Draft article: awaiting review and approval by Elmoné Smith.
1. Gather the key documents
- The document at the centre of the matter: the contract, letter, notice or policy.
- Important correspondence: emails, letters and relevant WhatsApp or SMS messages.
- Anything with a date or deadline on it.
- Proof of payments, invoices or statements, if money is involved.
- Names and contact details of the people or organisations involved.
Bring copies and keep the originals. If there are many documents, put them in date order and bring the most important ones to the top.
2. Write a short summary
In half a page, answer four questions:
- Who is involved?
- What happened?
- When did the main events happen?
- What would you like to happen now?
3. Prepare a simple timeline
List the main events in date order, one per line, with a note of the document or message that shows each one. Our guide to creating a legal chronology explains how.
4. Write down your questions
- What are my options?
- Is there a deadline I need to meet?
- What information is missing?
- What kind of professional help, if any, do I need next?
- What will the next step cost, and what does that include?
What to avoid
- Don’t delete messages or emails, even unhelpful ones.
- Don’t send everything unsorted before the consultation unless you have been asked to.
- Where you can, avoid signing anything new about the matter before you have discussed it.
During the consultation
Be open about all the facts, including the ones that don’t help you. Take notes, and ask what is and isn’t included in any further work before agreeing to it.
After an ESLC consultation
ESLC sends you written confirmation of what was discussed, together with suggested next steps. Any further work is quoted separately and only starts with your approval.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I take to a legal consultation?
The main document in the matter, important correspondence, anything showing dates or deadlines, proof of payments if money is involved, and the details of the people involved. Bring copies and keep the originals.
Should I organise my evidence before seeing a lawyer?
It helps. A short summary and timeline make the consultation more efficient. If your information is too disorganised to manage, ESLC can help with matter and evidence organisation.
This article is general information about South African law and practice. It is not advice on your particular situation. ESLC provides consultancy and support services and does not provide court representation.