What to Expect During Your First Meeting with a Lawyer
Last updated
Last updated
Meeting with a lawyer for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if you’ve never dealt with legal matters before. You might be unsure of what to bring, what questions to ask, or what kind of answers to expect. The truth is, that initial consultation is an important step toward protecting your rights and understanding your options. Whether you’re facing a personal injury issue, a legal dispute, or something more complex, walking into that office with a little preparation can go a long way.
If you're meeting with someone like Michael DeMayo, who has built a strong reputation for client-centered legal services, you'll quickly realize that your first meeting isn't meant to confuse or intimidate. It’s designed to help both you and the attorney decide whether working together is the right fit. Let's walk through what typically happens during that first meeting so you can feel more confident and prepared.
When you arrive at the office, expect a professional yet welcoming environment. You’ll likely be greeted by staff who will ask you to fill out some basic paperwork. This might include your contact information, a brief summary of your legal issue, and any documents you’ve brought along. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what to include — bring anything that feels relevant, such as accident reports, medical records, contracts, or emails. The attorney will help determine what’s useful.
This first meeting is also a time for the attorney to evaluate your case. They will ask for more details, identify any red flags, and explain what steps may come next. For example, in personal injury cases, a lawyer will want to understand how the injury occurred, who might be at fault, and what kind of medical treatment you’ve received. They may also explain how compensation works and what kind of timeline you might be looking at.
You should also expect a discussion about legal fees. One of the most common concerns people have is how much hiring a lawyer will cost. During your meeting, the attorney should explain their fee structure clearly. In many personal injury cases, lawyers like Michael DeMayo work on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront — instead, the attorney takes a percentage of any settlement or award you receive. If there’s no recovery, there’s no fee. This arrangement helps make legal representation more accessible, especially for those dealing with unexpected expenses after an accident.
Another key part of the meeting is building trust. Legal cases can stretch out over months or even years, so it’s important to feel comfortable with the person who’ll be representing you. Use this time to ask questions. You might want to know how many cases like yours the lawyer has handled, what the communication process will look like, or how often you’ll get updates. The answers will help you decide if this is someone you want by your side through the legal journey.
Lawyers like Michael DeMayo take pride in making clients feel supported from day one. You shouldn’t leave your consultation with more confusion than you walked in with. Instead, you should leave feeling like you understand your rights, know what steps are ahead, and feel confident that your case is in capable hands if you decide to move forward.
Keep in mind that this meeting is as much for you as it is for the attorney. You’re not just providing information — you’re gathering it, too. Pay attention to how the attorney communicates. Are they listening carefully? Explaining things clearly? Showing genuine interest in helping you? Your instincts will tell you a lot about whether this is someone you can trust with something as important as your legal future.
It’s also perfectly fine if you don’t make a decision on the spot. A reputable attorney will give you the space to think things over. They might follow up after your meeting, but they won’t pressure you into signing anything if you’re not ready. If you do choose to move forward, the next steps might involve signing a representation agreement, gathering more documents, or beginning an investigation into your case.
No matter what type of legal issue you’re dealing with, that first meeting is the starting point. It sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether it’s a car accident claim, a workplace injury, or another type of personal injury matter, knowing what to expect can make all the difference in how you approach the situation.
Michael DeMayo has made a name for himself by being approachable, professional, and deeply committed to his clients. When you sit down for that first conversation, you’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re choosing a guide to help you navigate one of the most stressful periods of your life. That initial consultation is your chance to take the first step toward justice, and with the right legal team, it can be the beginning of a much better outcome than you imagined.
So if you’ve been injured or are facing a legal issue and are thinking about speaking with a lawyer, don’t let nerves or uncertainty stop you. With the right preparation and the right legal partner, your first meeting can be a powerful move toward getting the support and resolution you deserve.
Once the paperwork is out of the way, you’ll meet directly with the lawyer. This is your opportunity to tell your story. Lawyers like know the importance of listening carefully, so don’t feel pressured to use legal jargon or have all the answers. Just speak honestly about what happened and how it’s affecting your life. A good attorney will ask the right questions to get a clear picture of your situation and begin assessing the legal options available to you.
