If perhaps you haven’t already, chances are that sometime in your life you’ll need to hire an attorney. With the help of my interview with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, below is a number of responses to frequent along with worthwhile questions.
1. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as complex. To protect your legal rights and remedies, the best practice is to research your area of need and research what lawyers are out there to work with you. A recommendation from someone you know and admire can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an law firm but shouldn’t be the exclusive reason counsel is picked. Research the attorney’s background of education, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking a lot of questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be contemplated with the exact same degree of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a medical doctor, accountant, financial advisor or therapist.
2. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to seek legal advice immediately. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that allow you to think about the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is advised.
3. QUESTION: Precisely what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial in between the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential structure of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the fee of the mediation evenly but other arrangements may be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is typically required in just about every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.
4. QUESTION: What type of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, attorneys may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer services in several precise areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle separation and divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are very specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to discuss your particular issue, determine if he or she is prepared to handle such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialised area.
5. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney at law in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is important as that attorney will have a level of comfort with the local courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining an attorney outside the area wherein the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.
6. QUESTION: How can I be sure my attorney is handling my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer monitors his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you are wise to routinely review the docket and see what events have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel comfortable getting in touch with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you will likely be charged for these interactions.
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