Preparing For Your First Meeting With A Civil Litigation Lawyer

Preparing for your first meeting with a Civil Litigation Lawyer can be nerve-wracking; especially when you haven’t done it before.  

Here at Blacks Legal we take the stress off your shoulders. Below is an easy-to-understand guide without all the legal jargon that will help you walk into your first meeting with confidence. 

Understanding The Role Of A Civil Litigation Lawyer 

Civil litigation Lawyers resolve legal disputes between individuals, businesses or organisations through the Court system.  The cases they deal with do not involve criminal charges. Because there aren’t any criminal charges, acquiring legal representation might not be the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, it’s typical for people to try and handle civil litigation cases themselves. 

However, a common misconception is that by not hiring a civil litigation lawyer is that you’ll save money, unfortunately, this is very rarely the case. The expertise and experience of a civil litigation lawyer give you an undeniable advantage. 

The role of a civil litigation lawyer is to oversee all aspects of your case, protect your assets and negotiate favourable terms for your benefit. Here are some examples of what the process is of a civil litigation lawyer.  

Understanding Your Case 

Civil litigation cases can be complicated. Without a comprehensive understanding of past legal cases and all the relevant details, it can be very easy to make a poor call. Sometimes, a drive to protect your assets can cloud your judgment. Here at Blacks Legal our experienced team offers a rational perspective and will be upfront on your chance of winning a case from the start. It is then your decision whether you want to proceed with your case in Court based on the advice that you have been given. 

Negotiations And Mediation 

Instead of going through the lengthy and complicated procedure and the inevitable stress of attending court, most civil litigation cases can be settled with the use of negotiation or mediation. Civil litigation lawyers are extremely experienced negotiators and will be focused on securing a fair deal for you. Resolving the case sooner will save you time and money, and of course, the headache of long court proceedings. 

Overseeing Paperwork 

One of the most overwhelming factors of any legal case is a ton of paperwork. Not only can this be extremely time-consuming, but it also must be compliant and accurately filled out. A civil litigation lawyer will go through all paperwork, from legal papers to contracts highlighting any discrepancies and ensuring nothing could hinder your case. 

In The Courtroom  

Granted that a resolution could not be met, a civil litigation lawyer will represent you in court. This takes confidence and skill, which only experienced lawyers have. They will handle the challenges that present themselves at trial, such as convincing a jury, posing strong arguments, and questioning witnesses. Basically, a tamer version of what you might have pictured when we first asked. 

Image of the inside of a courtroom for the blog Preparing For Your First Meeting With A Civil Litigation Lawyer

Preparing For Your First Meeting With A Civil Litigation Lawyer 

So, now you understand what they are, and what they do, what do you need to prepare for your first meeting with a civil litigation lawyer?  

Here is a basic step-by-step guide, which should help you when preparing for your first meeting with a civil litigation lawyer. 

Just a quick note to remember: every case is different. Civil litigation lawyers handle cases in personal injury, real estate, business and commercial litigation, employment law, and family law. So, if something in the guide doesn’t apply to your case, don’t panic. This guide is generic, and if you’re confused, you can always contact us before your first meeting. 

1. Gather And Organise Relevant Documents 

When attending your first meeting with your Lawyer, it is crucial to bring any relevant documents that may provide insight into your case.  

Whether it’s contracts, written correspondence (a paper trail), financial records, and/or photos and visuals, presenting these documents will allow your Lawyer to review your case with clear insight, leading to an accurate assessment and to determine whether or not you have enough weight to win your case. 

Outline Your Case Objectives 

Knowing what you want to achieve by taking legal action is essential for your attorney to map out their strategy. Your case objectives will also help your attorney determine a realistic outcome and offer reasonable advice.  

So, when preparing for your first meeting with a civil litigation attorney, it is knowing the answer to- 

  • Do you seek financial compensation? 
  • Are you looking to enforce or terminate a contract?  
  • Are you seeking a public, formal apology? 

2. Prepare A Timeline Of Events  

Some disputes may have been building or ongoing for a substantial amount of time before seeking legal advice.  

So your civil litigation lawyer can have a clear understanding of what has occurred and when, it is helpful to map out any key events in chronological order. This is from the initial incident or liaison to the most recent developments in the case.  

Time stamps, locations, and parties involved can help your lawyer understand the sequence of events that has brought you to this meeting. They will then be able to pinpoint critical moments, which can inform their argument/strengthen your case.  

3. Have Questions Ready  

As much as your civil litigation lawyer will have questions for you, it is important for you to consider whether they’re the right fit for you as well.  

In the instance that this is your first time seeking legal advice, it is understandable that you will have a lot of questions. This process can- understandably- cause a lot of stress and anxiety. There can be a lot on the line, your business, property, reputation, or money. The more you ask, the more you know what to expect.  

Unsure about what to ask a civil litigation lawyer, here are some examples- 

  • Have you got experience with a case similar to this? 
  • What are the realistic outcomes of my case? 
  • How does this process work- from start to finish? 
  • How are legal fees calculated? 

Image of a lawyer working in their office for the blog Preparing For Your First Meeting With A Civil Litigation Lawyer

Preparing For Your First Meeting With A Civil Litigation Lawyer At Blacks Legal 

Preparing for your first meeting with a civil litigation Lawyer will ensure that it is productive and that both you and your Lawyer have a clear understanding of your case. 

Our civil litigation solicitors at Blacks Legal are fully dedicated to providing you with a reliable legal service.  

To keep things straightforward, we leave out all the legal jargon and pride ourselves on being approachable; there is no such thing as a silly question, and we will always go the extra mile, so you know what to expect from your case. Find out more about why we are highly trusted corporate lawyers here. 

If you are interested in our services or are seeking legal advice from an experienced, resourceful civil litigation Lawyer, then reach out to Blacks Legal today. You can call us on 020 3835 3802, email us at info@blackslegal.co.uk, or book a call through our website.