Preparing for a first meeting
The first meeting goes further when the basics are in hand. Bring what applies:
- For a business matter: formation documents, the operating agreement or bylaws, and any contract or letter you want reviewed.
- For an estate plan: a list of assets and rough values, existing wills or trusts, and the names of the people you would put in charge and name as beneficiaries.
- For a raise: the business plan or pitch deck, the current ownership table, and any term sheet or investor conversation already underway.
- For an administration: the death certificate, the will or trust, and a list of the assets and debts you know about.
Write down the questions you want answered. The firm will tell you at the end of the meeting whether it can take the matter and what the next step is.
Engagement and fees
Before work starts, the firm sets out in writing what it will do and how it will charge, so there are no surprises on either side. The arrangement depends on the matter: some work is billed by the hour, and some can be quoted as a fixed fee. Ask about fees at the first meeting; the answer will be direct.