At ALH Law Group, we understand seeking legal assistance can get expensive and time consuming. The last thing clients want is to spend their hard-earned money on a meeting that is unproductive. We want you to have the most beneficial experience with your attorney, starting at the very beginning.
Arguably, the most important step in getting the most out of your time with an attorney happens before the initial consultation. Finding an attorney that is a good fit for you, both as a professional and as a person, is important in ensuring no time or money is wasted meeting with an attorney that doesn’t meet your needs.
After finding an attorney that is a good fit for you, here are three ways to make sure you are getting the most out of your time (and money) with the attorney:
Come to your meeting prepared.
Having your ducks in a row prior to your meeting allows for more time to be spent discussing the legal issues that matter.
1. Prepare your most important questions and concerns ahead of time.
It is the worst when you leave a meeting and realize you forgot to ask one of your most pressing questions. Have your questions in front of you to easily refer to during the meeting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; attorneys understand clients likely have not had much legal experience and they want to help guide you through your legal journey.
2. Share the necessary documents ahead of time.
Attorneys can’t discuss documents they don’t have and have never seen. Sending your documents ahead of time allows the attorneys time to review the documents and begin thinking of a plan. This also allows attorneys to better answer your questions, as they are familiar with what is going on.
3. Brush up on the facts of the matter.
Have the most important information about your case fresh in your mind. Especially in the early stages, attorneys only know what you tell them. Come to the meeting with a good idea of what is going on.
4. Have a goal in mind.
Have a general idea of what you would like to get out of your legal assistance prior to talking with an attorney. If your main priority is protecting yourself in case of a business divorce, make it known. If the most important thing for your estate plan is protecting your pets, attorneys can help as long as they are aware.
Be open minded.
Clients often come in with an end-goal in mind, but they need an attorney’s help getting there. Being open to hearing your attorney’s ideas and advice will allow for positive collaboration, ensuring the client is both happy and informed throughout the process.
1. Attorneys have your best interest in mind.
While having a goal in mind is important, your attorneys might have a better idea of a likely outcome or different ways to reach your goal. While the clients make the decisions, your attorneys want you to be informed every step of the way, so it is important to be open to hearing your attorney’s suggestions.
2. The best idea might be one you never considered.
Attorneys have substantial experience in their practice areas, which means they are knowledgeable of many different avenues to reaching your goal, including avenues you might have never considered. Being open to ideas you have never heard of, or ideas different from what you came in with, might allow a better legal experience. For example, if you had not thought about settling a lawsuit, being introduced to the financial benefits and the timeliness, you might consider it.
Be open and honest.
Attorneys work for you. In most cases, if you are honest with your attorneys, they are able to quickly fix any mistakes or accommodate a change of plans. Keeping a line of communication is crucial in ensuring all needs are met.
1. Communicate your needs.
It is much easier for attorneys to meet their clients needs if they know what their needs are. For example, if your operating agreement is not meeting your needs, let your attorney know where it falls short and they will work with you to correct it. In your meetings, make your needs clear and ensure you and your attorneys are on the same page.
2. Give feedback where it is needed.
During a meeting, don’t hesitate to correct an error. If there has been a misunderstanding or if a mistake is made, bring it to your attorney’s attention as soon as possible; you will not hurt their feelings. Your attorneys want you to be satisfied with your services, so providing constructive feedback is always welcome.
3. Keep your attorneys in the loop.
Attorneys understand life gets busy and unexpected events arise. If you have not had time to prepare for your meeting, let your attorney know. At ALH Law Group, we are happy to reschedule your meeting to a later time when you have had time to adequately prepare, as opposed to you spending time and money on a meeting that will not be beneficial.
Ready to make the most of your legal time and budget?
At ALH Law Group, we’re committed to making your legal journey clear, efficient, and empowering. Schedule a consultation today with attorneys who respect your time, listen to your goals, and help you move forward with confidence.
If you need legal assistance and you want to work with attorneys who respect your time and money, schedule a consultation with us.
