The process
How a consultation works
The process begins with a short, non-confidential contact and a conflict check. Representation starts only through a written engagement agreement.
Five steps, in order
-
You reach out
Call or email with a short, non-confidential description: what happened, roughly when, who else is involved, and any date you have already been given. Do not assume that an initial contact is privileged or confidential. Anthony is not your lawyer unless representation is confirmed in writing.
-
Anthony runs a conflict check
Before he can look closely at a matter, he checks the names on the other side against the clients and matters he already has. This is a professional requirement, not a formality, and it is why he asks for the other parties by name early. Information from prospective clients is handled in accordance with applicable professional obligations.
-
You have a consultation
If a consultation is scheduled, the goal is a candid conversation about the facts, documents, dates, and realistic options. A consultation is not a promise of representation, legal advice on every issue, or any particular outcome.
-
A written engagement agreement
If you both decide to go ahead, representation begins with a written engagement agreement that sets out the scope of the work and the fee arrangement. It starts when that agreement is accepted, and not before. A consultation, an email, or a phone call does not make Anthony your lawyer.
-
The work begins
If representation begins, Anthony handles the matter directly. The written engagement and opening communications will identify the scope of work, responsibilities, and approved method for providing sensitive material.
Being clear about what a consultation is
What it is
- A conversation with the attorney who would do the work
- An honest assessment of what you are dealing with
- A discussion of realistic options and what each one costs you in time and money
- An opportunity to determine whether further evaluation or an engagement makes sense
What it is not
- Representation. That requires a signed engagement agreement.
- A guarantee that a matter will be accepted or that any outcome will follow
- A place to hand over medical records, financial records, or evidence
- Something that pauses or extends a deadline in your matter
Fees, confidentiality, and deadlines
Fees. Fee arrangements depend on the type of matter and are set out in writing in the engagement agreement, so you see them before you agree to anything. Nothing on this website is a fee quote, a fee estimate, or an offer of any particular fee arrangement.
Confidentiality. Do not assume an initial contact is privileged or confidential. Keep the first description brief and non-confidential. If representation begins, Anthony will identify the approved method for providing sensitive material.
Deadlines. Nothing on this website, and no message you send through it, extends a deadline, a hearing date, a court date, or a response window. If you are close to one, say so immediately and call rather than write.
Contact
Ready when you are.
Call or email Anthony directly. Both routes reach him, and a few plain sentences are enough to begin.
- Phone (909) 246-3010
- Email aj@anthonyjones.org
Keep a first email brief and leave out confidential details. Contacting Anthony does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not extend any deadline, so call if a date in your matter is close.