Booking your first consultation with a lawyer can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never dealt with the legal system before. Whether you’re meeting a solicitor to discuss a family matter, buying a property, starting a business, or responding to a dispute, that first meeting sets the tone for your relationship and can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
The good news is that preparing properly can help you feel confident, organised, and ready to use the consultation time efficiently. Below is a guide on how to prepare for your first consultation with Melbourne lawyers and make the most of the experience.
Understand the Purpose of the Consultation
Most lawyers in Melbourne offer an initial consultation—sometimes free, sometimes at a flat fee. This meeting allows the lawyer to:
- Understand your issue
- Identify your options
- Explain the legal process and potential next steps
- Provide an estimate of costs and timelines
It’s not usually a full legal review or the time when the lawyer immediately solves your case. Instead, think of it as an assessment to work out whether the lawyer is the right fit for you and whether you want to work together.
Gather Relevant Documents
Lawyers rely on facts and evidence. Bring anything that helps explain your circumstances. This may include:
- Contracts, agreements, leases, or correspondence
- Letters of demand or formal notices
- Court documents or police reports (if applicable)
- Financial records, invoices, or receipts
- Emails, text messages, screenshots, or notes related to the issue
Organise documents in date order and label them clearly. If you have many documents, consider preparing a short timeline—it will help your solicitor understand the situation quickly and accurately.
Write Down Your Questions in Advance
It’s easy to forget important questions once emotions and stress kick in. Before your appointment, jot down anything you want to ask.
You might include questions like:
- How strong is my case?
- What are my legal options?
- What outcomes can I realistically expect?
- How long will the process take?
- What are the costs and how are fees charged?
- Will the lawyer handle my matter directly or delegate to others in the firm?
A good lawyer should be transparent about fees and timelines and should avoid making promises or guarantees.
Be Ready to Give a Clear Overview
Lawyers bill by time. You’ll get better value for money if you can summarise your situation clearly. Instead of jumping straight into every detail, try using a short structure such as:
- What happened
- Who’s involved
- What the current status is
- What outcomes you’re hoping for
A concise summary helps your lawyer quickly identify the legal issues.
Be Honest — Even About Things That Feel Uncomfortable
People sometimes worry that sharing certain information will make them look bad. But withholding key details may harm your case later.
Lawyers are bound by strict confidentiality rules, so anything you say in a consultation remains private.
Being upfront allows the lawyer to give accurate advice and prevent surprises.
Ask About Fees and Billing
Legal services in Australia can be billed in different ways:
- Hourly rates
- Fixed fees (e.g., conveyancing)
- Retainers
- “No win, no fee” (common in personal injury matters)
Make sure you understand:
- How you will be billed
- What’s included (and not included)
- Whether you’ll need to pay up front
- Expected total costs and possible additional expenses
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification—it’s your money.
Take Notes During the Meeting
You’ll receive a lot of information in a short time. Taking notes helps you remember:
- Deadlines
- Follow-up actions
- Documents the lawyer needs next
Some people bring a friend or family member for emotional support. That’s fine, but mention it when you book the appointment—some meetings require only the client to attend.
Don’t Rush Your Decision
After the consultation, take time to consider:
- Did the lawyer listen and communicate clearly?
- Did they explain fees transparently?
- Did you feel comfortable asking questions?
Choosing a lawyer is as much about the relationship as it is about skill.
Final Thoughts
Preparing properly for your first consultation with a lawyer in Melbourne helps you get clear advice, avoid unnecessary costs, and feel confident in your next steps. Bring the right documents, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to shop around until you find someone who understands your needs and communicates in a way that works for you.