Questions to Ask at a First Meeting With a Lawyer
This page is general information for people in Ontario. It is not legal advice, and Law HelpLine is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and every situation is different, so check your own facts with a licensed lawyer or paralegal.
A first meeting is your chance to see whether a lawyer is a good fit. A little preparation goes a long way.
Before the meeting
- Write a short timeline of what happened
- Gather documents, such as contracts, letters, emails and court papers
- List your goals and your biggest worries
- Ask whether the first meeting is free or paid
Questions about the lawyer
- How often do you handle matters like mine?
- Who will work on my file?
- How will we communicate and how quickly do you reply?
Questions about the case
- What are my options?
- What are the main risks?
- Are there deadlines I need to know about?
- What happens next?
Questions about money
- How are fees calculated?
- What deposit is required?
- What other costs should I expect?
- Will you give me the fee terms in writing?
After the meeting
You do not have to hire the first lawyer you meet. Take notes, compare and decide once you feel comfortable.
Finding a lawyer or paralegal
Law HelpLine is an independent legal information website. We are not a law firm and we do not give legal advice. To find a licensed lawyer or paralegal, use the Ontario government’s Find a lawyer or paralegal page or the Law Society of Ontario directory at lso.ca. If you are in danger, call 911.