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Initial legal consultation — Lawyer — Professionals
Providers taking consultation enquiries need to distinguish a focused question from a file requiring extensive investigation. Agree the reading allowance, format, jurisdiction and deliverable before the session so both parties understand what an initial fee buys.
Service scope
A defined consultation in which a legal professional considers an outlined problem, identifies missing information and explains possible next steps. It is narrower than ongoing case management and does not automatically include drafting, negotiations or court attendance.
What is normally included
- Review of a stated legal question
- Preliminary discussion of options
- Agreed written or verbal follow-up
What is not included
- Unlimited follow-up advice
- Filing documents without instructions
- Representation of an opposing party
Qualification checks
- Confirm the question is within expertise
- Identify essential documents
- Check conflicts before detailed disclosure
- Establish the response format
- Define follow-up availability
Quote guidance
State the consultation duration, preparation allowance and deliverable together. Explain the basis for extra reading or a second opinion, and avoid presenting a brief meeting fee as the price of all future legal work.
Lead risks
- A large file may be described as one quick question
- Several unrelated issues can be bundled into a session
- Customers may confuse preliminary advice with formal representation
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