California • Practical guides
What to Bring to Your First Injury Lawyer Consultation
You do not need a polished legal presentation to start a conversation. Aim for a clear account of what happened, a manageable set of documents, and the questions you most want answered.
Write a one-page timeline
The State Bar recommends preparing the key facts and related papers before an initial meeting. Start with the incident, then list the important events that followed. Include dates you know; mark estimates as estimates. Use the State Bar’s consultation guidance as a starting point.
A useful personal worksheet has three columns: event, document available, and question. For example, “received an insurer’s letter” belongs beside the letter’s filename and the question you want to ask about it. Keep facts separate from your interpretation of them.
Ask the office what to send
Make an inventory of what you already have: photos, correspondence, report details, bills, and other relevant records. Ask the office which items it wants first and how to deliver them securely. A list can be easier to review than an unorganized collection of attachments.
Do not post medical records, identification numbers, or private correspondence in public comments. Keep sensitive files out of a general website inquiry.
Use the free consultation planner — check off preparation steps or print a worksheet.
Choose your three most important questions
Our suggested preparation prompts are:
- What do you still need to understand about my situation?
- Is there anything time-sensitive I should ask you to evaluate?
- If we move forward, what is the next step and who takes it?
Add questions specific to your needs, such as language access or appointment format. Keep a second list for less urgent topics so you can use a short meeting well.
Leave with a written next step
Before ending the conversation, summarize what you understood and ask the office to correct anything you missed. Record what you will send, what the office will do, and how you will hear back. Do not treat a consultation request as confirmation that an attorney has agreed to represent you.
Sources are linked alongside the relevant guidance. This article has not been reviewed by an attorney.