A legal consultation, also called a consultation with an attorney, is a first meeting with an attorney that occurs before a potential client makes a decision regarding whether or not to hire that attorney to represent them in their legal issue. Additionally, the attorney will also use the consultation to determine whether or not they will be able to represent that potential client based on the information provided.
It is important for a potential client to be aware that an initial attorney consultation does not mean that the attorney is officially representing them or that the attorney has taken their case. Generally, for an attorney to legally represent a client, both parties must sign a representation agreement.
Potential clients may also be able to show that the attorney consented to represent the potential client through the attorney’s actions or words. Before the initial consultation with an attorney, the potential client should ensure that they are prepared by gathering any documents that are relevant to their case.
Legal advice is advice that is provided to an individual who is seeking advice from an attorney that pertains to matters within their competence. If legal advice is provided, an implied lawyer-client relationship may have been formed, even during an initial consultation.
If, however, the attorney states that the advice they are provided is not intended to form a lawyer-client relationship or should not be relied on, it should be considered a legal pitch for their services. Off-the-cuff comments or legal pitches are not considered to be legal advice and, therefore, cannot be used to later show that a lawyer-client relationship was formed.
It is important for the individual to bring any documents that they think may be related to their case for their lawyer to review. This is because their attorney can determine what documents are relevant and which ones are not.
Documents that a potential client should bring with them may include:
- Contracts: If a claim arose from a contract dispute, then they should bring copies of the contract and any documents related to the contract;
- Police or accident reports: If applicable, a potential client should bring any police or accident reports that resulted from the incident they were involved in;
- Property deeds: If a potential client’s claim involves a property dispute, they should be sure to bring a copy of the deed or any documents that relate to the property, for example, an oil and gas lease, etc.;
- Employment records: If a potential client’s claim is an employment dispute, they should bring all of their employment records, which may include:
- Their employment contract;
- Employment agreement; or
- Timesheets; and
- Other documents evidencing damages: Other important documents for a potential client to bring will include any evidence of damages, such as medical records, expenses, warranties, or letters created by the party the individual is trying to sue.
What Will Be Discussed at a Legal Consultation?
There are numerous different reasons why an individual may seek out the help of a lawyer. What will be discussed at a legal consultation will depend on the legal issue of the potential client.
Typical issues that are covered at initial consultations include:
- Costs: An initial consultation will typically include a discussion of the fee schedule that an attorney may use when representing a potential client in their legal dispute. Attorney fee arrangements may include:
- Legal claims and facts: The initial consultation usually includes a discussion of the facts and circumstances and the potential client’s legal claims. It is important for the potential client to be honest when they are sharing things about their particular case because lying about the facts or circumstances surrounding their case may lead to criminal sanctions or other types of civil penalties.
For example, assume that a potential client is having an initial consultation for a divorce. In that case, it will likely include a discussion regarding the reasons for the divorce, any separate and marital property, and child custody if the couple has children. The potential client would ask whether or not they will be charged for the initial consultation before attending.
Will My Legal Consultation Be Confidential?
A potential client can be completely honest with the lawyer during the legal consultation because they are confidential. This means that anything a potential client discusses with their potential attorney will not be discussed outside of that room.
Even though an initial legal consultation does not form a lawyer-client relationship because that will not be formed without a signed representation agreement, everything that the potential client says to their attorney during the consultation will remain privileged and confidential as if an attorney-client privilege had formed. Because of this, potential clients should share all of the information they have with their lawyer, whether it may seem harmful or helpful to their case, so their lawyer can properly evaluate the issues.
What Are Some Questions to Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
The questions that a potential client should ask during a consultation will depend on their specific legal issue. However, there are some general issues that a potential client should ask about, including:
- The lawyer’s background and qualifications
- The fee arrangement
- Specific questions about the case
For example, in a divorce case, a potential client may want to discuss obtaining alimony or child custody. Additionally, they may want to know whether or not they can open a separate bank account or evict their spouse from the marital home.
Initial legal consultations are a great opportunity to find out whether or not the attorney will be a good fit for the potential client’s budget and needs.
Are Lawyer Consultations Free?
Many attorneys will offer free initial legal consultations so that both parties can determine if the attorney should represent them. It is important to note that some attorneys do charge a consultation fee.
However, because this time is useful for both parties, many attorneys provide free consultations. These meetings usually last between thirty minutes and one hour.
If a lawyer does charge for an initial consultation, the fee will typically range between $50 and $250. Depending on their degree of experience or the type of legal case, however, a lawyer may charge more or less than these amounts.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
The cost of hiring a lawyer in Pennsylvania will vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the fee structure, and the lawyer’s training and experience. On average, a Pennsylvania lawyer charges between $130 and $550, with an average of $288.
Should I Contact an Attorney and Schedule a Legal Consultation?
If you have a legal issue or question in Pennsylvania, it is important to consult with a local attorney in Pennsylvania for a legal consultation. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and represent your interests throughout the legal process if you choose to hire them after your initial consultation.
LegalMatch has a database of member lawyers who can help you locate the right lawyer for your legal issue. It is important to remember that an initial legal consultation will not fully resolve your case, but it is an important first step on the path to resolution.
Jose Rivera, J.D.
Managing Editor
Editor
Last Updated: Mar 5, 2024
