You've decided you need a lawyer. Maybe you're facing a divorce, a criminal charge, an injury, or a business dispute. You've found an attorney who looks promising and scheduled a consultation. Now what?
That first meeting is a two-way interview. The attorney is evaluating your case, and you should be evaluating the attorney. How well you prepare determines how much value you get from those 15–30 minutes — and whether you walk out with a clear picture of your options or more confused than when you walked in.
Before the Meeting: Get Your Documents Together
The single most impactful thing you can do is arrive with your documents organized. Attorneys bill by the hour, and time spent asking you for information you could have brought is time wasted — and money spent.
What to Bring by Case Type
| If Your Case Involves... | Bring These Documents |
|---|---|
| Divorce / Custody | Marriage certificate, prenuptial agreement (if any), recent tax returns (2 years), pay stubs (3 months), bank and retirement account statements, property deeds, list of assets and debts, any existing court orders |
| Criminal Charges | Citation or charging document, police report (if available), bail paperwork, any correspondence from the court, your version of events written down, names and contact info of witnesses |
| Personal Injury | Police or accident report, photos of injuries and the scene, medical records and bills, insurance information (yours and the other party's), correspondence from insurance companies, proof of lost wages |
| Business / Contract Dispute | The contract or agreement in question, relevant emails and correspondence, invoices and payment records, any demand letters sent or received |
| Immigration | Passport, visa documents, I-94, any USCIS correspondence or notices, employment authorization documents, prior immigration applications |
| Estate Planning | Existing will or trust (if any), list of assets and estimated values, beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and insurance, information about family members who would inherit |
Questions to Ask Your Attorney
You're not just there to be evaluated — you're evaluating the attorney too. These questions help you determine whether they're the right fit.
About Their Experience
About Your Case
About Fees and Communication
What to Expect During the Consultation
Free vs. Paid Consultations
Many Arizona attorneys — especially in family law, personal injury, and criminal defense — offer free initial consultations. This is standard practice, not a gimmick. Free consultations typically last 15–20 minutes and focus on whether the attorney can help and a rough overview of your options. Paid consultations (typically $100–$300) tend to be longer (30–60 minutes) and provide more detailed legal analysis. Neither type creates an attorney-client relationship unless you formally hire the attorney.
What the Attorney Will Ask You
Be prepared for direct, sometimes uncomfortable questions. The attorney needs the full picture to advise you properly. In a divorce case, they'll ask about finances, infidelity, substance abuse, and your relationship with your children. In a criminal case, they'll ask exactly what happened — and they need the truth, not the version that makes you look best. In a personal injury case, they'll ask about pre-existing conditions, prior claims, and exactly how the injury happened.
Everything you tell an attorney during a consultation is protected by attorney-client privilege — even if you don't end up hiring them. This means they cannot share what you tell them with anyone. Be honest. An attorney who doesn't have the full picture can't give you good advice.
Red Flags During a Consultation
Most attorneys are honest professionals. But watch for these warning signs.
They guarantee a specific outcome. No ethical attorney can promise you'll win, get full custody, or receive a specific settlement amount. If someone guarantees results, walk out.
They pressure you to sign immediately. A good attorney gives you time to think and compare. High-pressure tactics suggest they need your business more than you need their services.
They're vague about fees. If an attorney can't clearly explain how they bill and give you a rough cost estimate, that's a problem you'll be living with for the duration of your case.
They badmouth other attorneys. Criticizing colleagues signals insecurity. The legal community in Arizona is small — attorneys who trash-talk often have their own reputation issues.
They seem distracted or rushed. If they're checking their phone, taking calls, or clearly not listening during a consultation designed to win your business, imagine how they'll treat you after you've paid a retainer.
They don't ask you questions. An attorney who launches into a sales pitch without asking about the details of your situation isn't evaluating your case — they're selling you services regardless of fit.
After the Meeting: Making Your Decision
Don't feel pressured to decide immediately. Meet with at least two or three attorneys before choosing one. After each consultation, ask yourself: did the attorney listen to me and understand my situation? Did they explain things in plain language? Did I feel comfortable being honest with them? Were they transparent about costs and timeline? Do I trust this person to handle something this important?
The "best" attorney for your case isn't necessarily the most expensive or the one with the most impressive website. It's the one whose experience matches your specific situation, whose communication style works for you, and whose fees are transparent and within your budget.
What If You Can't Afford a Consultation?
Several Arizona resources can help. Many attorneys offer free consultations as standard practice — particularly in personal injury (where attorneys work on contingency) and criminal defense. The Maricopa County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30-minute consultation with a matched attorney for $50. Community Legal Services provides free assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Arizona Free Legal Answers (az.freelegalanswers.org) lets you post legal questions online for free volunteer attorney responses. The State Bar of Arizona's Public Service Center connects people with attorneys who offer reduced-fee services.
Ready to Schedule a Consultation?
Find qualified attorneys in your area. Many offer free initial consultations.
Search Arizona AttorneysFrequently Asked Questions
Should I meet with an attorney even if I'm not sure I need one?
Yes — that's exactly what consultations are for. A good attorney will honestly tell you whether your situation requires legal help or whether you can handle it yourself. A free or low-cost consultation is a small investment for clarity on an important decision.
Is what I tell the attorney during a consultation confidential?
Yes. Attorney-client privilege applies from the moment you consult with an attorney about a legal matter — even during a free consultation, and even if you never hire them. The attorney cannot share anything you discuss without your permission.
Can I bring someone with me to the consultation?
You can, but be aware that attorney-client privilege may not extend to third parties present during the meeting. If you bring a friend or family member, the other side could potentially compel that person to testify about what was discussed. Discuss this with the attorney before the meeting if you plan to bring someone.
What if I don't like the attorney after hiring them?
You can fire your attorney at any time. You're not locked in. You may owe fees for work already performed, and the transition to a new attorney takes some coordination, but the right to change attorneys is always yours. Don't stay with someone you've lost confidence in just because you've already paid a retainer.