It’s best to have an attorney by your side for all legal matters. As it could take months or longer to settle a case, you want to feel comfortable with your legal representative and confident in their abilities. The initial consultation will give you a chance to ask questions to make sure a counselor is the right person to hire for your needs. To prepare for this meeting, below is a guide to what to expect. 

How Much It Will Cost to Pursue a Case

An attorney will discuss the costs associated with taking on your case. A counselor’s rate is based on their experience, the time required to handle the legal matter, the costs of filing paperwork with the court, and the complexity of the case.

With a fee agreement based on an hourly rate, the lawyer has a set rate they will charge for each hour of work put toward the case. With a flat rate fee agreement, the set cost doesn’t change regardless of how many hours of work the lawyer completes.

With a contingency legal fee, the lawyer will take their payment out of a percentage of the settlement amount. Often, the client won’t be charged if they lose the case.

The Strength of the Case & Potential Outcomes

The lawyer will want to review the facts of your case, so bring contracts, court orders, subpoenas, and any other relevant documents with you to the meeting.

Based on the information, the attorney will point out what evidence strengthens and weakens your case. From there, they will highlight potential strategies to reach the desired outcome.

The Support Staff Handling the Case

Many individuals might assist the lawyer in various stages of your case. Paralegals, for example, might be tasked with completing research, filing paperwork, and preparing documents to take to court.

The attorney will go over the responsibilities of the support staff assigned to your case. The counselor will also discuss their availability and the best way to reach them or a different point-person to keep you updated.

Whether you need help with a criminal defense, civil litigation, or another legal matter, take advantage of the experience and know-how the attorneys at Privette Law Office in Willow Springs, MO, provide. Serving clients in southern Missouri since 2018, the counselors use various platforms to keep clients in the loop throughout the process. Learn more about the practice areas online and call (417) 469-3535 for a consultation.