Lawyer Consultation Preparation Guide

Before you start

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Define the legal problemWrite the issue in one sentence, the outcome you want, and what decision you need from the lawyer.Not startedWrite a dated timelineList the key events, documents, payments, messages, notices, court dates, and deadlines.Not startedChoose the right practice areaMatch the issue to labour, family, property, litigation, criminal, estate, immigration, tax, commercial, or another practice area.Not startedFlag urgencyMark any deadline, court date, arrest risk, eviction risk, child-safety concern, employment loss, property transfer, or prescription issue.Not started

Before the appointment

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Prepare documentsBring court papers, contracts, notices, IDs, payment proof, messages, photos, statements, and official records relevant to the issue.Not startedPrepare questionsAsk about options, risks, likely next steps, documents still needed, costs, timelines, and what you should avoid doing.Not startedPrepare fee questionsAsk about consultation fees, hourly rates, fixed fees, deposits, disbursements, VAT, billing frequency, and written engagement terms.Not startedCheck authority and conflictsBring authority documents if acting for a company, trust, estate, child, spouse, or another person.Not started

On the day

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Keep the facts conciseStart with the timeline, key documents, current deadline, and the decision you need.Not startedTake notesRecord advice, next steps, missing documents, costs, deadlines, and who will do what.Not startedAsk for written scopeBefore work starts, ask what the lawyer will do, what it may cost, and what information you must provide.Not started

Afterwards

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Send missing documentsSend requested documents with clear file names and dates.Not startedCalendar next stepsAdd deadlines, payment dates, filing dates, and follow-up calls.Not startedStore the engagement recordKeep the fee agreement, mandate, consultation notes, invoices, and correspondence together.Not started

Lawyer Consultation Preparation Guide

Before you start

Need help with this checklist?

Before the appointment

On the day

Afterwards

When It Applies

Not For

Documents

Timeline

Tips

Warning Signs

Official sources

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Lawyer Consultation Preparation Guide

Before you start

Need help with this checklist?

Before the appointment

On the day

Afterwards

When It Applies

Not For

Documents

Timeline

Tips

Warning Signs

Official sources