In the case you haven’t before now, chances are that sometime in your lifetime you will need to seek the services of a lawyer. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, what follows is a listing of answers to frequent and imperative questions.

1. QUESTION: Do I want to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the case occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys practice in other jurisdictions 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 level of comfort with the community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in retaining a lawyer outside the area in which the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others give you a reduced rate or maintain a billable rate for all work conducted. Talk about that question with each lawyer consulted.

2. QUESTION: How am I able to be certain my lawyer is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – in advancemonthly, quarterly, etc. You can also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you’re wise to periodically review the docket and see what changes have occurred by your attorney and the other party/counsel. Also feel comfortable getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you’ll likely be charged for these interactions.

3. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal subjects are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as complex. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to study your area of need and research what legal professionals are around to work with you. A referral from somebody you know and respect can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but should not be the only reason counsel is selected. Look into the lawyer’s background of schooling, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be empowering but may also reduce or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be considered with the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the selection of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

4. QUESTION: How do I determine if I require a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to look for legal advice immediately. Documents filed in court that begin a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve specific deadlines; skipping those deadlines could damage your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a “pre-suit” period of time that enable you to consider the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel immediately is recommended.

5. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and resolve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators are to be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential aspect of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the fee of the mediation equally but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is generally required in just about every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

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

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