How to Prepare for a Lawyer Consultation
Knowing how to approach a lawyer and what to prepare for can make all the difference when meeting for the first time. Starting off on the right foot can lead to a quick result to your question.

While most people want the best and most experienced lawyer to represent them in a personal injury case, it is important to remember that the client also has certain expectations to meet. Do not automatically think that just because you have suffered a personal injury, every lawyer will be standing first in line to take your case. Have you ever asked, “How do a find a free lawyer consultation near me?”
There are several ways to go about answering this question, but you also need to remember your role. Lawyers also have certain expectations of their clients, and they include the following:
- Dress appropriately. Just like you expect a lawyer to be professionally attired, lawyers also expect their clients to be appropriately dressed. This does not mean you wear a suit and tie but at least wear a decent pair of fresh pants and a shirt. Make sure your hair is combed and you do look sleepy, tired, or uninterested. Please do not come to a lawyer with your pants low-slung. The lawyer may not take you, or your personal injury claim, seriously.
- Before the initial consultation, document a chronology of the events that led to your injury. Reveal the full details of your medical injury backed by reports and X-rays from the medical professionals who have treated you.
- Bring all necessary documents. When you meet with the lawyer, come prepared. Have all your documents photocopied. This includes the accident report, the police report, medical report(s), names of any witnesses, and any communication that you may have had with your insurer.
- Have a list of all the possible questions that you may want to ask of the lawyer. For example, does your case need attention from a personal injury lawyer, how much compensation can you expect, etc. Most lawyers offer a free consultation, but you are taking the lawyer’s time and it is important to ask as many questions as possible. If you forget to ask questions, in the future, it may be that the lawyer may ask you to pay additional money to answer more questions.
- Show honesty: Despite what people read and believe, most lawyers are honest professionals and also expect the same from their clients. Do not make up stories and do not exaggerate your injuries. The thing to remember is that whatever you say to the lawyer is confidential and can never be revealed to the public. Being open and honest in your communications with Phoenix lawyers is your best course of action.
- Discuss payment plan: It is important to discuss the fees that may occur with your case. Even if you do not bring up the topic, your lawyer will, and discussing a payment plan is vital for any case. The key is to understand that there are several types of fees possible, and you should have it all in writing. This includes the type of payment plan, how much is expected as upfront fees, how much is the lawyer charging by the hour, or does he or she have a flat rate? Most attorneys will not charge anything if they don’t win your case.
- Do not sign everything: When you visit a lawyer’s office, there will invariably be a lot of paperwork. Read it before you sign it. If the volume of paperwork is too big, do not be afraid to tell the lawyer that you would like photocopies so that you can read everything at home before signing. No reputable lawyer will refuse that request. Even after you have read the document, if you still do not understand it, ask the lawyer to please explain it again.
- Keep copies: As a rule, all clients should have the entire copy of their case and billing. Lawyers will be more than glad to give you all the necessary photocopies of your case for your record.
- Be prepared to pay: Even though the initial lawyer consultation may be free, once the lawyer decides to accept your case, there may be a small administrative fee for the paperwork. Therefore, you should bring along a method of payment (a checkbook, debit card, or credit card.
- Come alone: Even though you may feel that it is important to bring along a family member or friend to the meeting, the best advice is to come alone. Your partner can wait in the lobby. The reason is that all client-lawyer communication is confidential and privileged. Also, you may say something, and later, it is possible that the lawyer may call upon your friend/family member to testify against you if the relationship takes a turn for the worst.
- Turn off your mobile phone. If you want to earn the respect of Phoenix lawyers, turn off your mobile devices. It is extremely annoying to have a ringing smartphone interrupt a serious meeting and may be a signal to the attorney that you might not take things seriously when, and if, the case were to get started.
- While the internet is a great source of education, it also falsely creates a myth that everyone can be a lawyer. This often leads to chaos and bad outcomes. The best advice: listen to your lawyer and heed what he or she says. They went to law school for a reason. For example, if your lawyer tells you not to speak to the insurer, follow that advice. Almost all insurers try to settle the case with the victim, but whatever you say to the insurer is also recorded and is often used against you to counter your claims or open the possibility of the validity of the injury. Lawyers frequently make recommendations with your interest as a priority.
Don’t Settle for Any Phoenix Lawyers That Aren’t The Best
By following the above tips, you should have no issues answering the question, “How do a find a free lawyer consultation near me? In fact, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a handful to check out.
Richard Gullette has more than 30 years of experience in handling personal injury cases. He would be more than happy to talk with you and discuss the merits of your case.
Call him today. Begin your search and end it today with Richard Gullette.

