What Happens During & After My Minc Law Attorney Consultation?

Prospective clients often ask what to expect during their consultation with a Minc Law attorney. Simply put, every attorney consultation is unique. We treat attorney consultations as proactive strategy sessions, where we conduct a thorough examination of your specific internet-related issue and formulate an effective game plan to address your matter. Instead of offering broad legal information, we provide tailored analysis and detailed breakdown of costs pertinent to your situation and the challenges you face.

This personalized approach underlines why we typically charge for our consultations. We ensure that this is not just a rudimentary case evaluation and that you leave with a clear understanding of your legal options, how we can assist, and any potential obstacles you may face.

During and after your Minc Law consultation, you can expect:

• A conversation about your objectives, legal options, and case strategy.
• Insights into possible challenges, including statute of limitations or jurisdictional complexities.
• An itemized forecast of potential costs, billing practices, and initial expenses.
• The preparation of an engagement agreement, tailored to your legal issue, that outlines your rights and responsibilities upon retaining our firm.
• An opportunity to peruse your engagement agreement and ask any subsequent questions.
• Upon engagement, you will receive a formal welcome email that includes contact details, the next steps, and the immediate activation of our evidence-preservation tools and monitoring technology.

In this article, we will explain the specifics of what to anticipate during your attorney consultation at Minc Law. We will also shed light on the behind-the-scenes processes that take place after your consultation.

Preparing For Your Attorney Consultation

When you reach out to Minc Law for the first time, the journey begins with an initial case review conducted by our intake specialists. These professionals are your first point of contact and can help you understand the services we offer, whether our firm is the right fit for your situation, the typical costs and fees associated with your matter, and your options moving forward.

Our intake specialists’ extensive training equips them to address various inquiries that potential clients frequently have regarding the legal process and what it means to retain an attorney.

After an intake specialist has gathered important details about your internet-related matter and discussed your legal options moving forward, they will determine if we are the appropriate fit to address your issue.

For further reading on the Minc Law intake process, please see our comprehensive guide ‘What Our Intake Specialists Do & How They Can Help’.

Scheduling Your Consultation & Payment

After determining that Minc Law is the right fit for your internet-related matter, they will inform you of the price of the consultation.

At Minc Law, generally, we charge for attorney consultations. Consults begin at $500 for a one-hour consultation with an attorney. There are some cases that involve complex legal issues, litigation matters, and/or matters with a vast amount of information to review that will require a two-hour paid consult, which costs $750.

In limited circumstances, we may offer a free consultation. Free consultations are thirty minutes long and typically offered for matters that involve the removal of news publications, shaming site removals, and adult content removal. However, even in cases where a free consult may be appropriate, an intake specialist may determine that it should be made into a paid consult due to its complexity or the time required to discuss the matter.

An intake specialist will inform you which type of consult is the best fit for your situation. We strive to promptly schedule a consultation with your attorney and do so within 24 to 48 hours of your initial contact.

Make sure to read our comprehensive guide for further information on our free vs. paid consult policies at Minc Law.

What We Need From You Before Your Attorney Consultation

An essential part of preparing for your attorney consult is the completion of our ‘Attorney Consult Sheet’. This questionnaire is designed to capture the essential details of your case so that our attorneys can prepare effectively for the consultation. In this sheet, we request, at minimum, that new clients provide the following information:

• Your internet-related issue,
• When it started,
• The website(s) where the damaging, defamatory, or malicious content is posted (with URLs if possible),
• What are your goals for hiring an attorney?
• Deadlines or constraints under which you need your internet-related issue resolved,
• Proof that you have legal authority to enter into an attorney-client relationship (this is particularly relevant for minors or are calling on behalf of a third party),
• Your projected budget for legal services,
• Any additional background information, screenshots, or communications that you believe are relevant,
• Questions you have for the attorney.

The more information that you provide us about your internet issue, the better.

We want you to leave the consultation feeling better about your options, understanding any hurdles you may face and what lies ahead for your matter. This is why it is important to add any questions you may have for the attorney in the ‘Attorney Consult Sheet’ prior to your call.

