Hiring an Attorney-Lawyer- What you need to know

Need a Lawyer? Take Care When Hiring an Attorney

Going through a divorce? Starting a ident? Need a will? Being sued? These types of problem can make you consider hiring an attorney to represent you and protect your legal rights .

Things to Know About Before Hiring an Attorney

Often attorneys specialize in an area of the law. Be sure your attorney has experience in the area you need assistance. An attorney who usually does wills may not be the best choice to represent you in an auto accident law suit. Ask family, friends or co-workers have hired a lawyer for similar law suits to recommend an Attorney. If you do not know anyone to ask check with your local bar association. .

Shop Around to Find an Attorney You Trust

Talk with several attorneys before you choose one. check first to make sure you are not charged a fee for an initial meeting. Be prepared. Describe the problem briefly and clearly. Ask he attorneys about their experience, fee structure, what your options are, chances of success, who will do the actual legal work ( them or a paralegal), and when the problem should be resolved.

Negotiate a Good Deal

Once you decide which attorney to hire, be sure you understand what you've both agreed to do. How often will the lawyer update you on the case? What information will you he/she be provide? Do you understand all your options? What will the total cost be? How will the cost be determined? Ask question be sure you are clear on exactly what the lawyer is . Although your chances of success can't be guaranteed, discuss approaches and methods used to represent your interests. You should be comfortable with your attorney's approach to your case. Be up front, tell the truth with your lawyer on all the facts and circumstances of the case. You may want to get the agreement with your attorney in writing.

Fees and Costs

Before any attorney work begins, ask what the cost will be for the attorney's services and whether you will be responsible for other fees and charges. The American Bar Association (ABA)advises that attorneys explain their fees, preferably in writing, within a reasonable time after beginning to represent you. Some state bars require that attorneys put their fees in writing before they take a case. You may be charged extra for copying documents, courier services, court filing fees, or research services. Be sure to Ask!

Payment Arrangements

Remember the most expensive attorney is not always the best one for you. Nor is a "bargain" rate always a good deal. Look for the best balance of experience in the area of your legal need and cost.

Contingency fees.

A contingent fee arrangement means that your attorney gets a percentage of whatever money you receive as resolution of your case. If you receive no money, then your attorney collects no fees. However, you may owe charges for court fees, copying, and hiring expert witnesses. If you have very little money to pay hourly fees, it may be a good idea to arrange for representation on a contingency basis. But before agreeing to a contingent fee, consider:

• The percentage of a contingency fee, is always negotiable. Sometimes you can negotiate a sliding scale fee (for example, 30 percent of any recovery up to $5,000; 20 percent of any recovery up to $2,000, etc.).There's no percentage of a consumer's recovery that constitutes a "standard" fee.
• The size of the contingency fee should reflect the amount of work that will be required by the attorney. You may want to ask whether the case is likely to settle quickly and whether government agencies will gather significant amounts of evidence. A fee arrangement sometimes can be negotiated with a lower percentage for a quick settlement and a higher percentage if it goes to trial.

Flat fee.

Arrange to pay the lawyer a set dollar amount for a certain service, like writing a will. If the matter is simple and straightforward, say, an uncontested divorce or a simple bankruptcy filing, many lawyers often charge a flat fee. Be sure to find out exactly what the flat fee includes.

Hourly rates.

The lawyer charges a set fee per hour. Your final cost will depend on how long it takes to complete your work. Ask for a written estimate of the number of hours necessary to complete your case to get an idea of what your final bill might amount to.

Retainer.

a retainer is an up front fee, like a deposit. Be sure to review your account to see how the money is being spent.

Legal Aide

if you are income eligible(low income) you may qualify for free legal assistance.

Pre-paid legal plans.

Pre-paid legal plans that work like an insurance policy. you make monthly payment in case you have a legal need arise. Read te small print not all legal matters are covered.

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