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When dealing with a legal issue, having the appropriate lawyer can make all the difference in your case’s result. Nevertheless, going to a lawyer is a major undertaking, and many are hesitant because of fears about costs and if the lawyer will suit them.

This is where a free lawyer consultation becomes valuable.

These first meetings provide clients with an opportunity to speak about their case, listen to their legal alternatives, and determine if this lawyer is suited for them. To make the most of this experience, knowing what to expect and what to ask can be helpful.

Below are some important questions to ask when you get a free lawyer consultation.  

Purpose of a Free Lawyer Consultation  

Free lawyer consultation is helpful in multiple ways. It provides an opportunity for a person to lay out the facts of their legal situation and get an initial opinion. 

Although the lawyer will not get into a full legal game plan with this brief meeting, they can give an overall sense of the case’s possibilities and pitfalls.

Thus, taking the time to schedule a free consultation can help individuals gain clarity on their legal options before making any important decisions.

Moreover, the consultation also identifies if the attorney handles the kind of legal case under consideration. Various attorneys specialize in various fields of law, including personal injury, family law, criminal defense, or business law.

Examples of Questions You Should Ask

These are some of the questions you should pose to a free lawyer;

1. What Is the Lawyer’s Experience and Specialization?

One of the first questions to ask when having a free consultation is how much experience and knowledge the attorney possesses. Not every lawyer handles all types of cases, so get a lawyer who has dealt with legal issues similar to those in your case.

To get an idea of their expertise, ask them about how many years of experience they possess, what kind of cases they’ve represented, and what their rate of success has been. 

2. What Are the Possible Outcomes of My Case?  

One of those potential questions clients are entitled to ask in a consultation is: what are the possible results in their case? No attorney can ever promise a certain result, but an experienced attorney should give a client some possible scenarios based on past decisions and legal knowledge.

They can discuss the pros and cons of a case and advise on negotiating, settling, or going to court as the proper path to take.    

3. What Are the Costs and Fee Structure?  

Legal fees can vary significantly, so costs must be covered in the initial stage of consultation. One needs to ask the lawyer about its charging mechanism and if it charges an hourly rate, fixed rate, or charges on a contingency basis. 

For example, attorneys dealing with personal injuries are paid on contingency, i.e., only after the success of a case. Business or family law attorneys, however, may request a retainer and charge an hourly rate. 

4. How Will Communication Be Handled?  

Effective communication in every court case is crucial, so clients must inquire about how they will receive updates. Response times, their preferred manner of communication (email, phone, office visits), and who will give them updates on their case are all important questions to ask. Some attorneys delegate communication to assistants or paralegals, whereas others provide direct access to them.

Take Away

Choosing a lawyer constitutes an important initial step in resolving a legal conflict, and an initial consultation provides clients with necessary information well before reaching a decision.

With advance knowledge of consultation purpose and vital questions to ask, clients can analyze a lawyer’s expertise level, approach to law, charging rate, and manner of communication. Being ready with these questions saves clients from having to choose an attorney who not only may lack information but also may not match their needs.