Why You Should Utilize A Free Consultation
Many consumers use search engines like Google, Bing, or others to find a law firm that specializes in the type of legal work they require or one who is nearby when they need legal assistance. Although initial consultations are usually free, there is a limit to the amount of information you may obtain from a potential lawyer during one. In this article, Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. explains why you should take advantage of a free consultation.
What Exactly is a Legal Consultation?
It is an opportunity for potential clients with legal issues to speak face-to-face with an attorney and explore their options. Discussions on the specific sort of legal aid you require might take place here. For whatever reason, whether it is a real estate or DUI or other civil, business, personal injury, or family law concern, now is the time to tell the lawyer what it is that you need help with.
The lawyer will question you about your legal needs throughout the meeting. Here is a quick overview of what you need. However, you must keep your statement as simple as possible.
What Purpose Does a Legal Consultation Serve?
Based on your needs, many lawyers give both free and compensated consultations to their clients. However, it’s important to realize that attorneys won’t offer legal advice unless they’ve been engaged by the person seeking it. For various reasons, including those imposed by their malpractice insurance carriers, attorneys do not provide legal advice without first being engaged.
If you have a particular legal question that you hope the attorney will answer in the consultation and do not expect to require more work, the attorney will charge a minimal fee for the consultation. In some situations, you’ll pay a consultation fee in advance and get answers to your legal issues after the meeting.
Most other consultations are completely free. For example, whether you’re considering hiring an attorney, a free consultation isn’t to provide you with legal advice but rather to let you decide if you want to work with them and let them know if they can assist you in achieving your legal goals.
How is an Initial Consultation with a Lawyer Conducted?
During your first meeting with the lawyer, they will likely ask you to summarize the legal issue you need assistance with. A concise description is all the attorney needs at this time, not the entire tale. The attorney will ask a series of questions to find out:
- The type of legal problem you’re facing
- Choices available to you in the legal system
- To what extent an attorney will be able to help you
- You’re chances of success
- The time and money it will take to reach your goals
Attorneys attempt to avoid going into more detail than is required at this time in the case. Even if you decide not to engage an attorney after the first appointment, more fact collecting will occur if you do. As soon as your lawyer gets a firm grasp on the facts of your case, they will inform you of your legal alternatives, the likelihood of your success in attaining your objectives, and the likely cost.
The lawyer will typically inform you of the next stages in your case and provide you with an estimate of the cost, either in terms of a flat fee or a percentage of the final settlement. A retainer serves as a payment to the attorney as a down payment.
It is an excellent opportunity to ask the lawyer any questions you may have, such as regarding their previous experience with situations similar to yours. In general, attorneys won’t answer specific legal questions until you engage them. Still, they may answer basic legal inquiries to help you decide whether or not to proceed with your case in the future.
What is a No-Obligation Legal Consultation?
Victims of personal injury accidents frequently believe they cannot sue the responsible party because they lack the financial resources to do so. As lawyers, we recognize that when you contact us, you are facing a difficult financial situation.
In order to help people, we provide free consultations. Visiting our office, telling us about your situation, and asking us all the questions you want are all welcome. If you decide not to work with us, you are under “no obligation” to do so. Even if we gave you a free consultation, you’re under no obligation to hire us if we didn’t think we could help you.
If you hire us after our free consultation, we will not be paid unless and until we win your case, like many other personal injury firms that work on a contingency fee basis. Unless we win your case, you owe us nothing.
What is a Paid Consultation for Legal Advice?
Paid legal consultations are designed to address your particular legal questions and take action on your behalf. An attorney-client relationship is formed between the client and the attorney during paid appointments. The drafting or review of a contract, filling out our legal forms, and obtaining case-specific information you require on particular alternatives and actions for your situation may all be accomplished with the help of a paid legal consultation.
Unless you’re looking to hire an attorney for a long-term project, you may expect to pay a minimal price for a consultation with an attorney who will answer your questions in return for payment.
How to Choose the Right Attorney?
The relationship between an attorney and a client is crucial. As a result, you must work with an attorney with whom you get along and have confidence. When choosing an attorney, consider the following factors:
- Verify that the lawyer knows the area of law in which you want assistance;
- Look for a lawyer who is approachable and doesn’t speak down to you or use legalese while communicating with you; and
- Choose an attorney who will be honest with you about your chances of success and the accompanying costs—do not employ someone only interested in making you happy.
Do you have a legal issue that you need help with? Experienced lawyers at Philadelphia Injury Lawyers P.C. can help you. Read on to learn more.
