What to bring and what to expect when you meet with a lawyer who works for free
A pro bono lawyer is an attorney who takes cases without charging a fee. When you meet with one, you are not paying for their time, but you are still paying for preparation — theirs and yours. The more organized you are when you walk in, the more of their limited time goes toward solving your problem instead of asking you to find documents or explain things twice.
Pro bono lawyers often work through legal aid organizations, bar associations, or law firms that donate time. They may have fewer hours available than a paid attorney, so using that time well matters. This guide walks you through what to gather, what to write down, and how to structure your first conversation so the lawyer can understand your situation quickly and decide whether they can help.
Key Takeaways
- Bring all documents related to your legal problem in one folder, organized by date or by topic, so the lawyer does not have to hunt through papers.
- Write a one-page timeline of events before you arrive, listing dates and what happened in order, because lawyers think in sequences and this saves them from asking follow-up questions.
- Know what outcome you want — whether that is stopping an eviction, getting custody, or something else — so the lawyer can tell you in the first meeting whether that is realistic.
- Bring a list of questions you want answered, because you may be nervous and forget what you meant to ask once the conversation starts.
- Tell the lawyer about any important date you face, such as a court date or a notice that expires, because timing changes what they can do.
Gather every document that touches your case
Start by collecting anything in writing related to your legal problem. This includes letters, emails, court papers, contracts, photographs, text messages, medical records, pay stubs, lease agreements, bills, or anything else that shows what happened. Put them all in one folder or envelope.
If you have a lot of documents, organize them by date or by category before you go. For example, if your case involves a landlord dispute, you might separate lease, rent payment records, repair requests, and eviction notices into different sections. A lawyer can work with a messy pile, but they work faster with a sorted one, and that means more time spent on your problem.
If you do not have originals, bring copies. If you have digital files — emails, photos on your phone, screenshots — write down the date and what each one shows, then bring them on a phone, tablet, or printed out. Do not assume the lawyer will remember what you said about a document; let the document speak for itself.
Write a timeline of what happened and when
Before your meeting, sit down and write out a one-page timeline. Start with the earliest event related to your problem and end with the most recent. For each entry, write the date (or approximate date if you do not remember exactly) and what happened in one or two sentences. For example: "March 15 — Landlord sent text saying repairs would not be made. April 2 — Pipe burst in kitchen. April 5 — Sent landlord email with photos of damage."
Lawyers think in sequences. A timeline lets them see the order of events at a glance and spot the moments that matter legally. It also keeps you from getting lost in details during the conversation. When the lawyer asks "what happened next," you can point to your timeline instead of trying to remember.
If you are not sure of exact dates, write what you do remember — "sometime in March," "the day after the storm," "two weeks before I got the letter." Approximate dates are better than no dates, and the lawyer can help you pin down the exact ones later if it matters.
Know what you want the lawyer to do for you
Before you sit down, think about what you want to happen. Do you want to stop an eviction? Get custody of a child? Overturn a conviction? Recover money? Get a restraining order? Be as specific as you can. "I want to stay in my apartment" is clearer than "I need legal help."
The lawyer will tell you whether what you want is possible, what it will cost in time and money, and what the risks are. But they can only do that if they know what you are asking for. If you walk in without a clear goal, the first half of the meeting will be spent figuring out what you actually need, which leaves less time for the lawyer to think about how to help you.
Write your goal down and bring it with you. If you have more than one goal, list them in order of importance. This is especially useful if you are nervous, because you can look at the paper instead of trying to remember what you meant to say.
List your questions and bring them in writing
Make a list of specific questions you want answered. Examples: "Can I be evicted if I have filed a complaint about repairs?" or "Will I lose custody if I move out of state?" or "What happens if I cannot pay the fine?" Write them down and bring the list with you.
People often forget what they wanted to ask once they are sitting across from a lawyer. Having the list in front of you means you will not leave the meeting wishing you had asked something important. It also shows the lawyer what matters most to you, which helps them focus their information.
If the lawyer answers a question in a way you do not understand, write that down too, and ask them to explain it differently. There is no such thing as a stupid question in a legal meeting. If you do not understand something, say so.
Tell the lawyer about any important date you face
If you have a court date, an eviction notice with a important date, a important date to respond to a letter, or any other time limit, tell the lawyer this in the first few minutes. important date change what a lawyer can do and how fast they have to work.
Write the important date on a piece of paper and bring it with you. Include the date and what happens on that date — for example, "Court hearing on June 15" or "Eviction notice says I have to leave by May 1." If you do not know the exact date, write what you do know: "I got the notice three weeks ago and it said I have 30 days."
If you are not sure whether something is a important date, mention it anyway. The lawyer can tell you whether it matters. It is better to over-report important date than to forget one and find out later that you have run out of time.
Bring proof of income and household information
Many pro bono programs have income limits. They help people whose income falls below a certain level. Bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing what you earn. If you receive benefits, bring documentation of those too.
You may also need to show household size and composition, depending on the program. Bring identification for yourself and any dependents if you have them. The lawyer will tell you what they need, but having these documents ready means you will not have to come back for a second meeting just to hand over paperwork.
Know what the lawyer can and cannot do
Pro bono lawyers work within the same rules as paid lawyers, but they often have less time available. Some legal aid organizations focus on specific areas — housing, family law, immigration — so a lawyer may not be able to help with every type of problem.
In your first meeting, the lawyer will tell you whether they can take your case. They might say yes, no, or "maybe, but I need more information." If they say no, ask whether they can refer you to someone else who handles your type of case. Many lawyers know other lawyers and can point you in the right direction.
Do not expect the lawyer to may provide a particular outcome. They can tell you what is likely, what the risks are, and what your options are. But the law does not work in guarantees, and any lawyer who promises a certain result is not being honest with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have all my documents before the meeting?
Bring what you have. Tell the lawyer what documents exist but you do not have with you, and ask whether you should gather them before the next meeting. Some documents matter more than others, and the lawyer can tell you which ones to prioritize. You can always send documents later by email or mail.
Should I bring someone with me to the meeting?
You can, but the lawyer will usually want to talk to you alone first. A trusted friend or family member can help you stay calm and take notes, but let the lawyer decide when and whether they should be in the room. Some legal situations require privacy between you and the lawyer.
What if I cannot remember exact dates?
Write down what you do remember — the month, the season, what happened before or after. Lawyers work with approximate dates all the time. What matters is the order of events and the general timing, not whether something happened on March 15 or March 17.
Can I bring my phone to record the meeting?
Ask the lawyer before you record anything. Some states allow recording with permission, and some do not. The lawyer will tell you their policy. Taking written notes is always safe and does not require permission.
What should I do if the lawyer says they cannot help me?
Ask for a referral to another lawyer or organization that handles your type of case. Legal aid organizations often have lists of other programs in your area. If you do not get a referral, search online for "[your city] legal aid" or call 211 to find other resources.