Assuming you haven’t already, probably sometime in your own life you will have to retain legal counsel. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here’s a listing of responses to basic along with imperative questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal advice right away. Papers filed in court that begin a lawsuit require responses that involve exact deadlines; missing those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that allow you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as soon as possible is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the issue 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 in which the matter is being litigated is important as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney away from area wherein the matter occurs is cost of travel time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others give you a reduced rate or maintain a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

3. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed area with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the charge of the mediation equally but other arrangements may be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is typically required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, lawyers may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in several precise areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys 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 specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to talk about your particular issue, determine if he/she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the necessity to speak with another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How may I be certain my attorney is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of 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 provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you are wise to routinely review the docket and see what events have taken place by your counsel and the other party/counsel. You should also feel comfortable getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you’ll likely be billed for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Just how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal difficulties are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and usually are just as complicated. To protect your legal rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to study your area of need and research what legal professionals are accessible to assist you. A referral from somebody you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but should not be the exclusive reason counsel is picked. Research the lawyer’s background of training, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with the exact same degree of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a doctor, accountant, financial advisor or therapist.

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