Assuming you haven’t previously, probably sometime in your own life you’ll have to retain legal counsel. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, below is a variety of responses to popular as well as important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I will need a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal advice immediately. Papers filed in court that begin a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve exact deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could damage your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that allow you to consider the legal issues and potential resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer immediately is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is important as that attorney will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring a lawyer outside the area in which the matter occurs is cost of travel time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or preserve a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

3. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a decided on mediator to try and resolve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators are to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and continue maintaining the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation evenly but other arrangements might 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 law firm do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may specialize in a specific 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 lawyers handle separation and divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle nearly all matters. Some areas of law are very technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about 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: How can I be sure my attorney is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer monitors his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – monthly, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that established, you are wise to routinely review the docket and see what activities have transpired by your counsel and the other party/counsel. You should also feel comfortable getting in touch with your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the matter, knowing you will likely be billed for these communications.

6. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal concerns are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are often just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to study your area of need and research what legal professionals are available to help you. A referral from someone you know and regard can add a personal element to the plan to hire an law firm but shouldn’t be the singular reason counsel is chosen. Look into the attorney’s background of education, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be contemplated with exactly the same degree of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical professional, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

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