3 Steps to Prepare for an Attorney Consultation

GETTING THE MOST FROM A CONSULTATION

If you’re facing a legal question or issue, talking to an attorney may be the necessary next step. 

Using LegalQ to talk to an attorney is straight-forward and easy. Download the app, create an account, select your state, and pay for 15 or 30 minutes. Pricing is always upfront and transparent, so you know what it will cost before the conversation begins.

Attorneys on the LegalQ platform are independent. LegalQ attorneys can answer your questions about: 

• Family law, including divorce and custody issues 
• Unemployment issues or wrongful termination questions 
• Small business issues, including contracts and employment matters 
• Landlord-tenant disputes, such as evictions 
• Knowing your rights and responsibilities 
• Getting a second legal opinion 

How can I feel ready for the consultation?

To make the most of your time (you can learn and accomplish a lot in 15 minutes, by the way!), follow three simple steps to help you feel confident and prepared when speaking with an attorney about your legal situation.

Step 1 - Know Your Goal

Start with the end in mind. As a result of the conversation, what would you like to know or do or have? Know your goal. Entering into the conversation knowing what you’d like to accomplish will go a long way in keeping the conversation focused. 

Write it down. When you’re in the conversation, writing down your goal will help you stay focused and help you recall why you reached out in the first place. Writing down a plan and our goals, too, has the benefit of maintaining objectivity. 

For instance, how would you finish this sentence? “As a result of this conversation, I would like…”

• An answer to a legal question from a lawyer in a particular state  
• A better understanding of a legal situation 
• A decent first-impression of an attorney I may hire  
• Legal advice specific to my circumstances 
• To know if I “have a case.” 
• What to expect when hiring an attorney 
• A plan or course of action 

Also, no need to force it. Sometimes starting with a general question opens doors to more specifics. You may simply describe your situation and hear their reactions and what advice they give. You may say something like, “Given what I’m describing, do I have a legal case?” Or, simply: “What do you make of what I’m asking?” 

They may have follow-up questions, and the conversation begins. 

If you don’t know where you are going - it’s been said - you might get there. Start with the end in mind, even if it's merely to learn more about your situation or get a quick answer.  

Step 2 - Gather the Facts

Attorneys love facts, so come to the conversation with lots of them. A fact can be a number or a document, or a record of events. 

Facts are everywhere, by the way. It’s not just a “document,” the points would include who sent it to you, when, and what action you took (or didn’t take). 

Here are some other examples of facts:  

• Consider putting together a timeline of events. What happened, where, and when. Writing down the timeline will help you stay objective. 
• What deadlines do you have to meet? Who are the other parties? Who has been involved? 
• Gather all materials, documents, and correspondence. Create a folder.
• Note what actions you’ve taken, including notes, messages, and emails you’ve exchanged with other parties. 

When talking to an attorney, refrain from incriminating yourself or revealing too much information. Stick to the facts.  

Here is a go-to question you can use today: “What are the common mistakes you see people making with cases like mine?”

Step 3 - Keep An Open Mind 

When speaking to an attorney, enter into the conversation with an open mind. Be fully aware of what you might learn. Get curious. Stay curious. 

Prepare to ask for clarifications. It’s okay to inquire further with “Can you say more about…?” or “Can you explain what you mean by…?” These are fair game, if not expected. If you’re paying for answers, make sure you get clear explanations. 

Attorneys have heard hundreds (if not thousands) of legal cases, so it’s doubtful that you’ll surprise them. 

Here is a go-to question you can use today: “What are the common mistakes you see people making with cases like mine?” An answer to this question will help you immensely, whatever your legal situation. 

Knowing the truth about cases and situations like yours may come with a short-term sting, but the truth, whatever it holds, will be vital to helping you make sound, wise decisions and make a plan. 

Above All Else, Talk to an Actual Attorney 

Install the FREE LegalQ app and create a secure account. Select your state and area of law. Then, input a legal question. 

A conversation with an attorney can be vital to understanding your legal situation.

Be open to their advice and counsel. If an attorney helps you know what you don’t know, that is a step ahead (and far better than not knowing what you don’t know!).  

Follow these three simple steps to feel confident getting the most out of your 15 or 30-minute LegalQ consultation. 

Use LegalQ to talk to an attorney. Download the FREE mobile app now >>>