The Five Questions to Ask in a First Consultation
- “What is the outcome you’re realistically hoping for, and how do you get there?” — A competent lawyer will map the procedural path before discussing fees, not the reverse.
- “Have you handled this specific type of matter before? Can you tell me the outcome of a comparable case?” — Vague promises are a red flag; ask for the matter type, not the number.
- “What are the court fees, filing costs, and your professional fee? When is each payable?” — A clear written breakdown at the outset is standard practice.
- “How will you communicate progress? How often should I expect updates?” — This tells you the operational discipline of the practice.
- “What happens if I need to continue beyond what we’ve discussed?” — Confirm the retainer model or hourly structure.
Signs of a Qualified Lawyer vs. a “Lawyer” Who Isn’t
- BCI registration: Every advocate must hold a valid admission certificate from the Bar Council of India (Rule 36 governs advertising — be wary of any lawyer who makes superlative claims like “the best” or “the most successful”).
- Area of practice match: A criminal lawyer handling a property dispute, or a family lawyer running a corporate restructuring — these mismatches cost time and money.
- Willingness to say “I don’t know”: Genuine uncertainty is more reassuring than instant confident answers to every question.
Fee Structures to Expect in Ghaziabad
| Matter Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Civil suit (property/recovery) | ₹25,000–₹1,50,000 | Depends on valuation; percentage-of-value structure common |
| Criminal (bail/regular trial) | ₹15,000–₹1,00,000 | Anticipatory bail applications typically ₹25,000–₹50,000 |
| Family (divorce/custody) | ₹20,000–₹2,00,000 | Contested matters at the upper end |
| Corporate / commercial | ₹50,000–₹5,00,000+ | Often retainer-based; scope defines the figure |
Red Flags — When to Walk Away
- Guaranteeing a specific outcome (“You will definitely get bail,” “The case will be dismissed”)
- Refusing to put the fee arrangement in writing
- Asking for a large upfront payment with no itemisation
- No clear answer to “Who will appear in court?” — a junior associate handling all appearances without senior oversight is a common and costly arrangement
Want a Straight Answer Before You Commit?
Advocate Nilesh Bijlani offers a first consultation at the Ghaziabad practice. Call 085958 09471 to schedule.
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Advocate Nilesh Bijlani and the team at Bijlani & Co. handle all practice areas across Delhi NCR courts.
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