When an individual has a legal consultation with a lawyer in Nevada, it means that they are having an initial meeting with a professional so the two individuals can decide if they are a good fit to handle the legal issue together. The lawyer will use this consultation time to determine whether or not they will be able to represent the individual based on the information they discuss during the meeting.
An individual should be aware that this meeting does not mean that the lawyer has officially taken the case. Typically, when the attorney has agreed to take the client’s case, both parties will sign a written representation agreement.
Before going to the consultation, an individual should make sure they gather documents and information that may be important in their case. If they are unsure about what they need to bring, they should bring everything that they think may be important and let the attorney review it and decide.
Examples of the types of documents an individual may want to bring may include:
- Contracts: For a contract dispute, a potential client should bring a copy of the contract and any other documents;
- Employment records: For employment disputes, the following may be important:
- Employment contracts;
- Employment agreements;
- Timesheets;
- Property deeds: For a property dispute, bring a copy of the deed to the property as well as other document that relate to the property;
- Police or accident reports: For accidents or incidents, bring the accident or police report that was created; and
- Other documents evidencing damages: Documents that may prove damages, include:
- Medical expenses;
- Receipts for property repairs;
- Medical records; and
- Warranties or letters from the other party.
What Will Be Discussed at a Legal Consultation?
The topics and issues that are discussed during a legal consultation depends on the issue or concern that the client has. In general, there are some general concepts that should be addressed, such as the facts and circumstances surrounding the client’s issue and what the cost of the lawyer’s services will be.
At the consultation, there will usually be a discussion of the fee arrangements that the lawyer uses to charge their clients, such as:
At the consultation, the potential client and lawyer may also discuss the potential claims and remedies that may be available in the case. It is important for the individual to share everything they know regarding their issue so that the attorney can properly build a case and a defense on behalf of the client.
Will My Legal Consultation Be Confidential?
Yes, legal consultations are confidential. This allows the potential client to be honest during their meeting. Although a formal attorney-client relationship is not formed simply by having an initial consultation, the information that is shared will still be privileged and confidential, as though attorney-client privilege had formed.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
Questions that an individual might want to ask during their initial attorney consultation will be different depending on their legal concern. However, there are some general concepts that should be addressed during consultations, such as:
- The background and qualifications of the lawyer;
- How long the issue may take to resolve;
- The fee arrangement the lawyer will be charging for their legal services;
- What those fees will cover; and
- Any other questions the individual has about their legal issue.
Are Lawyer Consultations Free?
There are lawyers who offer free consultations to prospective clients. Other attorneys who do not offer free consultations will charge a consultation fee.
A consultation fee is paid to cover the attorney’s time and advice provided during the meeting. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the:
- Experience of the attorney;
- Location of the issue;
- Location of the lawyer or law firm and
- The type of case that will be handled.
Typically, if the attorney charges a consultation fee, it will vary between $50 and $250, depending on the factors listed above.
Who Can Give Legal Advice?
The only individuals who are allowed to give legal advice are licensed attorneys. There is an important difference between legal advice and legal information.
Legal information can be recited by anyone. However, it is against the law for someone who does not have a law license to provide legal advice or to represent someone other than themselves in court. Licensed attorneys have graduated with a law degree and have passed the state bar exam, or the licensing exam in their state.
If an unlicensed lawyer provides legal advice or engages in the practice of law without a license, they may be subject to harsh consequences.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a lawyer in Nevada will vary depending on numerous issues. Examples of what may affect the cost of a lawyer include:
- Type of case: The type and complexity of a case will affect the cost of representation, as more complicated cases will require more money, time, and resources;
- Law firm size: Larger law firms typically have access to more funds and other resources than smaller law firms and may charge less for their services;
- Location: The cost of operating the law firm, in addition to the cost of living in the area, can affect the cost of the representation;
- Billing method: The fee arrangement that is used by the lawyer can affect the overall cost of the legal services;
- For example, in larger cities, attorneys may charge more than attorneys in small towns;
- Lawyer’s experience and background: Some lawyers have special experience, education, or training in a specific area of law and, as a result, may charge more for their services; and
- Competitiveness of the market: The competitiveness of the legal market in the individual’s area may have an effect on the cost of their legal representation.
In Nevada, lawyers may charge an hourly fee that ranges from $250 to $600, with an average of about $283. It is important for an individual to note that they may have to pay other fees in addition to the lawyer’s hourly rates.
This may include filing fees, administrative fees, and other court fees. It is essential for a potential client to ask the lawyer about what fees they will be responsible for paying and what those fees will cover before they officially hire the lawyer.
Should I Contact an Attorney and Schedule a Legal Consultation?
If you think you may have a legal issue in Nevada and are considering seeking legal help, you should consult with a local attorney in Nevada. An attorney can evaluate your legal concerns, ensure your legal interests are protected throughout the process, and help you obtain the outcome you desire.
LegalMatch has a database of member lawyers, many of whom offer free consultations. You can submit your issue online for free and receive responses from attorneys who are ready to begin working on your case in around 24 hours.
By having more than one free initial consultation, you can decide which lawyer best fits your needs and budget. Your initial consultation will not fully resolve your legal concern but can be an important first step towards obtaining a remedy for your issue.
