What to Expect During an
Initial Consultation

To ask questions, and listen to each other, so we might learn what problem brought you to ask for my advice or services, and to learn how I might help you.

I hope that you discover:

• An expanded scope or definition of the problem you face
• How your problem may be addressed by my services
• Whether there is a cost effective means to resolve your problem
• What costs and expenses you might encounter in the attempt to resolve your problem, and how much of that is for my services
• A general description of how I am compensated, whether on fee per hour basis, or on a contingency basis
• Some perspective on the likelihood of success at resolving your problem

I expect that the information you give me will identify:

• Whether I have any conflicts which prevent me from helping you
• Who are the interested parties and businesses
• The general scope of your problem
• Whether I can provide a cost effective means to attempt to resolve your problem

At the conclusion of our first meeting, I would let you know if I think I can help you. You should have enough information to decide whether to engage my services.

When you decide to engage me, whether at that meeting or at a later time, we will describe more precisely what it is I am to do. It is likely that, before I agree to assist you, I will write a retainer letter, i.e., a contract that describes what you expect of me and at what cost, along with other important information. My engagement would only begin after we have both agreed to the terms of representation in that retainer agreement.

It is unlikely that I will resolve your problems during our first meeting. An exception might be where my services are not appropriate, and the solution is obvious.