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Legal questions can in principle arise in any area of life. The density of regulations is constantly increasing, and situations are becoming ever more complex. Consultation of a lawyer will make sense in all cases where sound legal knowledge is required, including contractual matters, notarization and certification issues, and representation in court. However, even for apparently small problems, it may be useful to seek legal advice.
The assistance of a lawyer can be especially helpful in the phase before court proceedings, as it will often be possible to avoid a trial (forward-looking advice). Early contact and legal advice can thus also have financial advantages and – considering the stress involved in legal proceedings – also spare the nerves of the participants.
If you are still unsure about whether you need a lawyer’s assistance, it is always advisable to contact a law firm to ask if an appointment seems appropriate. Then, in the course of the initial interview, it will definitely become clear whether legal advice or representation is necessary in your case. If the other party is already represented by a lawyer, hiring a lawyer to act on your behalf ensures that both sides are equally armed in the dispute.
As a rule, the search will first be limited to a specific area of law in order to find a specialist with the required expertise. In addition to technical aspects, location should also be considered, as it hardly makes sense to hire a lawyer who is several hours away. The initial interview and any follow-up meetings should ideally be carried out in-person. In this respect, a lawyer whose office is located close to your place of residence may be more suitable. Last but not least, personal preferences will also play a role.
First of all, it is important that you are well prepared for the conversation and that you gather any documents at an early stage. It is only possible for the lawyer to get an idea of the situation if all relevant information and documents are made available to them. This includes a transparent picture of your situation. You should also consider any questions you would like to ask the lawyer.
As a rule, the initial interview is decisive for the acceptance (or rejection) of the mandate. It is important to bear in mind that a lawyer is, in principle, under no obligation to accept your mandate. Thus, a lawyer who does not have sufficient available time and specialist knowledge or experience will usually reject the case, in conformance with professional obligations.
Like all professional legal activities, the initial interview is subject to a fee. It should also be noted that, in certain cases, payment on account is required for further legal support.