Getting the most from your first meeting with a lawyer
Updated 13 Nov 2026 · General information, not legal advice
A first appointment with a lawyer is often short, and sometimes it is the only free or fixed-fee part of the process. A little preparation means you spend that time on advice, not on paperwork.
Before the meeting
- Write a one-page timeline: what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Note any deadlines: court or tribunal dates, dates in letters, contract notice periods.
- Gather the key documents (contracts, letters, emails, notices, photos) in date order, and bring copies.
- Write down what outcome you want, and what you could live with.
- List your questions, starting with the most important.
Questions about costs
Ask how you will be charged (hourly, fixed fee or another arrangement), for a written estimate of the total cost, and what extra costs (court fees, experts, barristers) might arise. Lawyers generally have to tell you how they will charge before or soon after they start work, and to keep you updated if the estimate changes. Ask what happens to costs if you win or lose.
Questions about your matter
- What are my options, and what are the risks of each?
- Are there time limits I need to know about?
- What should I do, or not do, right now?
- Is there a cheaper way to resolve this, such as negotiation or mediation?
- What happens next, and when will I hear from you?
Free and low-cost help
If cost is a barrier, contact the Legal Aid commission in your state or territory or a community legal centre. Your state or territory law society can also refer you to lawyers who practise in the area you need. To find a lawyer near you, search the Directory.com.au legal directory.
Legal Guide can help you prepare: ask it to turn your notes into a timeline and a list of questions for your lawyer.