be Confidential?
A potential client should be completely honest during their legal consultation because any information they share is confidential. This means that whatever the potential client discusses with their attorney will not be discussed outside of the meeting.
Even though the initial consultation does not mean that a lawyer-client relationship is formed, everything the potential client shares will be privileged and confidential as though an attorney-client privilege was formed. Because of this confidentiality, potential clients should provide their attorneys with all information they have, whether it is harmful or helpful, so the attorney can make a proper evaluation of the case.
What Are Some Questions to Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
The questions that an individual should ask during their initial consultation will depend on the circumstances of their specific legal issue. In general, a potential client may want to ask questions regarding:
- The lawyer’s background and qualifications
- The fee arrangement
- Specific questions about the case
For example, in estate planning cases, the potential client may want to ask their lawyer about wills, trusts, and estates and how to ensure their loved ones are cared for if they pass away. Initial consultations are great opportunities to determine whether the attorney will be a good fit for the client’s budget and legal issues.
Are Lawyer Consultations Free?
Lawyers often offer free consultations so that both parties are able to determine if the attorney should represent the potential client to resolve their legal issue. There are some attorneys that charge consultation fees.
Attorneys will also use the consultation time to determine if they can properly represent the potential client. Because this time is useful for both parties involved, many attorneys will provide free initial consultations, which usually last between thirty minutes and one hour.
What Is a Lawyer Consultation Fee?
The lawyer consultation fee is a fee that an attorney charges for the first meeting with a potential client. This fee is typically paid in advance and is used to pay for the attorney’s time and costs for the meeting.
The charge for the consultation fee may vary based on their experience, location, and the nature of the legal issue. There are some lawyers who forego the consultation fee for certain situations, such as pro bono cases.
Lawyer consultations usually cost between $50 and $250. However, depending on the legal subject being handled, it may cost more or less than this.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of an attorney in Illinois will vary depending on the location of the lawyer, their experience, and the type of case. For example, on average, in Chicago, a lawyer may charge between $150 and $500 per hour, depending on their experience.
As noted above, there are different types of fee arrangements, such as:
- Hourly fees: Lawyers charge a specific amount for each hour or portion of an hour that they work on the case;
- Flat fees: Lawyers charge a set amount of money for a specific service, regardless of how much time they spend working on the case;
- This fee arrangement is commonly used for services such as document preparation or basic legal advice;
- Retainer fees: Attorneys charge a set amount of money upfront, which is typically treated as a deposit, and then bill the client for services rendered on an hourly basis out of that amount; and
- Contingency fees: Attorneys only get paid when they win. This fee arrangement is commonly used in personal injury cases as well as other types of cases where the client may not have the funds to pay the attorney’s fees.
Should I Contact an Attorney and Schedule a Legal Consultation?
If you believe you may need the assistance of a local attorney in Illinois for a legal consultation, it is important to consult with a lawyer as soon as you can to ensure your case can be handled. Your attorney can evaluate your legal problem and represent you throughout the process if you choose to hire them after the consultation.
LegalMatch provides a database of member lawyers that can help you locate the right lawyer who is ready to begin handling your legal issue. An initial consultation will not fully resolve your issue or question, but it is an important first step towards resolution.
