If perhaps you haven’t previously, probably sometime in a lifetime you will have to seek the services of legal counsel. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, this is a listing of responses to typical and important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to find legal advice without delay. Papers filed in court that start a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that allow you to think about the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as quickly as possible is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney at law in the county where the issue 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 will be litigated is essential as that attorney will have a comfort level with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in hiring an attorney outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of travel time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others give you a decreased rate or maintain a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed place with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and resolve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators are to be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential structure of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation evenly but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance 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 kind of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may specialize in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer 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 associated matters; general practitioners handle nearly all matters. Some areas of law are extremely complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to go over your specific issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized area.

5. QUESTION: How am I able to be certain my lawyer is handling my issues?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – monthly, quarterly, etc. You may also track your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you are wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have transpired by your counsel and the other party/counsel. You should also feel at ease getting in touch with your lawyer at intervals to determine 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 subjects are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as complex. To safeguard your rights and remedies, the very best practice would be to study your area of need and research what attorneys are accessible to help you. A referral from somebody you know and admire can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an law firm but should not be the sole reason counsel is picked. 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 could be empowering but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a medical doctor, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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