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LAWYER.TUT
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#help.tut Extra help on tutorials
#define.stb Defintions of legal terms- On line glossary
Tutorial on finding an attorney
Attorneys specialize. Even an attorney in a very small
community will specialize even though he handles whatever may
come his way--- he specializes in understanding the local
community.
If you understand what area of law you require an attorney
for then you can find one, or at least leads to one, by looking
in "law lists." The granddaddy of law lists is Campbells, which
you cna find in libraries and in military bases and often with
local merchants, throughout the United States. Campbells lists
general practice and collections lawyers throughout the country
and in many foregin countries. A Campbells attorney will engage
in litigation (a specialization) and will also be able to handle
routine matters in his area.
There are directories or law lists for virtually every
specialization. The most famous is Martindale Hubbell. Martindale
Hubbell lists attorneys who agree to buy an ad (note that there
is not really a quality check on the ads) and unlike most law
lists, Martindale also rates some attorneys, from "a" to "c,"
with "a" being the best. As Martindale itself says, an unrated
attorney may simply not have requested one, or, Campbell's hasn't
gotten around to them yet. These ratings are in many cases
"political." Often large firms get "a" ratings simply because of
their political influence, so don't take them literally or as
gospel truth. However, Martindale-Hubbell does list the areas
that an attorney wishes to advertise as areas of interest. Many
firms also list their representative clients, and this may be of
interest to you to see if you you would potentially subject to a
conflict, or if the firm is travelling in the right circles for
you. If you need an exotic speciality like hospitl construction
litigation, then looking in the nearest large city will help you
find someone who indicates that this is a speciality of theirs.
The best way to find an attorney is to ask others who have
had similiar problems. Or, if you own a flower store, ask your
friends (competitiors) who they use and if they understand your
business. Attorneys will frequently specialize in an area of
business or two, rather than in topics. For examples, many firms
represent companies for example, in the textile industry. Since
they have this experience, they should know what the common
pitfals are in the trade, and will be in a position to give you
excellent service.
On the other hand, the best known specialist in exactly what
you need will do you no good if you don't like the attorney.
Believe it or not, personality clashes do happen between lawyers
and their clients and thus finding someone with whom you are
comfortable is very important.
For some reason, people will go to ten dealers to buy a car
but will not shop for an attorney. Relevant questions should be
asked before you sign up with anyone:
1. What is your fee, and how to do charge it?
(You should always get a written disclosure)
2. What is your experience with the same type of matter as I have
presented to you?
3. Can I have references?
Many attorneys will not reveal their other clients names or allow
them to be used as references, but in this case, get refernces to
other attorneys who know of their expertise.
4. Are there any Judges or Courts where you do not feel that you
can get a good shake. (That is, do you have personality clashes
with any Judges)?
That is a very fair question that is more important than you
think. For example, just like human beings sometimes clash,
attorneys who are perfectly good often just don't get along with
a Judge. If that's going to be the Judge on your case-- watch
out. (Of course, many towns have Judges that NO ONE gets along
with).
If you are completely unsure on what kind of lawyer that you
need, then see if you area has a lawyer referral service. These
services, often set up in cooperation with bar associations will
provide an initial consultation for a very low charge, below that
of the regular charge for an office visit. That's a good place to
start if you don't have any idea what kind of lawyer you might
need.
When you visit an attorney be sure to write down your
questions before hand. Many people become extremely nervous when
they go in to see a professional, and will forget to ask the most
important things. Write it down so you can get your questions
answered. Also bring any and all papers that relate to the matter
with you. Good luck.