Insight

Making the Most of Your Initial Consultation

What to do when you need to hire a lawyer in Canada.

Hire a Lawyer
HJ

Howard Yegendorf & Matthew Jeffery

December 6, 2016 12:00 AM

Once the decision has been made to seek legal representation, so begins the arduous task of choosing a lawyer whom you feel would offer the most beneficial support for your case.

It is during this time that the consultation process is the key to finding a qualified potential attorney. By wisely making use of your initial appointment, the matter of selection becomes clearer.

Customarily, there are numerous questions that should be asked of any lawyer prior to retaining their services. Of course, dependent on the nature of your case, these inquiries may be tailored in order for you to better gauge their familiarity in handling comparable proceedings. Ensuring that you are thoroughly prepared prior to your consultation allows you to effectively assess compatibility with your would-be counsel.

Asking The Right Questions

Law is a vast landscape of distinct practices, each lawyer utilizing their own expertise so as to best serve their clients. Consequently, to ask your lawyer the length of time they have been practicing in their field is essential in ascertaining whether or not they command an appropriate level of experience for your case. Moreover, learning the number of cases that bear similarity to yours which your potential attorney has handled will further lend to their understanding of your case, and bolster the likelihood of a successful outcome.

As mentioned above, each instance is unique and inquiries can and should be customized to guarantee that any doubts you have are addressed. If you were speaking with a personal injury lawyer in Ottawa, for example, an important question to ask would be in regards to the probability of your case going to trial and its possible outcome should it occur.

However, if your situation was entirely different, for instance, consulting with a Toronto immigration lawyer your counsel should be able to draw upon their experience to determine the likelihood of your application's approval. No immigration lawyer will ever have the ability to offer a full guarantee of success, but a proficient lawyer can certainly provide indispensable guidance along the path to permanent residency.

Legal Fees


Discussing fees can be undoubtedly intimidating, as there are often many costs associated with legal work unfamiliar to the general public. Therein lies the very justification for reviewing legal fees at the outset. Many attorneys require a retainer, to be paid up front prior to services commencing; others will charge an hourly rate. Some demand a combination of the two. Making yourself aware of any and all costs linked with your counsel's services is an imperative aspect of the initial consultation.

Taking Notes

The one universal recommendation is to take notes for yourself. It is nearly impossible to retain every detail of a meeting, regardless of how short. Recording the answers your potential counsel provides you with will offer the ability to recall vital information, contributing to the selection of the attorney who will most effectively represent your case.

Conclusion

The initial consultation is a time to guide you in making the right choice and finding the appropriate legal counsel to aid you in your legal crisis. A consultation will prepare you in making an informed decision knowing that you have the right lawyer for your particular situation representing you.

For more information, please visit:
Howard Yegendorf and Associates
Matthew Jeffery, Barrister and Solicitor

Related Articles

Leading Cause of Car Accidents in Alabama? Failing to Yield the Right of Way


by Mitchel Lattof

Failing to yield the right of way was the leading cause of car accidents in Alabama in 2018. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 23,832 crashes. Ninety-six of those crashes resulted in fatalities.

Shards of car glass on the street

Family Law – Sometimes All in the Family


by Justin Smulison

Led by a father-and-son team of Family Law lawyers and trial advocates, with the support and assistance of family members, Blevans & Blevans, LLP continues its tradition of excellence serving the Northern California Bay Area in 2020 and beyond.

Blevans & Blevans

How to Handle Your Medical Bills After a Car Accident


by Craig D. Rosenbaum

Receiving medical attention after a car accident can be expensive. One personal injury lawyer details the steps to take when seeking medical attention after the accident.

Car Accident

A Potentially Precedent-Shifting Verdict


by Sean Stonefield

Preeminent trial lawyer Benedict Morelli on achieving one of the highest pain-and-suffering awards in New York State history.

Benedict Morelli

Overcoming Obstacles


by Sean Stonefield

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, personal injury firm Block O’Toole & Murphy is on track for its most successful year.

Block O'Toole & Murphy

The Winning Edge


by Justin Smulison

In its 40th year, Frantz Law Group finalized history-making settlements for clients in California and nationally.

Frantz Law Group

Strategy and Resilience


by Justin Smulison

Easton & Easton partners discuss how innovating during 2020’s uncertainty led to stronger injury cases, new practice areas, and greater success.

Easton & Easton

R. Lewis Van Blois - Oakland 2021 Lawyer of the Year


by Best Lawyers

Product Liability Litigation - Plaintiffs Oakland, California

R. Lewis Van Blois

Tackling the Dangers Student-Athletes Face


by Justin Smulison

Steve Yerrid discusses how his trailblazing advocacy for student-athlete safety helped create new protocols that have prevented injuries and saved lives.

