You’ve submitted. Here’s what happens next.

Your submission lands on Stephen’s desk Immediately

Aertker Legal is a solo practice — there is no call center and no screening staff. What you submitted goes directly to attorney Stephen “Curt” Aertker, Jr. If your matter involves a court date or a deadline that may be close, it moves to the front of the line — and if you didn’t mention the deadline in your submission, call 985·612·7220 now rather than waiting.

The conflict check First business step

Before a lawyer can discuss your matter in any depth, the ethics rules require a conflict-of-interest check — making sure the firm has never represented the person or company on the other side of your matter, or anyone else whose interests clash with yours. This is why the intake forms ask for the names of the other parties. It protects you: it ensures that whoever advises you owes loyalty to you alone. If a conflict turns up, Stephen will tell you promptly so you can find other counsel without losing time.

Attorney review and a personal response Usually within a business day or two

Stephen personally reviews what you sent — the facts, the timing, and whether the matter fits the firm’s practice. You will usually hear back within one to two business days, by phone or email. The response is one of three things:

• An invitation to consult — with a time to talk, or a link to pick a slot on the calendar;
• A request for a few more details — when something needs clarifying before the firm can evaluate the matter; or
• A candid “not a fit” — if the matter is outside the firm’s practice or jurisdiction, you’ll be told directly, quickly, so you can keep moving.

Haven’t heard back after a couple of business days? Check your spam folder first — then call 985·612·7220. Technology occasionally eats an email; a phone call never gets lost.

The consultation A direct conversation

The consultation is a working conversation with the attorney — not a sales pitch. Stephen will walk through your facts, give you an honest read on where the matter stands, explain the likely path and what it costs, and answer your questions. If both sides decide to move forward, you’ll receive a written engagement agreement that spells out exactly what the firm will do and on what terms. Representation begins when that agreement is signed — not before.

What you can gather in the meantime Optional, but it helps

None of this is required — but matters move faster when it’s ready:

• A short timeline of what happened, with dates — even approximate ones.
• Names of everyone involved on all sides (people and companies) — this also speeds up the conflict check.
• The paper — contracts, letters, emails, texts, photos, medical records, police reports, court papers, anything already filed or served.
• Dates that matter — court settings, response deadlines, policy deadlines, anything with a clock on it.
• Your questions — write them down as they occur to you, so the consultation covers what you actually want to know.