So - you want to talk to an attorney because you have a legal issue ... or you think you have a legal issue, but aren't sure. Recently a friend expressed to me that it can be very intimidating to call an attorney. She stated that she was not sure what information she should have ready, what information she should freely provide, or how in-depth into her issue she should get over the phone. My friend was concerned about taking too much time, or wasting the attorney's time if it turned out the attorney's rate was above her budget or if the attorney didn't practice in the area she needed. It made me think that there are probably many people out there who hesitate to pick up the phone for this very same reason. I hope to ease some of your concerns.
First, you should know that most attorneys will welcome most cold calls – just as any industry welcomes potential customers freely walking through the door. Each call is an opportunity. With that in mind, you will want to do your research. You can do an online search for an attorney, but you never know what you might get, so go a step further in your research. You will want to be sure you are contacting an attorney who practices in the general area of law you need help with. There are some general practice attorneys, but most choose to specialize in a few key areas. Most attorney's web pages will have biographies of the people in the firm that you can sort by practice area, and their web page will usually list some of the bigger cases or projects they have worked on. Also, ask around in your local community - your friends or coworkers may be able to offer a good referral.
That being said, you should have some basic facts ready when you first contact an attorney. If you have been served with papers, have a copy of the documents you received in front of you when you call. If you think you need a contract written, know who the parties would be and what goal you want to meet with a contract. If you are planning for your imminent death, know the basic make up of your assets and what you want to see done with them. In short, have the basic facts available and be prepared with an idea of what you'd like to achieve. Most attorneys should be able to determine within in a few short questions if you have a legal issue, and if that attorney can help you. If the attorney says he or she cannot help you because that is not their area of practice, feel free to ask for a referral.
Finally, if money is an issue, ask up front what the hourly rate is, or what type of payment plans the attorney works on. The attorney may work on a contingency plan, flat rate, payment plan, or require a retainer up front depending on the type of case.
While you may feel some anxieties in picking up the phone to contact an attorney, following these steps to prepare yourself should ease some of your fears. With a little preparation, you and the attorney can have a positive experience.
(Editor's Note: Attorney Jessica DesNoyers authored this post while working in Varnum's Grand Haven office. Jessica is currently with another firm.)