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Meeting
with a personal injury trial attorney
Most
people who seek legal advice do so in response to a serious problem for
which they need immediate help. Whether the problem involves personal
injury, wrongful death or some other difficult matter, seeing a personal
injury trial lawyer often happens during the most stress-filled time in a person's
life.
To avoid
wasted time and added stress, arrive prepared for a productive
consultation. Preparation helps you to make a clear presentation of your
situation; to focus on the issues and questions that are important to
you; and to help the attorney provide specific, useful advice. Here are
some suggestions:
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Be
sure that the attorney with whom you're meeting is experienced with
legal matters such as yours. If the attorney is a Board-certified
civil trial specialist, that is a strong indicator of the attorney's
experience and ability.
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In
advance of the meeting, make written notes on the specific facts
related to your problem. Identify all parties who may be involved.
Lay out the facts in an organized fashion, in the order in which
they occurred. Don't omit anything; a good attorney will know which
facts are relevant and which aren't.
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Make
a list of questions for which you want answers, and arrange them so
that you can refer to them quickly.
An
initial consultation is a time to exchange information and to determine
whether the attorney with whom you're meeting is right for you. It does
not necessarily become the basis for long-term representation. If, after
your consultation, you wish to hire that attorney, tell him so. You do
not want to leave his office assuming he will be doing work for you,
while he leaves the consultation with just the opposite impression,
i.e., that there is nothing further to be done.
If you
organize your thoughts, are open and concise in explaining your
situation, and clearly tell the attorney what you want him to do for
you, you will have taken a positive first step toward achieving a
productive working relationship with your attorney and resolving your
legal problem.
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