consultation-frequently-asked-questions-faq

Consultations with Johnson Isdell LLC

Below are some frequently asked questions our clients have had about the consultation process with us. We are here to answer all of your family law questions.

How do I make an appointment for a consultation?

You can call Johnson Isdell LLC at (312) 257-2018 to make an appointment, or email Info@JohnsonIsdell.com.  Be prepared to let our staff know what the issues are that you’d like to discuss, where you reside or where your pending case is located, whether there are any upcoming deadlines or court dates in your matter, whether you’ve been served with any documents, and what your availability is for a meeting.

 

What do consultations cost?

A basic consultation with Johnson Isdell LLC is free of charge. We cover what your specific circumstances are, what you can expect, how we can help you, and the cost. If you are looking for advice on specific documents, there is a fee because we are providing you with specific legal advice. At that point, we are acting as a representative on your behalf, and must charge for the service we’re providing. Talk to one of our staff regarding what you’d like reviewed, and they will provide you with the cost.

 

What should I bring with me to a consultation?

You are not required to bring anything with you to a consultation. In order to make the most of your time with the Attorney, we would urge you to write down a list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss. These matters can be emotional, and the information you are gathering can often be a lot to take in. A list of questions and concerns will help us ensure that you leave with the information you are seeking.

Additionally, if you have been served with paperwork, it would be helpful for the Attorney to be able to review it. If you have a case that has been pending for some time, bringing a few of the most recent court orders and/or pleadings is also a good idea; however, you do not need to bring all of the documentation on your case with you to your first meeting.

Finally, it can be helpful for the Attorney to have a general sense of your income and assets. This will help her assess your case in more detail.

 

How long do consultations last?

A typical consultation lasts between thirty minutes and one hour, depending on the complexity of the issues involved.

 

Where do the consultations take place?

Consultations are held in our private office at 155 North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. We are located on Michigan Avenue between Randolph Street and Lake Street, across the street from Millennium Park. We are easily accessible by public transportation, and there are a variety of parking options available nearby.

Depending on your situation, we can also accommodate consultations via telephone.

 

What topics do you cover in a consultation?

We will go over the details of your situation, and the Attorney will guide you through what to expect during your case and how we can be of service. Where it is appropriate, we will cover your different options for representation and the choices you have for how to proceed. We will also cover what to expect as far as attorney’s fees as well as other outside costs related to your case.

 

Will I be expected to hire the firm during the consultation? 

No, there is no obligation or expectation that you will hire the firm during your consultation. This is an opportunity to gather information on your situation, and on us, not a high pressure sales environment. We want you to have plenty of time to consider your decision, what we offer, and whether we will be a good fit for you.

 

How do I hire Johnson Isdell LLC?

If you decide you’d like to hire us, there are two steps. First, you will need to sign a retainer agreement. This is the contract that will govern our relationship, and lays out in detail what we expect of you and what you should expect from us in return. We encourage you to review this retainer agreement carefully, and let us know if you have any questions about it. The second step is to pay a retainer fee. This fee is based on your specific case, which is why it is difficult to provide a quote for a retainer fee without hearing the details of your matter. We will discuss the retainer fee in your consultation. A retainer fee must be paid in full before representation can commence. We do our best to accommodate a variety of circumstances, and can discuss the different options in your consultation.

Consultation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)