Questions to Ask at Your First Lawyer Consultation

A first consultation is a short meeting where you explain your situation and the lawyer explains how they might look at it. It is also your chance to find out whether this lawyer is a good fit. Preparing a few questions in advance makes the meeting more useful.

Before you go

Write a short timeline of what happened, with dates. Gather any papers you already have, such as contracts, letters, court notices, insurance letters, or medical bills. Bring a list of the people involved and the names of the courts or agencies that have contacted you. You do not need a perfect file. A clear summary helps the lawyer understand the issue quickly.

Also decide what you want from the meeting. Maybe you want to know whether a lawyer is needed at all, how a process works, or what your options are. Saying this at the start keeps the conversation focused.

Questions about experience

Start with the basics. Ask how much of the lawyer's practice involves your type of problem. Ask how often they appear in the court or agency that would handle your matter. You can also ask what they would look at first, and what information they would still need from you.

Pay attention to whether the answers are specific. A good answer describes the kinds of cases the lawyer has handled and how they approached them. Be careful with any answer that sounds like a sales pitch or a promise.

Questions about who will do the work

Ask who will be your main contact. Ask whether that person is the lawyer you are meeting or someone else at the firm, such as a paralegal or an associate. Ask how the firm handles cases when the lawyer is in court or on vacation. These answers tell you what day-to-day service will look like.

Questions about fees and costs

Ask how the lawyer charges. Common methods include hourly rates, flat fees for a defined task, and contingency fees, where the lawyer is paid a share of any money recovered. Ask for the terms in writing. Then ask which costs are separate from the fee, such as filing fees, records, or reports from outside professionals, and who pays those costs if the case does not produce money.

Ask whether the firm asks for an upfront deposit, and how that money is handled. Ask how often you will receive bills or updates. Clear answers now can prevent confusion later.

Questions about next steps

Ask what the next steps would be if you hire the firm. Ask whether there are deadlines you need to know about. Many legal matters have time limits that differ by state and by type of case, so ask the lawyer to tell you which deadlines might apply to you and how they would confirm them. A lawyer should not guess at deadlines.

Ask what they cannot tell you yet, and what information would let them give a clearer answer. A careful lawyer may say that more information is needed before they can give a useful opinion. That answer is normal.

Questions about communication

Ask how you can reach the lawyer, how quickly they usually respond, and whether you can ask questions by email. Ask who you should call in an emergency. Ask whether the firm sends regular updates or uses a client portal, and whether a staff member can answer routine questions when the lawyer is unavailable. Good communication matters most when a case moves quickly or when you are waiting for a decision.

Warning signs

Be cautious if the lawyer promises a result, pressures you to sign on the spot, or refuses to put fee terms in writing. Also be cautious if the lawyer does not explain how they are licensed or cannot tell you who will handle your file. These are reasons to take more time before you decide.

After the meeting

After the meeting, write down what the lawyer said, including any deadlines, documents they asked for, and the fee terms. Send a short follow-up email that lists your understanding of the next steps, and ask the lawyer to correct anything you got wrong. If you decide not to hire the firm, say so politely and ask for your documents back. Keep copies of everything you signed or received in one folder. Writing things down soon after the meeting is often easier than trying to recall details weeks later.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to hire the lawyer after the consultation?

No. You can take the information home, compare other lawyers, and decide later. Ask the lawyer whether there is a time limit on a decision that you need to know about.

Should I bring the other side's documents?

Bring any documents you have, even if they seem unimportant. Let the lawyer decide what matters. Keep copies of everything you bring, and bring the originals only if the lawyer asks for them.

Is what I say in the consultation private?

Conversations with a lawyer are generally confidential, but the details depend on the situation. Ask the lawyer how they protect information you share, especially if others are involved.

What if I feel rushed?

You have the right to take your time. Ask for a written summary of the fee terms and the next steps, and schedule a second conversation if you need one.

Related: Browse guides on legal topics and lawyers in Los Angeles.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.