subject: What You Should Know About Legal Representation [print this page] If one is financially strained, finding a legal representative can be quite a challenge. If you know how to do things right you will eventually get one.
You can have a mentor and mediator cum lawyer if you know how to play your cards right. Reliable attorneys are usually likeable at the first meeting. Don't waste your first encounter with a lawyer.
You and your lawyer should work as a team rather as separate critics. A good lawyer would make his client feel confident about the resolution of the case.
It is imperative to arrange a consultation with your potential attorney to know if he could do a good job for you. Getting a good lawyer will be a great determinant on the outcome of your case.
Ask your lawyer if he can be reached whenever needed. Your lawyer must be able to propose a course of action essential to resolving the case.
Let your lawyer take you through the whole process and its likely results then you can decide whether to pursue it or not. Share with your lawyer what you aim to achieve within your case.
Verify the authenticity of your lawyer's certificates and credentials by consulting his firm and colleagues. Although it may not be the best way, you can find lawyers in your local newspaper advert page and telephone directory.
There are far better ways to find a lawyer than your local listings. People often rely on testimonies of previous clients in hiring a legal professional.
If this is your first legal entanglement, it will help if you work around your area for suggestions because a reliable lawyer will most likely be popular. If you're lucky, you may chance upon an on going trial of similar nature and observe how the attorney performs.
Lawyers have several options in imposing fees based on their level of experience, nature of the case and a lot of other factors. Your legal counsel can accord the first encounter as gratis.
If your case involves simple matters like the processing of wills, your lawyer may charge you with a flat fee. A service may be charged per hour. There are cases wherein your representative may get a fraction of an estate that is contained in the dispute.
A transparent billing system must be provided to the client to avoid disputes later on. If one is too poor to really afford it, there are always free legal services you can avail of.
Entitlement to legal aid provides the poor with low cost access to justice made possible by the government and participating lawyers. A person with criminal case not associated with drugs may also receive free legal service.
Hire a lawyer with concentrations in line with your particular area of legal interest. Choose a lawyer who has lots of time to spend on your case.
Some lawyers may seem approachable and accommodating but you should never let your guard down. Make it a point to follow up with your lawyers every step of the way.