What to hand over, and what to bring back
A first consultation produces two things if it is done properly: a clear view of the legal position, and a written record of what was agreed about money and scope. Most disputes between clients and advocates are not about the law. They are about a fee understood differently by each side, or a case that quietly grew beyond what was quoted. Both are avoidable in the first twenty minutes.
Carry originals only for the documents the lawyer needs to read, and a complete photocopy set to leave behind. A set that stays on the file is what gets used at the hearing six weeks later.
- A one-page chronology — date, event, document reference — written by you, not narrated from memory.
- Every notice, summons, or order received, in the envelope it came in, because the dispatch date often decides a limitation question.
- The agreement, deed, or contract at the centre of the dispute, with all annexures and the stamp page.
- Proof of identity and address, and a vakalatnama signed but undated, so it can be used the moment you decide to engage.
- A written list of what you want to achieve, ranked. Courts cannot give you everything, and knowing your first priority changes the strategy.
The five things to get in writing before you leave
A lawyer who resists putting this on paper is telling you something useful.
- Scope. Which court, which stage, and whether appeal or execution is included or separately charged.
- Fee basis. Per hearing, per stage, or lump sum, and what happens if the matter is adjourned at the other side's instance.
- Out-of-pocket costs. Court fee, process fee, clerkage, certified copies, and travel, stated as estimates with the basis for the estimate.
- Who appears. The name of the advocate who will argue, and the name of the person you call between hearings.
- Review point. When the engagement will be reassessed — after the charge sheet, after framing of issues, after the first hearing — so that a change of cost is discussed rather than discovered.
Reading the answers, not just hearing them
A lawyer's answer to "how long will this take" is diagnostic. An honest answer in a Kolkata court carries a range and a reason: the nature of the evidence, whether the other side is likely to seek adjournments, the pendency before that particular bench. A single confident number is a sales answer. The same applies to "what are my chances" — the useful reply describes the weaknesses first, because a lawyer who has read your papers will have found at least one.
Watch, too, for the answer to "what would you do if you were me". A good advocate will sometimes say that litigation is not your best route: a registered notice, a mediation referral, a complaint to an ombudsman, or simply paying a small disputed sum may cost less than winning. That answer costs the lawyer a brief and is therefore worth a great deal to you.
Common questions about the first meeting
Should I take a second opinion? Yes, where the stakes are large or the advice is to litigate immediately. Do not ask the second lawyer to criticise the first; ask what they would do differently and why. Compare reasoning, not confidence.
Is a paid consultation better than a free one? A paid first consultation buys time and a considered view; a free one is usually a screening. Neither is wrong, but do not expect a strategy session for nothing, and be wary of a "free" meeting that ends with pressure to sign on the spot.
Can I record the meeting on my phone? Ask first. A recording made openly is a useful memory aid; one made secretly damages the relationship before it starts and may not be admissible in the way you expect.
What if I cannot afford the quoted fee? Say so in the meeting, not afterwards. Options that genuinely exist include a staged engagement limited to the next hearing, a reduced scope that leaves part of the work with you, or a referral to the District Legal Services Authority if you qualify for free legal aid. A fee discussion held early is a negotiation; one held after the work is a dispute.
The chamber at 14 Hare Street keeps the first consultation to a fixed length, with a written note afterwards. Contact the chamber to fix a time and mention which documents you hold.