steurifischlaw firm and notary office
Call us

Initial consultation and process

From first contact to mandate: how an initial consultation at steurifisch works, what to bring and what to expect afterwards.

1. Enquiry

You can reach us via the contact form, by phone on +41 71 511 45 05 or by e-mail at info@steurifisch.ch. We get back to you and arrange an appointment — on site in Wil, Teufen, Zurich or Gossau, by video or by phone. When doing so we confirm the duration and cost of the initial consultation before you commit.

If a deadline is running, please call rather than relying on the form. Tell us the deadline at first contact; we will then clarify without delay whether we can take it on.

2. Initial consultation

In the initial consultation (usually about an hour) we listen, assess your situation legally and discuss the possible approach. It is charged at the agreed hourly rate, which you know beforehand. You learn which steps make sense, how long they take and what costs are to be expected — including the hourly rate or flat fee. Everything you share with us is covered by professional secrecy from the first contact.

3. Mandate

If you decide to work with us, we record the scope, approach and fee in a short engagement letter. Only from that point do we act for you and observe your deadlines. We then pursue your mandate purposefully and effectively in your interest — and keep you informed about every significant step, every deadline and every decision you need to take. The three stages — enquiry, initial consultation and mandate — are set out bindingly in the legal notice.

Notarial services: deeds and certifications

For certifications of signatures and copies you usually need no lead time — give us a call and an appointment is often possible the same or the next day. Bring a valid identity document. Notarial deeds (marriage contract, inheritance contract, will, lasting power of attorney, company formation) are prepared with you in advance; they are notarised in Wil SG or — through our notary admitted in Appenzell Ausserrhoden — in Teufen AR. Real estate transactions are notarised by the land registry in both cantons; we draft the contract and accompany you to the appointment.

Frequently asked questions.

Can the initial consultation take place by video or phone?
Yes. We hold initial consultations on site in Wil, Teufen, Zurich or Gossau, by video or by phone — you choose when booking.
Which documents should I bring?
Everything related to the matter: contracts, letters, rulings, judgments, e-mails and above all documents with deadlines. If something is missing, that is fine — we tell you what else we need.
What does the initial consultation cost?
An initial consultation usually lasts about an hour and is charged at the agreed hourly rate. We tell you the rate that applies to you when the appointment is made, before you commit — see [Fees and costs](/en/honorar).
Am I obliged to instruct you after the initial consultation?
No. An enquiry is not yet an acceptance of the mandate, and after the initial consultation you remain free to decide. Any further representation is agreed separately and in writing. The full rule is set out in the [legal notice](/en/impressum#mandat).
Is the initial consultation already confidential?
Yes. Professional secrecy (Art. 321 SCC, Art. 13 Lawyers Act) applies from the first contact — even if no mandate follows.