The ‘Attorney Consult Sheet’ is a critical tool that ensures your unique circumstances are fully understood and allows our attorneys to provide a focused and personalized strategy session. Everyone has different goals and expectations for their unique matter so understanding what your end goal is and projected budget will help the attorney devise a plan that will fit your needs and budget.

For your convenience, we have created a checklist of pertinent questions that you can download to ensure you are fully prepared for the meeting.

What Happens During My Attorney Consultation?

Your consultation with a Minc Law attorney is a critical step in addressing your internet legal matter head-on. This session is far more than a standard Q&A – it is a strategic meeting focused on the complexities of your specific situation and how we will approach remedying it. It is also an essential starting point for cultivating a successful legal relationship with an attorney to achieve great results.

Our objectives for your attorney consultation are twofold:

1. Case assessment and strategy formulation, and
2. Financial planning and a discussion of a suitable payment structure.

How We Conduct Attorney Consultations

At Minc Law, we conduct most attorney consultations via a Zoom video conference. However, if you are more comfortable over the phone or in person, we are more than happy to accommodate this.

When speaking with an attorney via Zoom or telephone call, please ensure that you are in a private and quiet place. Most clients do not want anyone else overhearing the confidential details of their matter.

Everything discussed during your consultation is confidential and privileged.

The confidentiality of your consultation is a cornerstone (and ethical obligation) of our service. During our conversation, we will dissect any legal challenges pertinent to your case, including statutes of limitations, jurisdictional considerations, and possible defenses that could be leveraged by the opposition.

Case Assessment & Strategy

The first part of your consultation will focus on identifying your objectives and setting realistic expectations. Understanding the core of the incident and your desired outcome is crucial for us to align our strategies with your goals. Our attorneys are committed to ensuring that the legal advice and strategy provided are both targeted to your needs and feasible within the bounds of the law.

Your attorney consultation is also an important time to ask any specific questions you have about your matter.

Next, we delve into the specifics of your case, considering all the details that could influence the course of action. This may include a discussion on whether litigation is necessary or if alternative legal remedies are available. We are proactive in identifying any potential weaknesses and advising on how to reinforce your legal standing.

Unlike firms that provide only a superficial overview during an initial consultation, we believe in delving deeper. We aim to understand the legal framework of your situation and the nuanced facts that may influence the case. This comprehensive analysis sets the foundation for a robust attorney-client relationship and a strategic path forward.

Our goal is for you to leave the consultation with a clear understanding of what hurdles may lie ahead and the viability of your case. We will provide a frank and direct assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your situation.

Whether Your Legal Matter Will Require Litigation

If litigation is necessary for your matter, your attorney will outline potential outcomes, timelines, and appropriate jurisdictions for filing. They will also provide insights into the typical progression of similar cases. While it is important to remember that no outcomes can be guaranteed in litigation, our experience enables us to offer a forecast of what you might expect should your case proceed to trial.

Whether Your Legal Matter Can Be Handled Without Litigation

If your case can be resolved without a lawsuit, your attorney will explain the alternative approaches available. These options are often less costly, such as guaranteed content removals, but they are not necessarily simpler.

Non-litigation resolutions may involve the preparation of impact statements, expungement records, or letters of recommendation. Should these documents be necessary, we will identify them during your consultation to ensure you can prepare and provide the required information promptly.

Costs & Fee Structure

We prioritize a discussion of the costs and fee structure during your consultation. Most legal matters will necessitate a paid consultation with an attorney, starting at $500. If you decide to retain us within two business days of receiving your engagement agreement, this fee will be credited toward any required retainer fee.

To determine if a paid consultation is necessary for your case, our Intake Team will evaluate your situation. If you engage with Minc Law, a retainer fee is required. This advance payment reserves legal services and varies based on the nature of your case.

We generally use three primary types of retainer agreements:

• Minimum Fee Agreements (MFAs): These are used for urgent matters that require our specific skillset. The fixed minimum fee will cover a set amount of attorney time, but clients may be responsible for additional hours if a case requires more time and work.
• Evergreen Retainers: These retainers are replenished to a set amount each month, ensuring funds are always available for legal services as needed.
• Standard Retainers: These are traditional retainers where you pay upfront for anticipated legal work, with monthly billing against this amount.

