How do I prepare for for an initial interview?

So that a lawyer can get a comprehensive picture of your case, it is worth preparing well for the initial consultation. Remember that your lawyer will always stand up for your rights one hundred per cent. However, she can only do this if you are open and honest with her. This is another reason why it is important that there is a relationship of trust between lawyer and client. Prepare your initial consultation as follows:

• Write down questions: Write down questions you would like to ask your lawyer in advance so that nothing is forgotten in the rush.
• Formulate goals: Think about what exactly you want to achieve and what help you need from your lawyer to do so. This is the only way the lawyer can work out a target-oriented strategy.
• Prepare documents: Compile all relevant documents and bring them with you to the first appointment. Court documents, letters from lawyers, but also letters, emails, invoices and receipts are particularly important as they will give your lawyer an in-depth insight into the situation and may serve as evidence.
• Create a timeline: A chronological overview helps your lawyer to grasp the overall picture. Don’t leave anything out and don’t gloss over anything. This is the only way your lawyer can get a comprehensive picture of your case and develop a sensible strategy.
• Compile coordinates: If there are other people involved in the matter besides you and the opposing party, for example as witnesses, it makes sense to compile a complete list of names, addresses and contact details.
• Check deadlines: When arranging the appointment, inform your lawyer of any deadlines that you have to meet.
• Bring your insurance policy: If you already have legal expenses insurance, it is best to bring the policy with you to the initial consultation.

Finding the right lawyer is not just a question of qualifications and expertise – especially when it comes to emotional issues such as divorce, it also has to be a good fit on a human level. The initial consultation gives you the opportunity to get to know a lawyer, ask them questions and then decide whether you would like to work with this specialist. You should therefore ask yourself and the lawyer the following questions during the initial meeting:

• Do you like the lawyer?
• Does the lawyer take you seriously?
• Does the lawyer listen to you attentively and ask questions?
• Does the lawyer take enough time for the consultation?
• Does the lawyer suggest different strategies?
• Can the lawyer give you an assessment of your case?
• Has the lawyer already handled similar cases?
• Does the lawyer give you a clear estimate of the costs?
• Can you imagine working with this lawyer?

How can the initial consultation be organised?

Depending on how far away your lawyer is from your place of residence and whether other parties are involved in the meeting, you can choose between different forms of counselling:

Face-to-face consultation

A face-to-face meeting at the law firm is definitely recommended. Many things are easier to clarify in a face-to-face meeting. You can also go through the first important documents together and, above all, develop a better feeling for whether the collaboration is right for you on a personal level.

Telephone consultation

A telephone consultation can be a time-saving alternative to a face-to-face meeting. For example, if your lawyer’s office is too far away and the journey would therefore be time-consuming. However, depending on the complexity and nature of the matter, it may still make sense to make this effort. Especially when it comes to emotional issues such as a divorce and the personal level plays a more important role than, for example, when simply reviewing a contract, you want to make sure right at the start of the collaboration that you feel you are in good hands with your legal representation.

Video conference counselling

Video conferencing has now become the norm and you can also have an initial consultation with your lawyer on screen without any problems. Video conferencing is particularly practical when third parties are involved in the conversation, making it difficult to find an appointment.

Consultation by e-mail

An initial consultation via email is not recommended, as the delayed form of communication makes the exchange more difficult. However, it may make sense to send your lawyer a brief summary of the situation, including the most important documents, before an initial telephone consultation. However, remember that data exchange via email is generally unprotected. This means that, in the worst case scenario, hackers can read and distribute your content. An unencrypted e-mail is therefore not a suitable means of transmitting sensitive data to your lawyer. Instead, ask your lawyer whether they offer a secure form of data transmission.

How does GetYourLawyer secure communication?

GetYourLawyer treats all information and data confidentially. The information about your case will only be made available to those lawyers who are selected and invited from the GetYourLawyer network to make an offer.

As soon as you have received an offer, you can contact the lawyer either by telephone or directly via a messenger (messaging service or chat on the platform). You also have the option of exchanging documents with the lawyer in your customer account.

Data protection and the secure storage of all data have the highest priority at GetYourLawyer. All data is stored exclusively in a Swiss data centre. This centre has all the relevant certifications. Through regular external audits and penetration tests, GetYourLawyer also ensures that all applications and the infrastructure are protected against attacks.

When is an initial consultation worthwhile before awarding a mandate?

If the matter is complex and a lawyer can only assess the chances of success after careful examination, an initial consultation is definitely worthwhile. This exchange allows the lawyer to gain a better overall impression of your situation and then make an assessment of the prospects of success. It is not always financially worthwhile to go to court. In this case, a good lawyer can provide a reliable prognosis in a short space of time.

Following this initial consultation, you can decide whether you want to give the lawyer the mandate or would rather look for another legal adviser. But be careful: The initial consultation also costs money. However, there is no fixed fee rate for this. Instead, the lawyer decides how much to charge based on the duration and complexity of the case. It is therefore best to ask before your visit to the law firm what the costs will be or agree on a flat rate.

How does the initial consultation with GetYourLawyer work?

The GetYourLawyer lawyer search offers the best conditions for finding the right lawyer straight away. This is primarily due to the fact that a team of qualified employees will look at your case and then invite suitable lawyers to draw up an offer for you. No matter which legal expert you choose from your GetYourLawyer selection: You can’t go wrong – unlike when searching for a lawyer on your own. Should you nevertheless wish to have an initial consultation before awarding the mandate, you have the option of agreeing a cost ceiling or a fixed price for the initial consultation. This protects you from unpleasant surprises.