While there are times when people seek legal advice for joyful occasions, most people do so in response to a problem that requires immediate attention. The Law Office of Stephen E. Dubner understands the stress that meeting with an attorney can bring.

To avoid unnecessary stress, it is important to arrive prepared for a productive consultation. Preparation helps you to be able to clearly convey your situation to the attorney. This in turn will help the attorney to be able to focus on the issues that are important to you and help the attorney to be able to provide specific, useful advice. Here are some things you should do before meeting with an attorney:

• Be sure that the attorney is experienced with legal matters such as yours.
• Be sure you share the same type of philosophies as your attorney.
• Draft the attorney a letter explaining the specific facts of your case in advance of the meeting. Be as specific as possible. Do not assume a particular fact is not important.
• Make list of all parties who may be involved or have knowledge of the facts surrounding your case.
• Make a list of questions for which you want answers.

An initial consultation is a time to exchange information and to determine whether the attorney with whom you're meeting is right for you. Do not feel obligated to engage an attorney during the initial meeting. If, after your consultation, you wish to hire that attorney, tell him so. If you decide to hire the attorney, find out his plan of action. Do not leave the office wondering what will happen next.