What to discuss at the first meeting
Give the dismissal date immediately and explain the employment history. The lawyer should assess eligibility and the appropriate pathway before drafting an application.
Fair Work Commission applications have a 21-day timeframe; ask promptly rather than waiting for an internal discussion to finish.
Working with a firm in Northern Rivers
For matters involving Tweed Heads and Queensland, ask about cross-border experience. A nearby office is not enough to establish whether a lawyer can advise on property, proceedings or a business on the other side of the border.
For unfair dismissal, 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 Northern Rivers. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Gather the contract, dates, pay records and relevant correspondence. Identify the employer’s legal name rather than only a trading name.
Ask which law or process applies and whether its requirements are met. Fair Work Commission unfair dismissal applications have a 21-day filing timeframe, making prompt advice important.
Agree how to respond, prepare for a meeting or assess a settlement. Have any release and confidentiality terms explained before signing.
Fees and the scope of work
Advice on a single document, an investigation response and ongoing representation need different estimates. Ask what negotiation and appearance work is covered.
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
Put the dismissal or decision date in the first enquiry. Ask whether an external deadline is running while an internal complaint is being considered.