What to discuss at the first meeting
Explain your connection to the death and what notice or invitation you have received. Ask about your role, the process and the support required to participate.
An inquest and a separate civil claim have different purposes; ask about each if relevant.
Working with a firm in Southern Highlands & Tablelands
Bowral, Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Yass are grouped for discovery, not because they share a single legal venue. For matters connected with Canberra as well as NSW, ask which jurisdiction and local processes the advice will cover.
For coronial inquests, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Southern Highlands & Tablelands. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Prepare a chronology, agreement or policy, important communications and a calculation of any claimed amount. Distinguish firsthand facts from assumptions.
Discuss negotiation, a complaint scheme, mediation, a tribunal or court. Ask which options are available for this particular matter.
Agree on a first step and a point to reassess progress and cost. Before settling, understand what claims would be released and how obligations would be recorded.
Fees and the scope of work
Request stages for advice, correspondence, negotiations and proceedings. Discuss filing, expert and barrister costs and any potential liability for another party’s costs.
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
Provide every demand, decision and court document with its date. Do not assume informal negotiations suspend a response or filing deadline.