Meeting with an attorney for the first time can feel daunting, but preparation can make all the difference. Your first meeting with an attorney is a key step in protecting your rights, getting clear answers, and moving forward with confidence.
At Luebeck, Hammar, McCarty & Goldwarg (LHMG), we want clients across Montana to know consultations are approachable and designed to help, not intimidate. Think of it as the beginning of a partnership.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what to bring, what to ask, and how to make the most of your first meeting with an attorney.
Why Preparation Matters
Being prepared for your consultation saves time, reduces stress, and helps your lawyer quickly understand the details of your situation. The more information you can provide, the more specific and practical the advice will be.
On the other hand, if you arrive without key documents or a clear explanation of your concerns, the attorney may not be able to give you the same level of guidance. Preparing in advance sets the stage for a more productive attorney consultation.
Documents to Bring to Your First Meeting
One of the most important ways to prepare is to gather key documents to bring along. Having the right paperwork on hand will help your attorney understand the facts and provide informed advice. Here’s a checklist of documents to consider bringing:
- Personal identification: Bring a valid photo ID, such as your driver’s license or passport. Law firms may need to verify your identity, and having your ID handy will streamline any paperwork (like engagement letters or notary documents) that might be completed at the meeting.
- Relevant case documents: Gather any paperwork related to your legal issue and bring it with you. This includes things like court papers, legal notices, contracts or agreements, police reports, or important correspondence (emails, letters, etc.).
- Financial information (if applicable): If your case involves financial matters, be ready to share relevant financial documents. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, insurance policy information, bank statements, or any other financial records pertinent to the case.
Tip: If you have a lot of documents, try to organize them neatly in a folder or binder. You might even make copies of especially important papers so that you can leave a set with the attorney if needed.
Questions to Ask During the Consultation
A consultation is the time for the attorney to ask you questions and your opportunity to ask important questions of the attorney. Going in with a few prepared questions will help you evaluate the lawyer’s experience and communication style, and clarify what working with them will look like. Consider using a checklist like the following to guide your conversation:
- How much experience do you have with cases like mine?
- How will you keep me updated throughout the case?
- What fee structure do you use, and what does it include?
- What’s the likely timeline for my situation?
What Happens During the Meeting
Understanding the flow of a typical first meeting can help put you at ease. Here’s what generally happens during an initial attorney consultation:
- Introductions and setting the stage: The attorney will usually begin by introducing themselves and confirming the purpose of the meeting. Often, the lawyer will also explain that everything you discuss is confidential. Attorneys are bound by strict confidentiality rules, so you should feel comfortable speaking openly about your situation.
- You tell your story: The heart of the consultation is when you explain why you’re seeking legal help. The attorney will invite you to tell your story in your own words. Don’t worry about using “legal” terminology; just be frank and detailed about the situation. The lawyer will likely ask follow-up questions to clarify facts or gather more information. During this phase, don’t hold back any details, even if some facts are uncomfortable to discuss. Remember, the attorney is not there to judge you, and they’ve likely heard similar situations before. Share everything relevant, including any potentially negative facts. Full candor helps the lawyer assess your case accurately.
- The attorney outlines initial thoughts and options: After listening to your account, the lawyer will typically summarize their understanding of the situation to confirm they’ve got it right. Then, based on the information available, they will discuss possible options or next steps. This could include potential strategies, such as attempting settlement, filing a lawsuit, pursuing mediation, mounting a defense, etc., depending on the case.
- Wrap-up and next steps: As the meeting concludes, the attorney will likely explain what needs to happen after the consultation. If they are going to take your case and you decide to hire them, they may present a representation agreement (contract) for you to review and sign (or they might send it to you later). If you need time to think about it, that’s perfectly fine. Even if you’re not 100% sure you want to hire the lawyer by the end of the meeting, you will at least leave with a better understanding of your situation and what should happen next.
Remember: You are not expected to walk into a consultation with all the legal answers. That’s the attorney’s job to figure out the legal strategy. Likewise, you shouldn’t expect the attorney to solve your case on the spot during this first meeting. The consultation is a starting point. Its purpose is for you to exchange information, for the lawyer to spot preliminary issues, and for both of you to decide if you’ll work together.
Setting Expectations After the Consultation
After your first meeting, you’ll have a much better idea of where things stand. It’s important now to set realistic expectations for what happens next. Here are a few things to keep in mind once the consultation is over:
- Fee agreement and retainer (if you hire the attorney): If you decide to proceed with the lawyer, you will typically formalize the relationship by signing a fee agreement. This written contract spells out the terms of representation, including how the lawyer will be paid.
- Timeline and patience: During your consultation, the attorney should have given you a general idea of the expected timeline. Now, after the meeting, you should mentally prepare that those estimates are subject to change. It’s common for cases to experience delays or unexpected developments. The key is to stay in communication with your lawyer (more on that in a moment) and trust the process.
- Follow-up communication: Before parting from your consultation, you should have a sense of when and how you’ll next hear from the attorney. If they don’t specify, it’s perfectly fine for you to ask, “When should I expect to hear from you next?” and “What is the best way to reach you if I have questions?” Knowing the communication plan will ease any anxiety going forward.
- Next steps and homework: Depending on the nature of your case, there may be immediate next steps that happen shortly after the consultation. Make sure you leave the consultation with a clear understanding of any tasks you need to complete. If the lawyer asked you to do something (like “Please write down a detailed chronology of events with dates” or “Go ahead and get an estimate for the car repair”), try to get that done in a timely manner. This will help keep your case moving.
Tips for Making the Most of the Consultation
This meeting is your chance to get clarity and direction, so approach it proactively. These small steps make the consultation more productive and less stressful. To get the most value from your meeting:
- Be open and honest, even about difficult details. Holding back information can seriously harm your case in the long run.
- Write down questions ahead of time so you don’t forget them. These could be questions about the lawyer’s experience, the legal process, potential outcomes, fees, etc.
- Ask about both the risks and best-case scenarios. Sometimes clients are hesitant to ask “How bad could it be?” but it’s important to know the full range. Likewise, ask what a win or ideal resolution would look like. Understanding both ends of the spectrum helps manage your expectations.
FAQs
How long does a consultation take?
Usually about 30–60 minutes, depending on complexity.
Do I need every document right away?
No, bring what you have. Additional documents can be provided later.
What You Can Expect From LHMG
From the moment you contact us, you can expect straightforward guidance and attentive service. We respond promptly to calls and emails, explain every step of the process in plain language, and provide honest assessments of your case—both its strengths and challenges—so you can make informed decisions. Our attorneys are experienced negotiators and trial advocates who fight hard for our clients while maintaining integrity and professionalism. We don’t make promises we can’t keep; instead, we focus on achieving the best possible outcome while being mindful of your time, stress, and resources. With LHMG, you gain more than just legal representation—you gain a trusted team dedicated to protecting your rights, keeping you informed, and helping you move forward with confidence.
Ready to Talk with an Experienced Attorney?
Preparing for your first meeting with an attorney is simple, but it makes a big difference. With the right documents, clear questions, and a realistic idea of what to expect, you’ll walk into your consultation confident and ready.
If you’re ready to take the next step, schedule a consultation with LHMG today. Our Montana attorneys are here to guide you with experience, respect, and unwavering advocacy.
