Meeting with your lawyer
When you go to the appointment with your lawyer make sure you are on time. You may also want to take a pen and notepad with you so you can write down anything you and your lawyer discuss.
Be prepared for the appointment
At the appointment, you should:
- give your lawyer the documents you have gathered including your chronology
- be patient while your lawyer reads your documents
- take the time to listen to your lawyer, and tell them if you don't understand what they say
- answer any questions your lawyer asks you
- tell your lawyer what outcome you want.
Sometimes your lawyer may not give you the advice you want to hear. You do not have to follow their advice. However, when deciding what to do about your legal problem, you should consider that lawyers are experts in their field and also have your best interests in mind.
Ask questions
Asking questions will help you get the most out of your meeting and help you understand what you need to do next.
Legal language can be difficult to understand. Your lawyer may be using legal words without realising that you may not understand them. If you do not understand what your lawyer is saying, ask your lawyer to explain it to you.
If you know what questions you want to ask the lawyer, write them down before your meeting so you do not forget to ask them.
Checklist: Questions for your lawyer
After the appointment
After meeting your lawyer, you may decide that you:
- do not want to take further action
- can resolve your issue yourself
- want the lawyer to represent you
- are comfortable representing yourself
- want to get another opinion from a different lawyer.
If you decide that you want the lawyer to represent you, ask them:
- what action will be taken next
- if you need to make a follow up appointment or if they will contact you.