In the case you haven’t already, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will need to hire an attorney. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here’s a group of answers to basic as well as important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal assistance right away. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could damage your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a “pre-suit” period of time that enable you to think about the legal issues and possible resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer at the earliest opportunity is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys practice in other counties and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter is being litigated is crucial as that attorney will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One thing to consider in hiring legal counsel away from area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or maintain a billable rate for all work conducted. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and resolve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential aspect of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the fee of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is normally required in every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, attorneys may specialize in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in a few specific areas of law. Trial lawyers handle cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle most matters. Some areas of law are extremely specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to discuss your particular issue, determine if he or she is prepared to take care of such matters or inform you of the necessity to seek advice from another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How am I able to make sure my attorney is resolving my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – monthly, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you are wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have transpired by your counsel and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel comfortable getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you will likely be charged for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Precisely how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal dilemmas are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as complex. To protect your rights and remedies, the best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what attorneys are around to work with you. A referral from someone you know and regard can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but shouldn’t be the singular reason counsel is picked. Look into the attorney’s background of training, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but may also reduce or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be considered with the exact same degree of thought and consideration as that directed at the choice of a physician, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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