A little preparation before your first conversation with a legal adviser can make it far more productive. Here is how to get the most from your initial consultation.
Write a short timeline
Set out the key events in date order: what happened, when and who was involved. It does not need to be long or polished. Bullet points are fine. A timeline helps you explain things clearly and makes sure important details are not forgotten.
Gather the key documents
Collect anything directly relevant to the issue, such as:
- Contracts, quotations, tenancy agreements or terms and conditions
- Letters, emails and messages with the other party
- Invoices, receipts and bank records relevant to the dispute
- Photographs, reports or accident reference numbers
- Any court papers or formal notices, along with the date you received them
Bring or have these to hand, but wait to be asked before sending large volumes of documents.
Note any deadlines
If you have received court papers, a formal notice or a letter giving a deadline, mention this straight away. Some legal deadlines are short and cannot easily be extended.
Think about what you want to achieve
Do you want compensation, repayment, an apology, repairs, or simply for the dispute to end? Knowing your priorities helps the adviser suggest the most suitable route.
Prepare your questions
Write down the questions that matter most to you. You might ask:
- What are my options?
- What are the main risks?
- How long might this take?
- What might it cost, and how could it be funded?
- What should I do, or avoid doing, now?
Be open about the difficult parts
Share the weak points as well as the strong ones. An adviser can only give a realistic assessment if they know the full picture.
When you are ready, make an enquiry. Your initial consultation is free.
