How to Get the Most Out of Working with Your Lawyer
When you hire a lawyer, you’re usually not just seeking legal expertise—you’re investing in guidance, strategy, and support to help you navigate a complex issue and achieve a commercial outcome.
The lawyer-client relationship is a partnership. To achieve the best outcomes, clients must actively participate and build an open, productive relationship with us.
Here are some tips to help you maximise the value of working with your lawyer and ensure your legal matter is handled as effectively (including as cost effectively) as possible.
1. Clearly Define Your Goals
Before your first meeting with your lawyer, take time to clarify your objectives. Are you looking to speed up contract negotiations, create a bulletproof liability position, or protect your intellectual property?
By articulating your desired outcome, you can help your lawyer tailor their strategy to meet your needs.
Key Tip:
Be realistic about your goals. While your lawyer will strive for the best result, legal matters often involve negotiations and compromises. A clear, practical vision sets the foundation for an effective partnership.
2. Prepare Thoroughly for Initial Meetings
The more information you provide us upfront, the better we can evaluate your needs. Gather all relevant background, documents, emails, contracts, or other records before your first meeting. This not only saves time but also allows us to hit the ground running.
Key Tip:
Brain dump your thoughts in an email before the initial meeting - we’ll wade through what’s relevant and what’s not, and have a list of discussion points ready for the call so that we’re as targeted and useful as possible.
3. Understand the Process and Timeline
Legal matters can be lengthy and complex. Where possible, we’ll explain the key steps, expected timelines, and potential roadblocks. By understanding the process, you’ll have realistic expectations and be better prepared for what’s ahead.
Key Tip:
Check in periodically with your lawyer to stay updated, but avoid excessive or unnecessary communications that may increase costs.
4. Stay Organised and Responsive
Timely responses to your lawyer’s requests are crucial. Whether it’s signing documents, answering questions, or providing additional information, delays can hinder progress and jeopardise deadlines.
Key Tip:
If you’re not sure how to respond to something, pick up the phone and chat it through. Knowing that you’re struggling to respond to something helps us to adjust our tone and approach.
5. Ask Questions and Seek Clarity
Don’t hesitate to ask your lawyer to explain legal jargon, strategies, or risks. A good lawyer welcomes questions and ensures you understand the implications of decisions you’re making.
Key Tip:
Prepare a list of questions before meetings to make the most of your time and avoid forgetting important concerns.
6. Collaborate openly
While we have the experience and professional judgment, you bring commercial and practical acumen to us. By seeing any outputs as a collaboration between us, you’ll end up with documents and outcomes that are suitable for you and your business.
Key Tip:
Be open to alternatives. Sometimes, a solution you hadn’t considered may provide better results.
7. Build a Long-Term Relationship
The lawyer-client relationship doesn’t have to end after one engagement. Building a lasting relationship allows us to better understand and anticipate your needs, preferences, and long-term goals, leading to more efficient and personalised service in the future.
Key Tip:
Even when a matter ends, stay in touch and keep them informed about major developments in your business that might require legal advice.
Conclusion
Working with a lawyer is a collaborative effort. By being proactive, communicative, and organised, you can strengthen your partnership and achieve the best possible outcomes.
At Hemisphere Consultants, we pride ourselves on fostering strong relationships with our clients, helping them navigate legal challenges with confidence and clarity.