Each month, you will receive detailed Minc Law invoices to help you track your retainer balance and determine if replenishment is required. During your consultation, your attorney will clarify how the retainer is used, and our billing methods, and provide guidance on understanding your legal invoices. Any expected extra costs, such as local counsel or third-party fees, will be addressed at this time.

For further reading about potential costs you may expect, please see our Pricing Page.

What Happens After My Attorney Consultation?

Once your consultation concludes, the process to start your representation unfolds. Here are some critical first steps:

• Drafting the engagement agreement,
• Review and inquiry,
• Signing and onboarding.

We Draft & Share an Engagement Agreement

After your consultation, we will prepare an engagement agreement, which outlines the scope of services, initial costs, and billing details. This agreement also lays out the obligations of both parties during our representation.

You can expect to receive the engagement agreement via email for electronic signature through Adobe Sign within the same day of your consultation or within the next 24 business hours. It is important to monitor your email for a message from echo.sign@echo.sign for this purpose.

The ease of Adobe Sign allows you to securely review and sign the document from any device. Accompanying the agreement, a Minc Law paralegal will send an email explaining the agreement and signing process. This paralegal will serve as your point of contact for any questions you may have prior to your agreement’s execution.

Review Your Engagement Agreement

After your consultation, you should carefully examine the provided engagement agreement. It is essential to review this document thoroughly and understand it fully before proceeding. If you have any questions or concerns, we encourage direct communication with your paralegal, or we can arrange a follow-up discussion with your attorney for clarification.

It is important to note that the engagement agreement is non-binding until signed, which means you have no obligation to proceed unless you decide that Minc Law is the appropriate choice for handling your internet issue. Our consultations are conducted on a no-obligation basis to ensure you can make an informed decision without any pressure.

If you decide to move forward with Minc Law, you would then sign the agreement and make the initial payment. For your convenience, we include a credit card form with the engagement agreement, though we also accept wire transfers, ACH payments, or checks, and we offer financing options that can be discussed with your paralegal.

Upon receipt of your signed agreement and initial payment, our team promptly initiates the process of setting up your case in our system. We understand the urgency of these matters and are committed to advancing your case with efficiency and diligence.

We Welcome You to the Firm

After you have decided to retain Minc Law and completed the necessary administrative steps, we officially welcome you to our firm. A welcome email is sent to you detailing the contact details of your attorney and the first steps that will be taken in your case.

Your attorney may wish to have a follow-up call to jumpstart the process; if so, this will be mentioned in the welcome email along with a prompt to schedule the meeting. Behind the scenes, we make sure your legal matter is entered into our system, and we take steps to preserve any critical evidence, using professional tools like Page Vault to ensure that online posts are accurately captured with timestamps and URLs for potential court use.

For clients who opt for our Digital Risk Protection (DRP) service, an onboarding email follows, with a questionnaire designed to build your profile for ongoing brand monitoring and privacy protection during your legal journey. For more insights on the benefits of our DRP services, we provide resourceful articles that answer frequently asked questions, so you can understand the protection and security measures we offer.

Find Out How We Can Help You Tackle Your Internet Defamation or Online Harassment Matter

You are now equipped to decide if our services align with your needs. Our consultations are designed to provide clarity and direction for your internet-related legal concerns.

★★★★★

“Attorney Dorrian Horsey at Minc Law represented me in a content removal effort and was successful. She was very open with me about the process, and helped me understand the approach that she took. She was great to work with and very supportive of my effort. Thank you!”

Steven S.
August 11, 2023

If you are considering taking the next step or want more information about your legal options, we invite you to get in touch with us by filling out our contact form, speaking with a Chat representative, or calling us at (216) 373-7706.

For further questions about Minc Law, our array of services or our approach to resolving internet-related matters, we have provided an informative video to answer the six most common questions we receive from clients. It details our scope of practice, the jurisdictions where we represent clients, our methods for finding anonymous perpetrators, our pricing structure, and other key aspects of our legal services.

Video: Top 6 Client Questions We Get at Minc Law

Watch