Purpose

Your initial consultation is an opportunity for us to decide whether I’d be a good fit to represent you.

What to Expect

At your initial consultation, I’ll ask you to explain your situation and identify your goals. I may provide a basic assessment, which may include predictions of possible outcomes, cost estimates, and a roadmap of our next steps. If we decide to work together, we’ll then reach an understanding about payment terms, including any discounts for which you might be eligible.

30 Minutes Free

Your 30-minute initial consultation is free unless you were referred by the Bar Association of Montgomery County, Maryland (BAMC). For referrals from BAMC, I’m required to collect a $50 fee for the initial consultatation.

Preparation

You don’t need to do much to prepare for your initial consultation. Often, the client’s own memory of events is enough to get the ball rolling.

But if your matter involves any important documents, you should review them ahead of the consultation and have them on hand. For example, if you’re being sued for breach of contract, you should review and have ready a copy of the contract at issue.

After the Consultation

At the end of your initial consultation, I may offer to represent you. You don’t have to accept or decline right then and there. Many clients will take some time to reflect and then get back to me.

If we decide to work together, I’ll send you an engagement letter. The engagement letter is an agreement that spells out the scope of the representation, payment terms, and other details. Once I have your signature on the engagement letter, I’ll send you a request for an initial deposit, if applicable. Most of my clients choose to pay their deposit via credit card or e-check.

After the engagement letter is signed and the deposit made (if applicable), I’ll begin serving as your attorney.