If you are meeting with a lawyer for the first time, chances are you are nervous and unsure about what to expect. This may even be a meeting you never thought you would need to attend.

Here is what you need to know before you walk into that first meeting:

The first meeting you have with your lawyer will serve as a consultation. During this time, you will have the opportunity to share your situation and learn more about the attorney you may want to hire. To prepare for this first meeting, you should do your homework and collect all the relevant documents you think you many need to present your case such as medical records, witness statements, police reports or receipts. Next, you should write down a summary of any memory you had from the incident. For example, try to remember dates, times, places, and people in chronological order from the time the incident occurred to when it was over. You should also write down or be thinking of questions you may have to ask your lawyer. When you first call to set up a consultation, go ahead and ask what you may need for your appointment.

Day of consultation

On the day of your consultation gather everything you need and put it in the correct order. Dress nicely. The standard attire for meeting with you lawyer should be business casual. Wear dress pants, a nice shirt or top. Women should wear a conservative dress or skirt. Nothing too revealing. It is very important to arrive on time. Attorneys have limited time. If you are unable to make your consultation on time, contact your attorney's office and give them a heads up or you may have to reschedule your appointment for a later date. Once you arrive, you will check in with the secretary and fill out a form while he/she notifies the attorney of your arrival. Once your consultation begins, let your attorney guide the meeting. He or she will know what information is most important. If you need to refer to a document, pull out what you have and be sure to give it to your attorney. Remember to be honest with your lawyer. They are on your side. Your consultation is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. Lastly, be sure to ask for recommendations if your attorney has not already suggested some and make notes of each. Once you have finished the consultation, you can then choose to hire them for your case. Once you have hired an attorney, your lawyer will tell you what to do next.

If you have been injured and are currently seeking a personal injury attorney to take your case, contact The Cochran Firm today by calling 1-800-THE-FIRM. Your consultation is confidential and always free.