Do not send confidential documents until the office confirms representation or provides an appropriate delivery method.
1. Write a one-page chronology
- List the important events in date order.
- Include when documents were signed, notices received, payments made, or court papers served.
- Separate facts you personally know from information received from others.
- Identify the next deadline or appearance date.
2. Identify everyone involved
- Full names of individuals, businesses, landlords, tenants, family members, witnesses, and opposing attorneys.
- Business entity names exactly as shown on contracts or government records.
- Any prior relationship the parties had with Paul or his office.
3. Gather the central documents
- All court papers, notices, orders, and stipulations.
- Complete contracts, leases, riders, amendments, and guarantees.
- Relevant emails, messages, letters, photographs, and recordings.
- Payment, banking, accounting, property, or financial records tied to the issue.
- Police, arrest, release, or appearance documents when applicable.
4. Preserve electronic information
- Do not delete, crop, edit, or rename original files.
- Keep complete message and email threads with attachments.
- Identify devices, accounts, platforms, or cameras where relevant data may exist.
- Pause automatic deletion if litigation is reasonably anticipated and obtain specific advice.
5. Define the practical objective
- What outcome matters most?
- What must happen immediately?
- What business, family, housing, or personal constraints affect the choices?
- What resolution would be workable even if it is not ideal?
6. Prepare questions
- What is the immediate next step?
- Which facts or documents are missing?
- What alternatives exist to filing or continuing litigation?
- How will fees, communication, and responsibilities be handled?
- What should you avoid doing while the matter is pending?