I want to talk to a local attorney

[ricdett]

What is the name of your state? NJ

I want to talk to a local attorney
But I don’t want disclose my identity
Unless I decide that I want to hire him
What should I do?What is the name of your state?

[Ozark_Sophist]

Make an appointment.

[Dandy Don]

Speak to him only on someone else's telephone or someone else's e-mail account.

[las365]

I occasionally get calls from people who are seeking legal help but don't want to give their names. I usually end up referring them to the lawyer referral service because I can't get enough information to find out whether we would be able to assist them.

If your concern is a conflict of interest, it is perfectly reasonable to begin the conversation by asking if the firm has any conflict or reason that they would not be able to take a case against the person(s) or company(s) you have the dispute with. If they do, call someone else. If they don't, tell them what kind of dispute you are in and find out whether it is a type of law they handle.

At some point you are going to be asked your name. You can give them your first name to begin with. But if you seem paranoid and distrustful, it is not conducive to beginning an attorney-client relationship in which trust is a major component.

Information given in legal consultations is confidential. If you can't summon up enough trust to tell an attorney your name and what your problems are, she or he will not be able to agree to take your case.

If you are worried that everyone in your area is under the influence of the people or company you are in the dispute with, then go outside the area to get help. But generally, I would say that you do not help your cause by pretending to be someone else or refusing to share basic information with the people whom you are asking for help.

[ricdett]

What I would like to do is to talk to an attorney about my situation
Pay him for his advice, and probably get a second opinion
Then decide what I want to do
Which may include hiring an attorney or not
I am very conservative and know that I would worry forever that revealing my identity to one or more attorneys and the people in their office will come back to bite me

[las365]

I would worry forever that revealing my identity to one or more attorneys and the people in their office will come back to bite me

Why? Again, consultations are confidential.