A first legal consultation can feel daunting — but a little preparation makes it far more useful, and often shorter and cheaper too. The more your lawyer can see and understand in that first meeting, the sooner you'll get clear advice on where you stand and what to do next. This guide walks through what to bring, what to think about beforehand, and the questions worth asking, whatever kind of matter you're facing.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different, so please treat the list below as a helpful starting point rather than a rule. If you're not sure whether something matters, bring it anyway — it's easier for us to set aside a document we don't need than to chase one we do.
Before you arrive: gather the story, not just the paper
Lawyers work best when they understand the whole picture, in order. Before the meeting, it helps to jot down a short timeline of what happened and when — even a few bullet points on your phone is enough. Note the key dates, the people involved, and what outcome you're hoping for. If there are deadlines looming, such as a court date, a notice that gives you a number of days to respond, write those down first. Time limits are often strict, and missing one can close off options that would otherwise have been open.
Identification and contact details
Bring photo identification — a driver licence or passport is ideal. Australian solicitors are required to verify who their clients are, so this isn't a formality we can skip. Have your current address, phone number and email ready, along with the best way and times to reach you.
Documents to bring, by type of matter
You won't need everything on this list — only what's relevant to your situation. Where you can, bring originals and a copy; we can usually scan documents for you. If something only exists as a photo or screenshot on your phone, that's fine to start with.
- Family law — any court documents already filed or served, a marriage or de facto relationship record, details of children and current arrangements, and a rough picture of assets, debts and superannuation for both people.
- Property and conveyancing — the contract of sale, the Section 32 (vendor's statement), any building or pest reports, and correspondence with the agent or the other side's lawyer.
- Criminal or police matters — any charge sheet, summons, bail documents, or a notice asking you to attend a police interview. Do not speak to police about the substance of the matter before you've had advice.
- Wills and estates — the existing will, the death certificate where relevant, and details of the estate's assets, debts and beneficiaries.
- Disputes and insurance — the contract or policy, the insurer's or other party's decision, and the trail of letters, emails and invoices that show what happened.
Whatever you're facing, you don't have to face it alone — and you don't need to have it all figured out before you walk in. That's what the first conversation is for.
A few things that always help
Beyond the documents specific to your matter, a handful of things make almost any consultation go more smoothly:
- A written timeline of key events and dates, so nothing important gets missed in the moment.
- Correspondence — letters, emails and text messages with the other party, your insurer, an agent or a government department. Keep them in date order if you can.
- Any deadlines or notices you've received, especially anything that says you must respond by a certain date.
- A short list of questions you want answered, written down before you arrive so you don't forget them.
- A pen and notepad, or your phone, to jot down the advice you're given and the next steps you agree on.
Questions worth asking us
A good first meeting goes both ways. It's completely reasonable to ask how we see your prospects, what the likely steps and timeframes are, who will be handling your matter, and — importantly — how our fees work and what the next stage is likely to cost. A reputable firm will give you clear, upfront answers and won't make you feel rushed or pressured.
What if I don't have everything?
Please don't let missing paperwork stop you from booking. It is very common to come to a first consultation with only part of the picture, and an experienced lawyer can usually still tell you whether you have a matter worth pursuing and what to gather next. Bring what you have, and we'll work out the rest together. If anything is confidential or sensitive, you can speak freely — your first consultation is private, and what you tell us stays with us.
How Pasha Legal can help
At Pasha Legal, your first consultation is confidential and free of pressure. For more than 25 years we've sat across the table from people at difficult moments and explained their options in plain English, with no intimidation and no jargon. Bring what you can, ask whatever's on your mind, and we'll tell you honestly whether and how we can help — and exactly what it's likely to involve. To arrange a time, call us on (03) 9848 7275, email info@pashalegal.com.au, or send us a message through our contact page.