If perhaps you have not already, probably sometime in a lifetime you’ll need to hire a lawyer. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, what follows is a listing of responses to popular and important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a lawyer or attorney?
ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to look for legal guidance right away. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve particular deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that enable you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer at the earliest opportunity is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law 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 level of comfort with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining a lawyer outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of travel time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others give you a reduced rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

3. QUESTION: Exactly what 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 selected mediator to try and solve all or a number of the concerns involved. Mediators should 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. Generally the parties share the fee of the mediation evenly but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is generally required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, lawyers may concentrate in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer services in several specific areas of law. Trial lawyers handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle separation and divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are very specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to talk about your particular issue, determine if he or she is prepared to take care of such matters or inform you of the necessity to speak with another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How may I be certain my lawyer is resolving my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney monitors his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may also track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you’re wise to occasionally review the docket and see what events have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. You should also feel comfortable contacting your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you will likely be billed for these communications.

6. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal difficulties are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as perplexing. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the very best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what lawyers are accessible to help you. A recommendation from somebody you know and admire can add a personal element to the plan to hire an law firm but shouldn’t be the singular reason counsel is picked. Research the attorney’s background of schooling, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help could be strengthening but can also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be considered with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical doctor, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

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