Are you meeting a Canadian Immigration attorney and feeling a little confused on how to prepare for the first meeting? Don’t worry. We have prepared a few tips that will help you prepare effectively and make sure you get all the important information you need to make a smart move.

Here are our top five tips for meeting with an attorney, or legal council for the first time.

1. Take a deep breath

You are human, and so are they! So often, people get caught up in the emotion of an experience, without pausing to remember the support being handed to you. This may be your first time meeting with a lawyer, though it’s unlikely that it’s their first time meeting with someone like you! Pause, and remember that you’re dealing with an experienced professional, who is well aware of the emotions which may be surrounding your meeting.

2. Prepare

Gather your questions ahead of time, and write them down! As you continue to research and learn, some of these questions might be answered on their own, or during the course of your conversation, but there are few worse feelings than forgetting to ask something before your time is over. If possible, we even recommend typing these questions up and printing them off to bring with you. Shaky handwriting and scribbled notes are eliminated, allowing you to focus and be present.

3. Gather information

Just like in school, it’s worth taking the time to explore the ultimate six questions:

Who?

What?

When?

Where?

Why?

How?

Some of these questions may be obvious, answered for you ahead of time, or can be found on a firm’s website.

Who does this attorney represent?

What makes this team qualified, and what can they do for you? What choices do you have?

When is this process expected to take place, and what would be a good estimated timeline?

How will they explain the whole process? How will the documents be shared? Is it safe to share the personal details?

Why is hiring an attorney in this situation beneficial, and why might we encounter some obstacles in the future?

How? How can we work together, and what is needed from you, should this relationship continue?

4. Take notes, or ask to record.

This can be especially useful for preliminary conversations; take notes, or ask if you could record the conversation on your smart phone or another device, in order to refer to the chat at a later date. This can bring such peace of mind, ensuring that you won’t miss something important, due to the wide expanse of information you are likely taking in.

Please note that it is very important to ask before you record, and that all parties consent before you begin.

5. Speak up!

This is your chance to share! These initial conversations are a good time to listen, as well as share a little bit about where you’re coming from, and why you are there. These conversations are a wonderful place to get your bearings, and can often result in a referral to a more specialized colleague.

This process can be overwhelming, but with the right partners and the willingness to ask questions, you can proceed with confidence, wherever those conversations might end up.

Best of luck!

Disclaimer : The content of this blog is not legal advice and and may not be accurate or complete. If you require legal advice, contact a licensed legal practitioner directly.