What To Say When You Call an Attorney

Full Video Transcript

When you need legal help, it might seem a bit daunting having to call a lawyer since most of us don’t normally deal with the legal system. So here are a few tips. First, try not to be nervous. Lawyers are just people; they just happen to have specialty knowledge of the law. Secondly, you don’t have to have it all planned out what you’re going to say. A lawyer will ask you questions in order to get the information they need to know what they need to do to help you. When you first contact a lawyer, start off by trying to explain your basic reason for calling in about two or three short sentences. For example: “Hi, Attorney Smith, I’m calling because I believe I was unfairly fired from my job after I complained about a safety policy.” Or maybe: “Good afternoon, Attorney Jones, I need some legal advice about a medical procedure I recently underwent. I don’t think the doctor did what he was supposed to do.” Or, finally: “Hello, I’m calling because I’m afraid I might lose my house, and I’m wondering if I should file for bankruptcy.” Now this lets the lawyer know, in kind of ballpark terms, where you’re coming from, and then you can elaborate on your specific situation. And when you keep it simple in the beginning, it really does make it easier and less painful to get the help you deserve.