A first consultation is short, so the more organised you are, the further you'll get. You don't need to know the law — that's the lawyer's job. You just need to bring the facts and documents that let them size up your situation quickly. Here's a practical checklist.
Documents to gather
Bring anything directly related to your matter. Depending on the issue, that might include:
- Contracts, agreements or leases at the centre of the question
- Any letters, emails or messages that matter to the story
- Notices, filings or court papers you've received, with dates
- For a business matter: formation documents, ownership details, key financials
A short written summary
One of the most useful things you can prepare is a simple timeline of what happened, in order, with dates. It saves expensive minutes and helps the lawyer spot the issues that matter. Also jot down:
- Who the other people or companies involved are
- Any deadlines you're aware of
- The outcome you're hoping for
Questions to ask
A consultation goes both ways. Good questions to leave with clear answers:
- What are my realistic options, and what do you recommend?
- What's the likely timeline and cost?
- What happens next, and what do you need from me?
- Are there any deadlines I need to act on now?
One last thing: be candid. Whatever you share in a genuine consultation is treated as confidential, and leaving out an awkward detail only leads to weaker advice.
Ready to book that first meeting?
Your first 30-minute consultation is free and confidential. Bring your questions — we'll bring the answers.
Book Free Consultation →