NEW CLIENTS
New Clients
You may come in and consult with us and decide that is the extent of the help you need. You may decide that you want us to be your counsel beyond that point. If so, we will formally enter into an attorney-client relationship, which means that we have a contract (called a fee agreement) which lays out our responsibilities to you, and your responsibilities to the firm and the case.
Before we even get to the first meeting, we must do what is called a Conflict Check. We must make sure we have not consulted with the opposing party or any third parties that may be adverse to you. To complete the conflict check, we need certain information about you, the opposing party, and the issue that brings you to us before we meet.
After the initial consultation has been scheduled, but before you come in to meet with us, a consultation form must be filled out. This form provides us more information regarding you and your spouse than the conflict check form. Once an attorney-client relationship has been established, we are able to insert the information into certain court documents that require it, as well as setting up your client file.
The ideal relationship between attorney and client is a cooperative partnership. Our job, among other things, is to educate our clients regarding the process in which they find themselves and the outside influences that come to bear, such as the court or the opinions of experts. The more the client understands the process and our job, the more of an asset they will be to the case.
What if you have met with the other party?
Then it is highly unlikely we can meet with you.
What are the client's responsibilities to the attorney?
Primarily they are to cooperate. If information or documents are needed from the client, the client must provide them. You may choose not to follow the advice of counsel, but as long as we are your counsel, we can not support actions or behaviors that impair the case. Deadlines with the court or those dictated by the Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia, for example, must be met.
What are the attorney's responsibilities to the client?
Primarily to speak for you and look out for your best interests and the best interests of the case. This means that we will communicate with the opposing counsel, any third parties such as guardians ad litem, experts and the court on your behalf. Another key responsibility is to educate the client as noted above.
Contact or call us at 703.279.5140 to schedule a consultation.