It does not matter whether the consultations are free or fully charged. Be honest. We’re here to help, not judge.
The counsel of perfection is to have a fully detailed note of each new client consultation which will be sent to each client so they may confirm or correct your understanding of the facts and their expectations. In the event of a claim or a complaint the SRA or LeO will call for your file and in the event the file note is inconclusive, the client will be given the benefit of the doubt.
Our data shows that a fully comprehensive note of each initial consultation capturing the granular detail of the factual circumstances and the nuances of a client’s expectations takes at least one hour of a lawyer’s time once dictation, typing, proof-reading and correction are taken into account.