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About lawyers:
 Getting a good lawyer

Why do you need a lawyer? Determining why you need a lawyer is the first step in seeking out a specialist. For example, you will need an estate lawyer to help you take care of inheritances and write out your will. You'll need a divorce lawyer for divorce, and so on. Knowing what type of legal work you need done will make the process that much easier.

If you need a business lawyer, for example, then you should know what he could do for you before enlisting his services. In other words, the contractual and legal aspect of business matters. And since a business lawyer will not necessarily deal with your money, if you are looking for investment advice, then you need a financial advisor. And for bookkeeping and financial management issues, you should go to an accountant. Use the proper professionals for your different needs.
 

The lawyer-client bond
In finding a lawyer, you should take your time if possible. Finding an honest lawyer is a lot like finding an honest mechanic; they both operate in fields that are notorious for rip-offs, they both may seem rare at times, and once you find one you trust, you'll likely hold onto their services for years to come.

So the next time someone shows up at your door with a neck brace and subpoena, let them know you've got a good lawyer. Chances are, the neck brace will be off before you can tear up the letter. 

Related Topics

 By Donald Morrison
Financial Correspondent - AskMen.com

The views of Donald Morrison are his alone and not necessarily shared by La-Legal.com. Reprinted with permission from AskMen.com


 


You're riding down Main Street trying to change the radio station. Then, as soon as you find a song that you like, you rear-end the guy in front of you. Quickly you rush out of the car to see if the other driver is okay. He looks a little shaken up, but you quickly exchange insurance information and head home.

A week later, you get a subpoena telling you that you are being sued for inflicting bodily harm on that very same driver. Now you're going to need a lawyer... fast.

This situation certainly won't be the only time that you will need legal representation.

Throughout the course of your life, you will find that you are going to need a lawyer for major events; buying a home, dealing with a parent's death, starting a business, as well as countless other situations. Knowing how to find a good lawyer is important, so pay attention.

5 ways to find a lawyer

1. Lawyer Referral Service
The search for a prospective lawyer can go a number of ways. One of the easiest and quickest alternatives is through a Lawyer Referral Service. These companies serve as middlemen where lawyers can register with the types of services they perform along with their fees.

With this registry in place, individuals can, for a small charge, search through a database for an attorney that suits their needs. For example, someone who is looking for a child custody lawyer will quickly be matched up with a number of potential candidates. Once you've selected one, the service will help set up an appointment, and most of them will even give you a free thirty-minute consultation voucher for the first meeting with him.

This is probably one of the easiest ways -- but remember that many of the best law firms do not register with these services because their reputation brings them more than enough clients, and they prefer catering to a more upscale clientele who for the most part, do not require referral services.

2. Internet
As with anything, the Internet is always a good place to seek information. These days, almost all law firms host a Web page with their services and fees.

The main drawback is that the Web is so overcrowded with information, that picking one lawyer out of the bunch in your area can seem like a random task.

3. Yellow Pages
As the time-tested source for finding businesses, the Yellow Pages can still deliver when it comes to the profession of law. Most of the ads in the book will tell you what type of services the lawyers perform, and a quick call will generally help you find out their rates. It's extremely convenient, but much like the Web, it is an overloaded resource that can make it difficult to pick the best lawyer for you.

4. Friends & Family
If you can invest some time in choosing your lawyer, friends are probably the most dependable way of finding good and honest legal representation. Chances are that some friends have already been in contact with the legal system and have dealt with lawyers, both good and bad.

It's even better if you have friends who are in, or have graduated from law school. Generally, these people are well-informed in the legal system and know who should be sought out and who should be avoided.

5. Employer and Co-Workers
Generally, at work, you can find someone who has been through a similar situation as yours -- be it divorce, lawsuit, or family estate issues. They should be able to tell you about how they found a lawyer and hopefully recommend one for you.

Also, your boss is a great source of information if you need any sort of business lawyer. He surely deals with them often, and as such, you should be able to get some practical information out of him. Use it wisely.




 

 		What's your price?
Before you begin your search for a personal lawyer, you will have to determine your price range. This is especially important because rates can range from free (legal aid) to thousands of dollars per hour. O.J. Simpson's lawyer, Robert Shapiro, charges $525 per hour for his services. Remember that this is definitely a field where money and quality are directly related.

For those who don't expect their needs to exceed a few hours of consultation, a moderate to low-priced lawyer will provide good service. In some cases, you can save money by previously asking a law student for basic legal information. Although the scholar may not be able to help you with official documents, he might be in a position to tell you how much you should pay and what procedures you should follow.

Those who require more intricate legal work should not be looking to skimp. Any person affiliated with law will tell you that as proceedings get more and more complex, the difference between a good lawyer and a great lawyer becomes more profound. So, for example, if you are dealing with large amounts of money either in a business deal, a lawsuit or an inheritance, then you should find an upper echelon lawyer to ensure the best service.


Meeting the lawyer
Once you've called the law firm and set up an appointment, you will need to check if you will be charged for it. Ask them if you will be charged for asking how much the services will cost for your specific situation. It's a good idea to be clear on these things before you actually meet the lawyer for the first time.

Be prepared to ask your lawyer a number of questions:

1. What is your average hourly rate fee? Do you bill for quick phone calls?
2. Can I get an estimate on how many hours will be required for my situation?
3. Where did you do your studies? When did you pass the bar?
4. What are the chances of a same-day callback if I call you for information?
5. What is your track record in court? (average settlements, dismissals, custody decisions, etc.)

These questions will be essential in establishing whether or not you will get a fair deal from your lawyer. As in all professions, there are shady lawyers out there who will use questionable billing techniques to overcharge you.