While an initial legal consultation is a great legal service that a lawyer should provide, it is vital that you understand what an Initial legal Consultation is, and what it is not. 

What is An Initial Legal Consultation? 

• An initial legal consultation is not legal representation.  
• An attorney/client relationship is not established.  
• Some lawyers charge for legal consultations.  
•  An initial legal consultation is short. 
• This can be done over the phone, email or in person.  

During the consultation expect at least the following:

    My legal consultation (in person) may be 30-60 minutes.

    My legal consultation (via email/phone) is shorter than 30 minutes.

The potential client gives the facts of his or her case to the lawyer,

The lawyer explains the legal implications of those facts.

The potential client asks questions.

The lawyer determines whether he or she can represent the potential client,

The lawyer and potential client determine whether they want to move forward to a legal strategy session.

If a potential client is not ready to move forward within 30 days, then the attorney hopes a connection was made and may hear from the potential client again at later time or maybe a referral results from their meeting.  

So what if the potential client is ready to move forward.  Take the next step.  Well, I call the next step a legal strategy session. 

What is a Legal Strategy Session?

• It is not legal representation.  
• An attorney/client relationship is not established.  
• A legal fee is charged for the Legal Strategy Session.   
• A Legal Strategy Session is for longer than 30 minutes. 
• This legal strategy session should be in person.  Face to Face.  At the attorney's law office.

It is probably a 60-90 minute session.

The potential client brings all documents related to his/her case. 

The attorney reviews all documents presented and offers further insight to the potential client.

The lawyer explains how the representation will proceed if the potential client decides to retain the lawyer.

A timeline for case is presented to the potential client.

USCIS processing times are presented to the potential client.

A Legal fee schedule of fees is presented to client.

The potential client walks away from the appointment with copies of information in a welcome packet.

The potential client asks even more questions. 

If a potential client is ready to proceed, then they both sign an Engagement Letter and the potential client pays a down payment fee so that work can begin.

If the potential client is not ready to proceed but needs time to think, then contact the attorney within 30 days when you are ready to proceed.  If a legal agreement is signed within 30 days, then your one hour legal consultation fee may be applied towards legal fee balance.

If the potential client is not ready to proceed at all, then the potential client should sign a non-engagement letter.

My law office prefers to do a free initial consultation over the phone or via email.
If the potential client wants to meet me in person to discuss case in detail, then the potential client should set an appointment for a personalized legal strategy session.  There is a fee for my legal strategy session.  My legal strategy session is 60 minutes. 

If you want more information or need assistance, please contact my law office at 703-646-4146 or email me at info@ThanyachareonLaw.com.

check out these websites to for more information on legal consultations: