Getting Started
How It Works
From your first call to having a signed engagement agreement — here is what to expect when you reach out to Hammond Legal. No surprises, no pressure, and clear communication at every step.
⚠ Urgent matter?
If you have an active arrest, a court date within 72 hours, or a filing deadline approaching — call immediately rather than using the form or email.
Call 317-284-9944From First Contact to Representation
Four steps. Straightforward and transparent from the first call through the signed engagement agreement.
Reach Out
Call 317-284-9944, email [email protected], or schedule online at cal.com/emilee-hammond-legal. You can also submit the contact form.
When you reach out, it helps to have a brief description of your matter ready — the general issue, which county it involves, and any upcoming court dates or deadlines. You do not need to have everything figured out before calling. That is what the consultation is for.
Intake and Conflict Check
Before a substantive consultation, Hammond Legal will gather basic intake information — your name, contact information, the county where the matter is pending, the general nature of the issue, and the names of any opposing parties or other people significantly involved in the matter.
This information is used to run a conflict check — a required review to confirm that Hammond Legal does not have an existing or former client relationship that would create a conflict of interest in representing you. The conflict check happens before the consultation, so that both your time and ours is spent productively.
Your intake information is treated as sensitive and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Consultation
The consultation is a conversation about your matter — what happened, where things stand, and what your options are. You will have the opportunity to describe your situation in full, ask questions, and get a clear explanation of the relevant law and what representation would involve for your specific case.
The consultation is not a sales call. It is a professional assessment. Hammond Legal will be direct about what the law says, what is realistic, and whether this is a matter where legal representation makes sense. If it is not the right fit — for any reason — you will be told that clearly and, where possible, pointed toward appropriate resources or other counsel.
What to bring
If you have documents related to your matter — court orders, charging documents, DCS correspondence, employment records, contracts, or prior filings — bring copies to the consultation. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace. If you are not sure what to bring, ask when you call to schedule.
The fee structure for your matter — whether flat fee, retainer, or another arrangement — is discussed during the consultation and set out clearly in the written engagement agreement before representation begins. For general information on how Hammond Legal structures fees by practice area, see the fees page.
Engagement
If Hammond Legal agrees to take your matter and you decide to move forward, you will receive a written engagement agreement. The engagement agreement describes the scope of the representation — what Hammond Legal will and will not handle — and sets out the fee arrangement clearly.
Representation begins when the engagement agreement is signed by both parties and any required retainer or flat fee is received. From that point, Hammond Legal is your attorney of record and the full obligations of the attorney-client relationship are in place.
The engagement agreement is not a formality — it is the foundation of the representation. Read it carefully and ask questions about anything that is not clear before signing.
What to Expect from Hammond Legal
Direct communication
You will hear directly from Hammond Legal — not a paralegal, not a case manager. If there is news on your matter, you will be told clearly and promptly what it means and what happens next.
Preparation
Every hearing, every filing, and every negotiation gets the same thorough preparation. Hammond Legal does not show up to court unprepared. Your case matters, and the work reflects that.
Honest assessments
You will get an honest evaluation of your matter — including when the facts are difficult. Inflating expectations does not serve clients. You will always know where you stand.
Timely responses
Messages and emails are returned promptly. Orders and filings are drafted and served on time. If there is a delay, you will be informed. Courts move on their own schedule — your attorney should not be an additional source of delay.
No surprises on fees
The fee arrangement is set out clearly in the engagement agreement before representation begins. If circumstances change and the scope of work changes significantly, that conversation happens openly — not as a surprise on an invoice.
Respect in the courtroom
Every client deserves to be treated with dignity in the courtroom and outside of it. Hammond Legal advocates for clients without losing sight of the professional obligations that make that advocacy credible.
Questions About Getting Started
How quickly does Hammond Legal respond to new inquiries?
For urgent matters — active arrests, court dates within 72 hours, imminent filing deadlines — call 317-284-9944 immediately. For general inquiries by phone, email, or form, Hammond Legal aims to respond within one business day.
What should I bring to a consultation?
Bring copies of any documents directly related to your matter — court orders, charging documents, DCS correspondence, employment records, contracts, or prior court filings. Do not bring originals of documents you cannot replace. If you have a court date scheduled, bring that information as well. If you are unsure what to bring, ask when you call to schedule.
Does submitting the contact form create an attorney-client relationship?
No. Submitting the contact form, calling, or emailing does not create an attorney-client relationship. That relationship is established only when both parties have signed a written engagement agreement. Until that point, do not send confidential information about your matter.
What is a conflict check and why does it matter?
A conflict check is a review Hammond Legal runs before the consultation to confirm there is no existing or former client relationship that would create a conflict of interest in representing you. This is required by the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct. It requires knowing the names of the opposing parties in your matter, which is why that information is collected at intake.
What if Hammond Legal cannot take my case?
If Hammond Legal is unable to represent you — due to a conflict, a matter outside our practice areas, or capacity — you will be told clearly and promptly. Where possible, Hammond Legal will provide a referral or point you toward appropriate resources so you are not left without a next step.