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Preparing for a consultation with a civil rights attorney

On Behalf of | Jan 21, 2025 | Civil Rights

Being the victim of a civil rights violation may cause you to seek out an attorney to protect your rights.

A civil rights violation is any action that deprives you of one of your civil liberties. You have certain rights guaranteed to you by the U.S. Constitution.

Here are some tips to prepare for a consultation with a civil rights attorney.

Determine the type of case you have

There are various kinds of civil rights violations, including discrimination or unequal treatment by police officers. Knowing the kind of case that you have will help you clearly explain your situation to an attorney.

Be detailed. An attorney will need as many details about your situation as possible to determine the strength of your case and point out any weaknesses. It might help to write down what happened before your consultation to make sure you do not leave anything out.

Come prepared with a goal

The attorney will likely ask you what you are hoping to achieve with the lawsuit.

Your goal should be something specific, rather than a vague sounding statement such as “protecting my rights.” If you are seeking damages, such as compensatory or punitive damages, be ready with a number and your reasons for seeking that number.

Be honest with the attorney

Remember that everything said during the consultation is confidential. If there is information that you believe might hurt your case, do not hide it from the attorney. An attorney needs all the facts to give you the most accurate advice.

Bring documents to your consultation that you believe will help you prove your case. Examples of documents that can be used as evidence include police reports, medical records, employment records or witness statements.

Ask questions

Do not be afraid to ask the attorney questions. You should feel comfortable enough to ask the attorney about their experience, your realistic chances for success and what the next steps would be.

Prepare a list of any questions you have in advance. This will help you determine if the attorney is the right fit for you.

Take notes

Take notes during the consultation. It is normal to feel nervous, stressed and overwhelmed at the consultation. You may not remember everything or could misinterpret the attorney’s statements. Be an active listener and write down concerns or questions.

Have realistic expectations. Attorneys are not there to tell you only what you want to hear or promise unrealistic outcomes. Their goal is to provide you with accurate legal advice.

An attorney is ethically prohibited from promising you a certain result. Setting realistic expectations leads to a more productive consultation and helps you avoid future conflicts.

Finally, remember that a consultation is just the first step in the legal process. An attorney will provide you with general advice and a timeline of the case. This advice may change over time depending on the specific facts of your case.

Successfully proving a violation of your civil rights could result in money damages or a court order reversing the rights violation. Your civil rights deserve protection and a civil rights attorney can investigate your situation and prepare a strong legal argument.