A legal consultation, also called a consultation with a lawyer, is an initial meeting between the attorney and potential client that takes place before the client decides whether or not to hire the lawyer to represent them. The attorney also uses this time to decide whether or not they will be able to competently and legally represent the potential client based on the information divulged during the meeting.
It is important for a potential client to be aware that this initial consultation does not mean that the attorney will be officially representing them or has taken their case. Generally, when a lawyer agrees to represent a client, there is a written representation agreement signed by both parties.
Before a potential client goes to the consultation, it is important that they gather any information or documents that they think may be relevant to their case. If there is anything the individual is unsure about, they should bring it to the meeting and allow their lawyer to determine whether it will be needed.
Documents that an individual should bring with them may include, but may not be limited to:
- Contracts: If there is a contract dispute, bring copies of the contract and any related documents;
- Employment records: For an employment dispute, they should bring all employment records, including:
- Employment contracts;
- Employment agreements;
- Timesheets;
- Property deeds: If there is a property dispute, bring a copy of the property deed and other documents relating to the property;
- Police or accident reports: Bring any accident or police reports that were created as a result of an incident;
- Other documents evidencing damages: Any other document that may show damages, including:
- Medical expenses;
Medical records;
- Warranties or letters created by the party the individual is suing.
What Will Be Discussed at a Legal Consultation?
What will be discussed during an initial legal consultation will depend entirely on the legal issue that the client is having. There are certain general issues that will be covered, such as the cost of the attorney’s services and the facts and claims of the client’s case.
Initial consultations usually involve a discussion of the fee schedule that the lawyer uses when representing their clients. Lawyers can handle fee arrangements in different ways, such as:
The consultation will also include a discussion of the facts of the case and potential claims the individual may be able to make. It is very important that potential clients be honest with the lawyer, as the lawyer will not be able to properly build a case without knowing everything, good and bad.
Will My Legal Consultation Be Confidential?
Yes, an initial legal consultation will be confidential. The lawyer will not share anything that is discussed during the meeting, which is why it is essential to be honest about the facts of the situation.
It is important to be aware that the consultation does not form a lawyer-client relationship between the parties. However, the meeting will be treated as privileged and confidential, as though attorney-client privilege had been formed.
What Are Some Questions to Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
The questions that a potential client may want to ask during their attorney consultation will depend on their legal issue and what concerns they may have. There are general questions an individual can ask, for example:
- The fee arrangements
- The qualifications of the lawyer
- Whether the lawyer has handled similar cases
- Specific questions about their own issue
It is important to have a written list of questions, if possible, to help ensure all concerns are addressed at the meeting. The lawyer may have some questions for the potential client as well, as they will be determining whether they can represent them.
Are Lawyer Consultations Free?
In some cases, a lawyer consultation will be free, as many lawyers offer this initial meeting at no cost. However, in some cases, a consultation fee will be charged.
Because of this, it is important for an individual to ask before they attend the meeting whether or not the meeting will be free of charge. It is common for lawyers to offer free initial meetings in contingency cases, such as personal injury cases.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a Massachusetts lawyer will vary depending on many factors, including, but not limited to:
- Type of case: The type of case and how complex it will be can affect the representation cost;
- More complex cases that will take more time, money, and resources will increase the cost of representation;
- Location: The cost of operating a law practice, as well as the cost of living in the individual’s area, may affect the cost of representation;
- Attorneys in large cities will likely charge more than lawyers in small, rural areas;
- Lawyer’s experience and background: If an attorney has special experience in a specific area of law, they may charge more for their services;
- Billing method: The type of fee the attorney uses may affect the overall cost of their legal services;
- Competitiveness of the market: The competitiveness of the area’s legal market can affect the cost of legal representation;
- If the legal market in the area is competitive, attorneys may charge a lower fee to attract more clients; and
- Law firm size: A bigger law firm will likely have access to more resources and funds than a smaller firm and, as a result, may be able to charge less.
The average hourly rate for a lawyer in Massachusetts is around $300 but may vary depending on the factors listed above. One of the main things that affects the overall cost of representation is the fee schedule used by the lawyer.
The client may be required to cover certain court fees, administrative fees, charges for document preparation, court appearances, and any other legal services that are provided. It is important for the client to ask about the fee schedule the lawyer will use before they hire them and determine what those fees will cover.
Should a Fee Agreement Be In Writing?
Yes, a fee agreement should always be in writing. This document will outline the parameters of the legal representation, including:
- The services that will be performed
- The fee structure
- Any other issues crucial to the representation
A written agreement will also help avoid uncertainty or misconceptions about the cost of legal services between the attorney and the client. The document will provide a clear record of the agreement if a future dispute or concern occurs.
Should I Contact an Attorney and Schedule a Legal Consultation?
If you have a legal issue in Massachusetts and want to schedule a consultation, it is important to consult with a local attorney in Massachusetts. During this meeting, your potential lawyer can evaluate your legal issue and advise you what the remedies may be in your case.
LegalMatch is an excellent resource for scheduling legal consultations, as you can post your issue online for free and get responses from lawyers, often in as little as 24 hours. You can see who offers free consultations and even schedule multiple meetings to ensure you find the lawyer who meets your needs and budget.
