Prepare for a lawyer consultation

Use a short meeting to clarify the issue, the work you need, and what it may cost.

Before the meeting

The State Bar's Before Selecting an Attorney guide recommends comparing candidates and preparing the key points and relevant papers. Its San Diego referral-service directory offers another official starting point.

A practical preparation sheet

• Write a one-sentence question and the result you want help evaluating.
• Prepare a short chronology, the relevant order, and a list of supporting documents. Keep confidential materials within the lawyer's agreed intake process.
• List any dates you believe may matter and ask the lawyer to verify them independently.

Questions to ask

• What experience do you have with this type of matter?
• Who would do the work, and what is included in the proposed scope?
• What are the fees, billing arrangements, likely next steps, and significant uncertainties?
• Which missing documents would affect your assessment?

Ask for an explanation you understand. The State Bar cautions against guarantees of results. These questions do not create an attorney-client relationship with this project.

Source: State Bar guide, Finding the right lawyer and Your initial consultation. The preparation sheet is an original editorial aid.