Legal consultations with attorneys in Colorado are meetings that happen before potential clients decide to hire certain lawyers. These meetings are often around thirty minutes long.
This meeting does not mean that the lawyer will represent the individual or that the lawyer has already taken their case. If a potential client decides to hire the lawyer after their initial consultation, they will likely be required to sign a written representation agreement.
This agreement is written documentation that the lawyer will represent the client and will also outline the scope of their representation. Prior to an initial attorney consultation, an individual should prepare by getting together anything that they believe may be related to their case, such as documents, videos, photographs, or any other relevant items.
If an individual is not sure whether or not to bring something to the meeting, they should bring it to the meeting so the attorney can determine whether it will be useful in the case. Examples of things that may be brought to the meeting include:
- Employment documents: An individual having an employment dispute should bring their documents and records, which may include:
- An employment agreement;
- An employment contract;
- Their timesheets;
- Accident or police reports: If the issue arose from an accident or incident, an individual should bring any related accident or police reports;
- Contracts: In a contract dispute, an individual should bring copies of their contract and other documents that are related to the contract;
- Property deeds: If there is a property dispute, an individual should bring a copy of a deed or any other document that is related to the property; and
- Other documents showing damages: An individual should bring any other documents or items that may be important or may be used to show damages or the losses the individual suffered, such as:
- Medical expenses;
- Medical records;
- Warranties or letters created or sent by the other party.
What Will Be Discussed at a Legal Consultation?
There are many things that may be discussed at the legal consultation, which can vary depending on the individual’s specific concerns and issue. At most consultations, the potential client and lawyer will discuss the facts and circumstances surrounding their legal issue as well as the fee schedule the lawyer will use.
It is important for the potential client to share any information they have about their issue, whether they think it is helpful or important, or not. A lawyer will only be able to properly prepare a case for their client if they know all of the facts, good and bad.
Examples of fee schedules a lawyer may use include, but are not limited to:
Will My Legal Consultation Be Confidential?
All of the formation that is discussed and shared at a legal consultation will be confidential. Because of this, the potential client can comfortably share everything they know about their issue or question.
Even though the parties will not form a lawyer-client relationship just by having an initial meeting, all of the information an individual shares during that meeting will be treated as though it is confidential and privileged.
In other words, the information will be treated as if an attorney-client privilege had been formed.
What Are Some Questions to Ask During a Lawyer Consultation?
An individual may have many different questions they want to ask a potential lawyer during a consultation. The specific questions will depend on the individual’s issue.
Examples of questions that an individual may want to ask during their meeting include questions related to:
- The lawyer’s background and qualifications;
- The fee schedule that the lawyer will use;
- What exactly the fees will cover;
- Any other concerns or questions the individual has.
It can be very helpful if the individual makes a written list of their questions to help ensure that all of their concerns are addressed during their initial consultation.
Are Lawyer Consultations Free?
In some cases, attorneys will offer free consultations. In other types of cases, an attorney may charge consultation fees.
If an individual is not sure whether there will be a charge for the consultation, they should ask the lawyer before attending the meeting. Potential clients may be able to have free consultations with lawyers who do not charge consultation fees so they can find a lawyer with whom they are comfortable and who fits within their budget.
If a lawyer does charge a fee for the initial consultation, it will usually cost between $50 and $250. The cost of the consultation will depend on the lawyer’s location, knowledge, and the complexity of the legal issue.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of a Colorado attorney will vary depending on numerous factors, including, but not limited to:
- The location of the legal issue;
- The type of legal claim;
- The lawyer’s knowledge, and experience;
- The billing method the lawyer uses;
- The size of the law firm.
An individual should take note that, in addition to paying the required legal fees, they may also be required to pay certain court fees, administrative fees, and document preparation fees.
Should the Fee Agreement Be In Writing?
Any type of fee agreement between a lawyer and a client should be included in a written agreement. This agreement will include information about the legal representation, such as:
- The scope of the lawyer’s services
- The fees that will be charged
- Other important issues
Having a fee agreement in writing will help avoid future disputes or any uncertainties regarding the costs of the legal services that will be provided and what the lawyer’s fees will include. In addition, the written agreement can be used in court if a dispute does arise.
Who Can Give Legal Advice?
Legal advice can only be provided by a lawyer with a law license. It is important to be aware that there is a difference between legal information and legal advice.
An individual is allowed to read and recite laws to others. It is against the law for an individual who is not a licensed attorney to provide legal advice or to represent another individual in court.
A licensed lawyer is an individual who has obtained a legal education and who has passed the bar exam, or licensing exam, in their state. Lawyers are allowed to provide legal advice as well as to represent clients in court.
Individuals who give legal advice to others without having a law license may face severe consequences.
Should I Contact an Attorney and Schedule a Legal Consultation?
If an individual believes they may have a legal issue in Colorado, they should schedule a legal consultation with a local attorney in Colorado. A lawyer can help you resolve your issue, protect your rights, and give you the best chance at your desired outcome.
LegalMatch provides a database of lawyers in the Colorado area who may offer free consultations. Using LegalMatch, you can submit your legal issue for free and attorneys in your area who are ready to work on your case will respond in about 24 hours.
Using LegalMatch, you can have more than one consultation with different lawyers so you can find the one who best fits your budget and needs. An initial consultation will not resolve your issue, but it is an important step in resolving your case.
