Describe the problem before the practice area

Write a short account of what happened, who is involved, and what you want to change. Include any court name, case number, hearing notice, or deadline already in your possession. A dispute about a house, for example, might concern a purchase contract, a landlord, an estate, or a divorce. Those situations can call for different experience. Tell the office about urgent dates when you first contact it; do not bury them in a large attachment.

Build a short, verifiable list

The State Bar of Texas maintains lawyer information and a list of certified referral services, including the Dallas Bar Association service. A referral is a starting point for a conversation, not a promise of a particular result. Check the lawyer's current licensing information and ask about relevant experience. If a biography mentions board certification, confirm the exact specialty. Advertisements, review scores, and a prominent office location do not answer those questions on their own.

Use the consultation to test the fit

Ask how the lawyer would begin evaluating the issue, which documents matter first, and what remains uncertain. Find out who would handle daily work and who would appear at a hearing. You should be able to understand the explanation without guessing what unfamiliar terms mean. Describe practical needs such as language support, accessible meetings, or a work schedule that limits calls. A useful consultation should leave you with a clearer picture of the next decision, even if you hire someone else.

Discuss the full cost and scope

Ask whether the proposed arrangement is hourly, a flat fee, or a permitted contingency agreement. Clarify deposits, expenses, billing frequency, and work excluded from the quoted amount. A document review and full litigation are different engagements. Ask what would cause the estimate to change and how you would be told. Read the proposed agreement carefully, keep a copy, and raise unclear provisions before signing. The lowest initial payment does not necessarily describe the total cost.

Confirm who is responsible for the next step

Before the meeting ends, identify any immediate action and who will take it. Do not assume that requesting a consultation means the office has agreed to file something or attend court. Ask how representation will be confirmed and how the firm communicates about deadlines. If the lawyer cannot assist, request guidance about the type of counsel to seek. Keep your search moving when a deadline is approaching; organizing a perfect file should not delay asking for help.

Take to your consultation

A short preparation list

  • A one-page account with important dates
  • The complete court papers or contract, if any
  • Questions about relevant experience and fees
  • Written confirmation of the agreed scope and next step

Sources consulted: State Bar of Texas, How to Select a Lawyer and Certified Lawyer Referral Services. General information reviewed September 29, 2026.