Initial Consultation with Small Claim lawyer Instructions

 

Have an initial legal consultation coming up? Read on...

For many, the initial consultation with a lawyer is an intimidating thought.  What do I need to show the lawyer?  What if I don’t have all my legal documentation?  This article deals with these issues and more. (Note, in our view, the in person initial consultation is unnecessary as described here, but as a public service, we have written the following article...)

 

 

Bring all your documents to the initial consultation with the small claims lawyer

The simple answer is to bring organized documents and be prepared to answer all questions about your case.  For instance, if you wish to sue someone on an unpaid invoice, don’t come without the invoices!  If you have sent emails to the debtor about the unpaid invoices, print and bring those emails!   Do not tell the lawyer that you have emails but that you “left them at home”, as that drives lawyers crazy.  Have all your documents with you.

What if I don't have any documents to bring to the initial small claims consultation?

Usually there will be some sort of paperwork in connection with your claim or Defence, but if not, and everything is verbal, then just be prepared to explain what happened to the lawyer.  Without knowing your case inside and out, a lawyer will be unable to asses your case during the initial consultation.

Listen to the lawyer's questions asked of you at the initial legal consultation

Many people go off on long tangents that have no relevance to the actual dispute.  Lawyers know which question to ask during the initial consultation to solicit the necessary information about your case, so listen to when your lawyer asks you a question and resist the urge to tell the lawyer facts that have no bearing on your case!

Bring your chequebook to the initial legal consultation

If you are impressed with the lawyer during the initial consultation, you will want to retain him or her before you leave so as to get the wheels moving on your claim or defence.  Therefore, don’t come to the lawyer’s office empty-handed and fall to the back of cue.  Bring a chequebook, and be prepared to retain the lawyer to move your small claim lawsuit along.  

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