How to Prepare for your First Meeting with a Solicitor

Meeting with a solicitor for the first time can conjure up many emotions: stress, pressure, maybe even relief. But if you’ve picked up the phone to organise your first meeting, you’ve already tackled the hard part.

Most people delay calling a solicitor to help deal with legal issues because it can feel overwhelming; we understand. It can be especially true when those legal issues concern family life, such as separation, child arrangements and domestic abuse. Whatever your circumstances involve, our solicitors will approach without judgement, ensuring your first meeting with us is as straightforward as possible.

In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to expect for your first meeting with a solicitor, and how to prepare, so you can feel confident and at ease from the start.

Before your meeting: it’s OK to not have everything figured out

Every case is different, and you may have all the fine details ironed out, ready to tell your solicitor – which is great. But if you find yourself overwhelmed or confused by your situation and don’t know where to begin, that’s fine, too.

Your solicitor will listen to any details you have about your case and carefully work through it with you – that’s their job.

You don’t need to walk into your first meeting with the answers – your solicitor will help you understand your position and begin to build up a picture of your situation.

What you should do before your first meeting with a solicitor

Firstly, don’t panic. You don’t need to do lots of homework before meeting with your solicitor, however, there are a few things you can do to feel more prepared.

• Make notes – why are you seeing a solicitor? What are your circumstances? You don’t need to make pages and pages of notes but include the important details you think your solicitor should know.

• Collect any relevant documents together – this point is dependent on the nature of your case. If you’re going through a divorce, details about your income, shared assets and existing court orders are just some examples of the kind of documents you should consider taking. For cases involving your children, anything relating to the child’s contact arrangements and health will be beneficial. You can always provide your solicitor with any documents you may have missed at a later date – they’ll be able to offer more information at your meeting. However, you mustn’t access any of the other party’s documents, if any, that are confidential without consent first. This is a criminal offence.

• Ask your solicitor if the meeting will come with a written summary of what was spoken about. Making notes during the meeting yourself is a good idea, too.

What your solicitor will, and won’t, do during your first meeting

If this is your first time working with a solicitor, you may be wondering what exactly they do during this meeting. Feeling uncertain is understandable, particularly where the issues are personal or sensitive, but here’s what you can expect from your solicitor in your initial meeting.

• They’ll listen. Understanding your case fully is one of their top priorities, so they’ll ensure they have the relevant facts before providing advice.

• During the first meeting, you’ll be asked questions so the solicitor can gather more information about your case. Don’t worry if you don’t have the answer right away; try to answer questions as clearly and honestly as possible.

• If you’re worried you won’t understand the legal jargon, your solicitor will eliminate it where possible and always explain things in plain English.

• After they’ve gathered all relevant information, your solicitor will begin to outline your options. They won’t pressure you into choosing a specific outcome, their role at this point is to explain the potential outcomes.

• If necessary, your solicitor may tell you about other professionals who can be of service, for example if you’d benefit from a specialist in another field.

Your solicitor will never judge you or pressure you into making a decision that you’re not comfortable with. Family law matters are often highly personal, and whatever you talk about during your first meeting, all information is confidential, which is why it’s essential you explain in as much detail as possible and remain honest throughout.

What will happen during the meeting?

Taking that step into the solicitor’s office can feel daunting. What will happen when you sit down with them for the first time?

Introductions – usually, your solicitor will introduce themselves to you and discuss a bit about how the meeting will go. Initial meetings mostly last around one hour, but depending on your circumstances, this can vary.

Background information – this is when the solicitor will ask you questions to get a better understanding of your situation. Don’t be afraid to answer honestly, as the meeting is confidential.

Explaining your next steps – after speaking with you and understanding your situation fully, your solicitor will go through the options that suit your case best. This can include mediation and going to court, among other things.

Any questions – you’ll have a chance to ask any questions. Your solicitor will be able to explain anything you didn’t understand again.

Going forward – after the bulk of your meeting, your solicitor will explain next steps that could happen going forward. You’re not obligated to continue on if you find it isn’t the right fit for you, they’re there to answer your questions and provide possible routes to resolve your situation.

If you’re looking to set up a first meeting with one of our experienced solicitors, or you’d like more information on how we can help with your specific situation, call us on 01254 606 008 or use our online enquiry form today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have my first meeting with a solicitor?

Depending on the complexity of your case, the price can vary. When you get in touch with us, ask us about our fees – we’re transparent from the start and we’ll never surprise you with hidden fees.

For example, in our family team we offer an initial appointment at a fixed fee. Following that initial appointment our discussions and advice is followed up in writing to allow you an opportunity to refer back to the advice given.

Am I allowed to bring someone with me to my first meeting?

You should be able to bring someone with you to your initial meeting, but please let us know in advance so that we can prepare.

Do I have to attend my first meeting in person, or can I attend remotely via phone/video call?

If you’re unable to attend your meeting face to face, we can offer remote meetings. Let us know in advance what your preference is.

What’s the difference between a solicitor and a mediator?

• A solicitor provides legal advice and guides you through legal processes, as well as being able to represent you at Court.

• A mediator is an unbiased third party who helps resolve disputes by aiding those involved to reach an agreement.

How do I know if I need a solicitor for my situation?

Going through legal issues can be stressful, so seeking legal advice can be extremely beneficial. Contact us early to see how we can help in your situation – once we’ve had a chat, we can advise you on which direction suits your case.