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By Annie Nikolovski
When you think about seeing a lawyer for the first time, you might picture an intimidating legal heavyweight like Harvey Specter or a commanding figure like Atticus Finch. You may also be wondering what questions you’ll be asked, how much detail you’ll need to share, or what the process will involve.
We understand that contacting a lawyer for the first time can feel daunting, but at Nikolovski Lawyers, we believe it doesn’t have to be.
Here’s what you can expect when working with us.
Your First Contact
When you first call us about your enquiry, you’ll be greeted by our friendly receptionist and connected with one of the bright and passionate legal assistants in the relevant area of law.
During this initial conversation, our legal assistant will gather some basic information about you and your circumstances, including your contact details and a brief overview of your matter. This helps us understand how we can best assist you and ensures you’re matched with the right lawyer.
The legal assistant will then arrange an initial consultation with one of our lawyers. Consultations can be conducted over the phone, via video conference, or in person at our office.
At this stage, we’ll let you know if there is any cost associated with the initial consultation. Depending on your matter, we may ask you to provide relevant documents beforehand so we can make the most of our time together.
If you require a translator, please let our legal assistant know. We can arrange a translation service for your appointment at a fee.
Arriving for Your Appointment
If you’re attending your consultation in person, you can either call our reception upon arrival or notify the building concierge, who will let us know you’re here. One of our legal assistants will then greet you in the lobby, escort you to our office, and offer you tea, coffee or water before your meeting.
If your appointment is being held by phone or video, your lawyer will contact you at the scheduled time.
During the Initial Consultation
Your consultation will be with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers, who will take the time to understand your situation and answer any questions you may have.
The purpose of the initial consultation is to gather the information we need to provide meaningful legal advice. We know which questions to ask and will lead the conversation to ensure we gain a clear understanding of your circumstances. Most importantly, we endeavour to create a comfortable and supportive environment where you feel heard and understood.
Once we understand your situation, we can explain how the law applies to your individual circumstances and discuss the options available to you. We are committed to communicating clearly and practically, without unnecessary legal jargon.
We will also take the time to discuss costs associated with your matter moving forward.
Because we understand that legal issues can be stressful, emotional, and sometimes life-changing, you’re welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. In some circumstances, however, we may need to speak with you privately when taking instructions.
What Happens Next?
Ultimately, our initial consultation is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and build trust.
After the consultation, we begin to get the ball rolling. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve reviewing contracts, preparing legal documents, or communicating with other parties involved.
Whatever the path forward looks like, we’re with you all the way.
We’re Here to Help
At the end of the day, we’re everyday people who understand that legal issues can be overwhelming. Our role is to help lighten the load and provide clear guidance when you need it most.
We hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect and helps you feel more confident about taking that first step.
