Preparing for a consultation

Begin with the type of matter.

Explain whether your question concerns an application, a decision, a delay, a criminal charge or a document appointment. Identify the general help you need and provide a reliable way to reach you.

Flag time sensitivity clearly.

Tell the office that a court date or response deadline is approaching. Telephone as well as sending an enquiry. Do not assume that an unanswered email means someone is handling the date or appearing for you.

Keep an accurate chronology.

Prepare a short timeline of significant events and relevant communications. Keep copies of original notices, complete decisions and earlier submissions rather than relying only on a summary. Do not change original documents.

Use the appropriate intake process.

The website enquiry form is for basic contact details, not a full case narrative. Before sending identification, medical records, allegations, legal evidence or other sensitive information, ask the office how that information should be supplied.

Confirm the engagement and fees.

Ask what the consultation covers and whether there is a fee. Before relying on representation, confirm the scope, charges, disbursements, next steps and responsibility for deadlines. A request for contact is not an accepted engagement.