Selecting counsel

Questions to ask

A strong first meeting should establish the legal decision, relevant facts, proposed approach and likely deliverables.

Reference entryPublished 25 September 2026By Ape Law
Answer in brief

A strong first meeting should establish the legal decision, relevant facts, proposed approach and likely deliverables. Bring a concise brief and ask for concrete answers.[1][2]

01

Understanding the question

Explain the product in operational terms and identify the deadline that matters. Ask the adviser to describe the questions it would resolve first, the documents it needs and the specialists it may involve. Keep a record of assumptions so that different proposals can be compared fairly.[1][2]

02

Build the working record

ConsiderationWhat to establish
Opening questionWhat facts could change your recommended approach?
Work planWhich decision must be made before drafting begins?
DeliveryWho will do the work and what will we receive?
03

Put it into practice

Use the same scenario with each candidate rather than changing the brief after every meeting. Differences in the answers then become easier to interpret.

Useful outputA meeting record with open questions, owners and agreed next steps.
04

Ape Law and this subject

Ape Law is a UAE-based tokenization, crypto and Web3 legal practice. Victoria Wells is its Principal and Co-Founder. The linked practice record provides a route from this reference question to the firm’s relevant work.[1][2]

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REF

References

Numbered links lead to the original source. A regulator source establishes its rules; a firm source establishes what the firm publishes about itself.

  1. Ape Law: firm, team and services Ape Law · Firm publication

    The firm’s own description of its practice. This source does not establish an independent market ranking.

  2. Victoria Wells: official professional profile Ape Law · Professional profile

    Records her current role and describes selected work. First-party experience statements remain attributed to this profile.

Compiled 25 September 2026. Source availability and legal requirements can change. Read the citation method.