In the instance that you haven’t previously, probably sometime in your own lifetime you’ll need to hire a lawyer. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, this is a selection of answers to basic as well as important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek out legal guidance right away. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could compromise your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that enable you to consider the legal issues and potential resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer at the earliest opportunity is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney at law in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county in which the matter is being litigated is essential as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining a lawyer outside the area wherein the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others give you a lowered rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: What exactly 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 decided on mediator to try and solve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the charge of the mediation equally but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is normally required in just about every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of law firm do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer services in a few specific areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any attorney can talk about your particular issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or inform you of the necessity to speak with another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How am I able to make sure my lawyer is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may also track your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that established, you’re wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have transpired 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’ll likely be billed for these communications.

6. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the very best practice would be to study your area of need and research what law firms are out there to work with you. A recommendation from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the plan to hire an attorney but should not be the sole reason counsel is selected. Look into the attorney’s background of education, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking a lot of questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but may also reduce or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be contemplated with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the choice of a medical doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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