What to discuss at the first meeting
Provide the latest draft and explain the transaction, bargaining position and terms that matter most to you. Ask for advice before accepting terms where possible.
Clarify what happens if the counterparty substantially rewrites the document after the first review.
Working with a firm in Ballarat & Central Highlands
For Ballarat and Central Highlands clients, legal advice may need to cover both personal and business interests. A property held by a company or trust should be identified as such before a conveyancing or estate-planning quote is prepared.
For contract law, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant VIC experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Ballarat & Central Highlands. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Explain the transaction, amount involved, parties and desired result. Provide the current agreement and relevant entity or trust details.
Ask which risks need legal, accounting, tax or technical advice. Identify essential terms and those you are willing to negotiate.
Agree who negotiates, approves documents and tracks continuing obligations. Clarify whether post-completion advice is included.
Fees and the scope of work
Request a defined scope or staged budget with assumptions about document review and negotiation rounds. Personal guarantees, tax and related disputes may need separate work.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Highlight signing dates, finance conditions and demands. Raise an inability to meet debts immediately so appropriate advice can be identified before further commitments.
Questions to ask a contract law adviser
- Which risks are material to this arrangement?