Steve Yerrid

What to Do If You Become a Victim of Police Brutality?


by Edson Legal and Grillo Law

Two Toronto firms, one focusing on police brutality and the other on personal injury, give advice on what are the next steps you should take if you find yourself the victim of police brutality or abuse.

What Can You Do If You Are a Victim of Police

Decades of Excellence


by Justin Smulison

The powerhouse firm Lubin & Meyer continues to maintain its position of dominance in the fields of medical malpractice law and catastrophic personal injury litigation.

Lubin & Meyer Best Lawyers 2020

Brophy & Devaney, PLLC


by Best Lawyers

Joseph F. Brophy embraces his reputations for his zealous representation of his clients and is passionate about learning their businesses and problems and ensuring that their rights are protected and their interests are maximized, whether by way of litigation or transaction.

Joseph Brophy Best Lawyers 2020

Trial Law Leadership


by Justin Smulison

Daniel J.T. Sciano, twice-named Best Lawyers® San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs (2010, 2012), discusses how his record of success impacts clients and Texas’ legal community

Daniel Sciano Best Lawyers 2020

Big Case Warriors


by Best Lawyers

The co-founders of Lyons & Simmons, LLP discuss their relentless dedication to pursuing justice for clients while also invoking change.

Lyons & Simmons Best Lawyers 2020

A Trial Icon


by Sean Stonefield

Dan Cogdell on his almost four decades of courtroom success.

Dan Cogdell Best Lawyers 2020

What Are the Anti-Protest Laws in the U.S.?


by Jim Owen

The First Amendment includes the right to assemble. But how are the rules surrounding protesting changing?

Anti-Protest Laws in the U.S.

Trending Articles

The Best Lawyers in South Africa™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers proudly announces lawyers recognized in South Africa for 2023.

South African flag

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in America Honorees


by Best Lawyers

Only the top 5.3% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S. were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

Gold strings and dots connecting to form US map

Best Lawyers Voting Is Now Open


by Best Lawyers

Voting has begun in several countries across the globe, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe. Below we offer dates, details and answers to voting-related questions to assist with the voting process.

Hands holding smartphone with five stars above phone

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America for 2023


by Best Lawyers

The third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ highlights the legal talent of lawyers who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Three arrows made of lines and dots on blue background

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023


by Best Lawyers

The results include an elite field of top lawyers and firms from Australia.

The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2023

Announcing the 2023 The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees


by Best Lawyers

The Best Lawyers in Canada™ is entering its 17th edition for 2023. We highlight the elite lawyers awarded this year.

Red map of Canada with white lines and dots

Famous Songs Unprotected by Copyright Could Mean Royalties for Some


by Michael B. Fein

A guide to navigating copyright claims on famous songs.

Can I Sing "Happy Birthday" in Public?

Could Reign Supreme End with the Queen?


by Sara Collin

Canada is revisiting the notion of abolishing the monarchy after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, but many Canadians and lawmakers are questioning if Canada could, should and would follow through.

Teacup on saucer over image of Queen's eye

Rising Transfer Taxes


by Angus C. Beverly

Transfer taxes in California are becoming a statewide trend with potentially national implications. Here is a breakdown of the effects in several cities.

State of California in orange with city in backdrop

What the Courts Say About Recording in the Classroom


by Christina Henagen Peer and Peter Zawadski

Students and parents are increasingly asking to use audio devices to record what's being said in the classroom. But is it legal? A recent ruling offer gives the answer to a question confusing parents and administrators alike.

Is It Legal for Students to Record Teachers?

The Upcycle Conundrum


by Karen Kreider Gaunt

Laudable or litigious? What you need to know about potential copyright and trademark infringement when repurposing products.

Repurposed Products and Copyright Infringemen

Caffeine Overload and DUI Tests


by Daniel Taylor

While it might come as a surprise, the over-consumption of caffeine could trigger a false positive on a breathalyzer test.

Can Caffeine Cause You to Fail DUI Test?

Wage and Overtime Laws for Truck Drivers


by Greg Mansell

For truck drivers nationwide, underpayment and overtime violations are just the beginning of a long list of problems. Below we explore the wages you are entitled to but may not be receiving.

Truck Driver Wage and Overtime Laws in the US

Best Law Firms® Research Has Begun


by Best Lawyers

Best Law Firms® rankings are annually produced awards recognizing the top law firms across the United States. We are here to offer insight into the submission process for all eligible firms.

Black background with colorful squares and faces

Choosing a Title Company: What a Seller Should Expect


by Roy D. Oppenheim

When it comes to choosing a title company, how much power exactly does a seller have?

Choosing the Title Company As Seller

Thirteen Years of Excellence


by Best Lawyers

For the 13th consecutive year, “Best Law Firms” has awarded the most elite and talented law firms across the country through a thorough and trusted data review process.

Red, white and blue pipes and writing on black background