Meeting your solicitor for the first time

Scheduling your first appointment

So you've got a short-list of solicitors who might be able to help you with your issue. 

The next step is to schedule an initial consultation with your short-listed solicitors. This is essentially a “meet and greet” where you will have the opportunity to outline the details of your issue and the solicitor has an opportunity to discuss how they may be able to assist you.

When you make your first appointment with a solicitor there are a few important questions you should ask, including:  

  1. Will I be charged for this consultation? 
    Many firms offer an initial consultation for free or for a nominal fee, however this is not always the case so make sure you check when scheduling the appointment.
  2. What do I need to bring?
    Your solicitor may need evidence or legal documentation for your case, so you should ask what to bring with you to your first appointment. Some documentation may be sufficient in copy, but your solicitor may need to see originals.
  3. Who will I be seeing? 
    The requirements of your case will determine if an associate or someone more senior manages your work. It is important that you understand who will be carrying out the work (i.e. if the solicitor you are meeting will do the work).

Getting ready

To make the most of your appointment, it's a good idea to do a little bit of preparation before hand. 

You should have an idea from your initial questions about what documents you should bring with you, but there are other things you can do to prepare as well including: 

  • Write a timeline of events and issues. For example, what happened, when and who was involved, any assets etc.
  • Write down any questions you want to ask 
  • Make a list of the issues you are worried about.
  • Think about the outcome you want. For example, to have the issue fixed quickly, to receive compensation etc. 
  • Consider whether you need to stick to a specific budget for legal services 
  • Think about whether you would benefit from having a support person with you.

During your appointment

If you're feeling a little nervous prior to the appointment don't worry - it's perfectly normal to feel a little anxious about something unkown 

Your solicitor will take notes as you chat. It can feel weird at first, but they are simply recording all the important legal points for later. They will probably also have lot's of questions for you so be prepared to answer in detail and provide as much information as possible. 

Your first appointment is your opportunity to ask the solicitor about any questions you have about your issue. 

Additionally, there are some important questions you should ask about how your solicitor will carry out their legal services, including:

The success rate depends on various factors related to the details of the case. Your solicitor will be able to give you advice on this point. However, it may not be possible to determine your prospects of success at the first meeting. The solicitor may require some further information to be able to provide you with more certainty about your matter.

It is a good opportunity to enquire about what happens if you lose the case (e.g. having to pay the other side’s costs).

Each legal matter is different. It is important to remember that you may not experience the same outcome as your friends or relatives who have had similar cases.

Most solicitors charge on an hourly basis. Some solicitors, however, offer retainers (fixed fees) for specific legal services. Costs depend on a number of factors:

  • the type of work
  • the level of experience of your solicitor
  • the time spent on a matter
  • the size of the firm
  • the geographic location

Other factors include the use of legal aid services, conditional costs agreements (no win, no fee) and litigation loans. 

A solicitor is required to provide you with an estimate of the professional fees and disbursements (eg filing fees).

Find out more about Solicitor fees

Your solicitor should be able to estimate the time needed to complete the work. The amount of time depends on many factors such as the nature and type of work required to be carried out, the size of the firm and its current workload.

It is also important to clarify if you will be involved in dispute resolution such as mediation, arbitration or court proceedings. Solicitors have an ethical obligation to deliver legal services competently, diligently and as promptly as reasonably possible.

Yes. Your solicitor can provide a written progress report on your case and you should be regularly updated on developments. Please note that you may be charged for this service. Your solicitor cannot, however, charge for simply updating you on accrued legal costs if you ask for them. Your solicitor is required to provide ongoing disclosure about your costs.

You may want to choose an Accredited Specialist who is experienced in dealing with a particular area of practice. The requirements of your case will determine if an associate or someone more senior manages your work. It is important that you understand who will be carrying out the work (i.e. if the solicitor you are meeting will do the work).

You are entitled to seek a second opinion. If you decide to change solicitors, you need to advise your original solicitor that you would like to bring the work to an end, and once you have paid for the work already completed, you can engage another solicitor. The costs agreement between you and your solicitor may specify how fees are paid if you change solicitors.

The bottom line

It’s important to feel you can trust your solicitor, so this initial appointment is about whether they are the right fit for you and your matter. 

After your appointment take some time to think about these questions:

  • Did the solicitor make you feel comfortable? Were they approachable and easy to talk to about your issue?
  • What was their communication style like? 
  • Did they explain the types of strategies they may use in pursuing your case in a way that you could understand
  • Do you feel confident that they are capable of handling your case and that they have a good understanding of the area of law it falls under?

If you’re not comfortable for any reason, you are free to make a change. Try asking to meet with a different solicitor in the same firm or, if you prefer, go to a different firm—it’s your choice, and you can do it at any time.