How to prepare before engaging a lawyer...

The need to engage a lawyer often comes at a stressful time, but the process of engaging a lawyer does not have to be stressful.

Here are some useful tips to help you prepare for engaging a lawyer, that will make the process as smooth as possible.

Before seeking out a lawyer prepare:

1. A brief summary of your situation and the reason you need legal advice. This will save you time once you contact a lawyer and will prevent you from forgetting important details. Prepare a timeline of events and gather together all relevant documents. This will aid the lawyer in providing legal advice where the law is dependent upon timeframes.
2. A list of your basic contact details such as your email address, phone number, address and full name (including any name(s) you are known by).
3. If possible, have a similar list of the basic information of any other parties involved. For example, their name, email address and occupation. This will help the lawyer conduct the necessary conflict checks (more on this below) and speed up the process of engaging their services.

Below are some things you should prepare before having a first meeting with a lawyer. The lawyer will advise you the things they need to see, so having the things below ready will also speed up the process.

• Any relevant documents such as:

1. Court documents and notices if your matter is already in Court;
2. Evidence such as emails, letters, text messages, photos or bank statements;
3. Contracts (if part of the dispute);
4. Current Will (if relevant).
5. Current Enduring Powers of Attorney (if relevant);
6. Trust documents; or
7. Bank approval letters.

• You will also need valid ID and proof of address. Valid ID can be a passport or driver’s licence.

A lot of legal work can now be done remotely, giving you much wider choice in engaging the right lawyer for you anywhere in the country. For our article on this click here.

In our long experience, many clients initially wonder why a confidential internal conflict check is necessary before any legal advice can be given to them.

The parts of the New Zealand Law Society Conduct and Care Rules under NZ law that relate to conflicts of interest with clients are designed to protect clients, and the reputation of the legal profession.

They are wide-ranging and the potential consequences of breaching the Rules can be against the best interests of the client, and very serious for the lawyer. Doing the necessary conflict checks is essential in everyone’s interests.

Usually, if all relevant requested information is provided, internal conflict checks can be completed within one business day.

Being prepared can help ease any stress involved in engaging a lawyer and you’ll benefit from helping the lawyer to quickly focus on the issues facing you.

If you have a legal problem, it pays to seek advice from a professional with experience in the particular area of law. When you have prepared, and contacted a lawyer, ask them early on if they have experience in the particular area you are concerned about.

Leading law firms committed to helping clients cost-effectively will have a range of fixed-price Initial Consultations to suit most people’s needs in quickly learning what their options are.  At Rainey Collins we have an experienced team who can answer your questions and put you on the right track.

Shaun Cousins and Hunter Flanagan-Connors