What happens at a free lawyer consultation?

So, when a lawyer says that he or she will provide a free consultation it means that they will sit down with you, hear about your problem, and give you some initial thoughts about it, at no charge or obligation to you. This meeting gives you a chance to “interview” the lawyer and the lawyer the chance to interview you.

What does free consultation with a lawyer mean?

Legal Aid NSW provides free advice to disadvantaged people about legal issues affecting them. … A lawyer will give you one-off free legal advice about your issue. They will also tell you whether you may be eligible for further assistance or a grant of legal aid for a lawyer to represent you in your case.

What can I expect at a lawyer consultation?

During your consultation, the attorney will ask about the issues in your case and discuss the merits of the actions and the various ways you can proceed. There will then be a mutual selection process.

Are free consultations really free?

In some cases, attorneys may offer free phone consultations as the starting point. … If you have been seriously injured and are unable to travel, some attorneys will visit you in the hospital or at home. It’s true: Free legal consultations really are free.

How do I prepare for a legal consultation?

Prepare For Your Consultation
  1. Bring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case and give these copies to your lawyer.
  2. Have notes ready. …
  3. Dress for success. …
  4. Be honest. …
  5. Talk about costs. …
  6. Ask your lawyer questions. …
  7. Understand all documents you sign. …
  8. Keep your own files.

Can I call a lawyer and ask a question for free?

24-Hour Free Legal Help Hotline. If you have a pressing legal issue, call 1-800-ATTORNEY today to discuss the facts of your case with a lawyer (calls accepted 24/7). … The law varies from state to state, and those giving legal advice will often have differing opinions, and may not even be licensed to practice law.

Why do some lawyers charge for consultation?

Why do solicitors’ fees vary? Fundamentally because legal services are de-regulated. Healthy competition in the legal services market benefits the consumer.

What does a free consultation consist of?

So, when a lawyer says that he or she will provide a free consultation it means that they will sit down with you, hear about your problem, and give you some initial thoughts about it, at no charge or obligation to you. This meeting gives you a chance to “interview” the lawyer and the lawyer the chance to interview you.

How much is a lawyer consultation fee?

Hourly rates can vary widely, some lawyers charge $50 an hour and some lawyers charge more than $500 an hour. The average rate tends to lie between $100 and $300 per hour. Like with other fee arrangements, hiring a lawyer at an hourly rate has its pros and cons.

What does a consultation include?

A consultation is “a meeting with an expert or professional in order to seek advice.” The meaning is fairly self-apparent. … When you want to receive advice from a professional or expert of any sort, the meeting you schedule with them is a consultation.

Do lawyers charge for advice?

A lawyer can charge you for a consultation, but they should tell you before you book and explain any conditions. For example, they may offer the first 30 minutes free but charge for time above that. A lawyer should speak to you about costs and provide the best possible information so you can make an informed choice.


Do lawyers charge for emails?

If the lawyer charges an hourly fee, the lawyer will bill you for small tasks like writing emails to you and answering your telephone calls. Some lawyers charge for their time in six-minute increments, and will round up. For example, if your lawyer charges $250 per hour, a ten-minute phone call may cost you $50.

What’s the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. … An attorney is someone who is not only trained and educated in law, but also practices it in court. A basic definition of an attorney is someone who acts as a practitioner in a court of law.

What questions should I ask my consultation lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation
  • 1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?
  • 2) What would be your strategy for my case?
  • 3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?
  • 4) What are my possible outcomes?
  • 5) Who will actually handle my case?
  • 6) What is my role in my case?

What should I wear to a lawyer consultation?

The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. … If you need to refer to a document, pull out what you have and be sure to give it to your attorney.

How do you start a conversation with a lawyer?

5 tips for talking to a lawyer
  1. Get organized. Try to create a clear, comprehensive story of your situation. …
  2. Be detailed. Seemingly frivolous details like the weather may, at first, seem dismissible. …
  3. Be honest. Plain and simple: Don’t lie. …
  4. Ask to clarify. …
  5. Keep them informed.