They usually have very specific information about what happened to you and what you want the court to do about it. Sometimes, you'll have to sign an affidavit in which you swear that all the information is true. Your lawyer, or someone working with your lawyer, will prepare the affidavit and then go through it carefully with you to make sure the information in it is correct. Ask your lawyer to list for you the kinds of documents you may have to read or sign. That way, you can keep track and feel secure knowing that nothing has been overlooked.
Some legal work is quite straightforward.
When you hire a lawyer to manage the paperwork for the sale or purchase of a house, to draft your will or to settle an estate for you, the legal work can often be completed in a short period of time and is relatively predictable. Your lawyer knows what to expect. Legal work that involves litigation is less predictable. When you hire a lawyer to sue someone or help you deal with a family breakdown, even the most experienced lawyer may find it difficult to estimate how long a case will take. You can ask your lawyer about the steps involved in your case.