What to Expect from an Initial Consultation with an Attorney | What Happens at a Legal Consultation?

Article written by Illinois Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

In this article, we explain what to expect from an initial consultation with an attorney? We answer the questions: “what is the purpose of a legal consultation?” and “what happens during an initial consultation with an attorney.” We also discuss how to choose between attorneys..

What is the Purpose of a Legal Consultation?

Many attorneys offer both free consultations and paid consultations, depending on what you are trying to accomplish. The key to understanding the difference, is that generally attorneys will not give legal advice without being first hired by the client. Attorneys don’t give legal advice without first being retained for a myriad of reasons, including requirements from their malpractice insurance carriers.

Generally, if you have a specific legal question that you are hoping to have the attorney answer in the consultation and do not expect to require any further work, the attorney will charge a small fee for the consultation. In these cases, you can expect to pay the fee up front and have your legal questions answered at the end of the consultation.