What to discuss at the first meeting
Tell the lawyer the alleged conduct, any existing conditions and the next appearance date. Related protection orders should be provided alongside the charge documents.
Ask about contact restrictions and the scope of advice for each proceeding rather than assuming one engagement covers them all.
Working with a firm in Barossa & Adelaide Hills
Mount Barker, Nuriootpa and Gawler provide different starting points across Barossa & Adelaide Hills. If a matter concerns land and a business together, identify the owner and operator separately.
For assault & violent offences, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant SA experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Barossa & Adelaide Hills. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Send the charge, summons, bail paperwork and hearing dates through the method requested by the lawyer. Identify whether you are enquiring for yourself or someone else.
Ask what evidence is available and what must be obtained. Decisions about a plea or statement should follow advice on your own circumstances.
Confirm who will attend the next event, where to meet and what preparation is included. Ask how changes in the case would affect the estimate.
Fees and the scope of work
One mention, a contested hearing and an appeal are different scopes of work. Ask about preparation, barrister fees and additional appearances.
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
Make hearing dates and bail conditions clear at first contact. If the firm cannot assist in time, ask about an available practitioner or the relevant legal-aid service.