|
When you first arrive, you
will be greeted at our front desk. You should call
beforehand to make sure an attorney is available for an initial consultation.
The purpose of an initial consultation is
for the attorney to advise you, the prospective client, what,
if anything, may be done for you. The purpose is not to
render a definitive legal opinion.
One of three outcomes is possible following your
consultation. You and the attorney mutually agree to the terms of
representation, the attorney declines representation, or you decide not
to use the services of the attorney.
Before you meet with an attorney, you may be asked to
complete an Initial Consultation Interview Form. The answers to these
questions will help us understand the reason for your visit. Your
responses are protected by attorney/client privilege and will be held
in strict confidence.
These are some of the questions you may be asked:
1. Please give a brief
explanation of what you may need advice about or assistance with.
2. What is your name, street
address, city, state, zip, and home phone number. Also your marital
status, driver's license number, and Social Security number. Where are
you employed and what is the phone number? What is the name, address
and phone number of someone (friend or relative) you believe will
always know how to contact you?
3. Are there other parties
involved and what their relationship is to you? (Examples: a friend, an
employer, a neighbor, signor of a contract, etc. This includes people
or parties on either side of your issue).
4. Please provide a list of
documents you think may help us understand the issues. Note that any
documents you supply that are important to your matter will be
photocopied, with your permission, and your originals returned to you
at the conclusion of the initial interview.
5. Ideally, if things turn
out precisely the way you want, what would the outcome be? Knowing that
there are no guarantees, what can you accept? If the matter involves
payment to you of money you feel you are owed, how long can you wait
before not getting paid in days, weeks, months, or years.
6. Classify your urgency in
concluding the matter as critical, very important, important, just
thought I'd see if it was worth pursuing, or just wanted to know what
my rights are.
7. Are we the first
attorneys you have consulted regarding this matter? Have you ever been
represented by an attorney before?
Following your initial interview, if you
agree to hire the attorney and the attorney agrees to represent you,
you may both sign an Agreement for Representation. The Agreement
for Representation sets forth the terms and conditions of
representation.
If the attorney does not agree to
represent you, you will be strongly urged to immediately consult with
other legal counsel to protect your rights.
|
