If you have any documents relating to your case, bring them to the first meeting. This will help your lawyer get a better understanding of the situation.
Be ready to answer questions about why you chose law as a career and how your previous experience has strengthened your interest in your chosen specialism. Use examples from vacation schemes and extracurricular activities as well as university or gap year experiences.
1. Details of your case
Whether you’re looking to hire a business lawyer or are going through divorce proceedings, your attorney is going to rely on the information that you provide them. Make sure that you bring all of the relevant details regarding your case to your first meeting. Here are some things to consider bringing:
A summary of events – a timeline if possible – that will help the attorney get an overview of what has happened and what you want to achieve from your legal matter. A list of any relevant paperwork – this will depend on what the case is about, but common examples include insurance documents, property deeds, and legal correspondence.
If you’re bringing a claim on behalf of a business, be prepared to explain your background in the industry, what your business does and how it operates, and what your goals are for the case. Be ready to answer questions about regulatory issues, economic challenges, cultural issues, and any other topics that are relevant to your case.
Having the right paperwork and an idea of what you hope to achieve from your case can help the attorneys in Manchester understand your situation and offer guidance accordingly. If you are unsure of what documents to bring, it’s worth calling ahead before your appointment to find out which ones are needed and what form they should be in (e.g. hard copies, digital files, photos).
2. Personal information
A solicitor will want to gather a lot of information about you during this initial meeting. This may include your name, contact details, date of birth, and employment details. This will help them to identify and protect your rights. This personal information is often called “personal data” and is governed by different privacy laws.
A good way to prepare for this is to create a timeline of significant events in your relationship and the issues that have led to you seeking advice. You may also find it helpful to prepare a list of questions that you want your solicitor to answer. This can help you remember your queries, which are likely to be heightened by emotions at this time.
It’s important to know what constitutes personal information before you meet with a lawyer, as this can differ depending on the country and state you are in. For example, in Canada, the definition of personal information includes any information that can be used to identify a person, including names, phone numbers, social security number, and credit card or bank account details. In contrast, the UK’s new data protection law defines personal information as any information that can be used to distinguish or trace a person. This could include browser history, IP addresses, and cookie data.
3. Financial information
A lawyer may need to ask you for financial information related to your case. This includes details of any payments you’ve made to date or any money that has been promised to you. It’s important to be prepared for this, as it can help the process go more smoothly.
You might also be asked for details of your business, including a summary of personnel, physical space(s) and equipment. Your lawyer can then use this information to advise you on the legal steps that might need to be taken.
For those unable to afford to pay for legal advice or representation, Manchester Free Legal Help is a new initiative that has been set up to support the work of community law centres in Greater Manchester. The project aims to provide a comprehensive network of pro bono lawyers to connect those in need with the most appropriate support service. This could be through providing a phone call advice session or linking them with a local law firm that can offer support in person. Law firms can get involved with the project through volunteering or by supporting the project’s objectives through corporate responsibility schemes.
4. Legal documents
If you’re planning to file a legal case against someone, it’s important to bring all of the relevant documents. It will help your lawyer to have a more complete view of the situation and tailor their advice accordingly. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Common documents to bring include marriage certificates, wills, passports, insurance policies and property deeds.
You should also be prepared to answer questions about any current events that may impact your case. For example, if you’re planning to sue a public body, it’s essential that you have researched any recent news stories related to that issue. This will show that you’re well-versed in the subject and will allow your solicitor to take a more holistic approach to your case.
Similarly, if you’re planning to start a new business, you should be ready to explain the company’s goals and any plans for expansion. This will help your lawyer understand your motivations and advise you on the best course of action for your business.
You should also be prepared to discuss fees. It’s important to ask how much the solicitor expects your case to cost and how long they think it will take to conclude. This will prevent any surprises down the line. Also, make sure that you are punctual for the meeting.
