Assuming you haven’t before now, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will want to hire an attorney at law. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here’s a listing of answers to popular and important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and similar documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek out legal guidance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve particular deadlines; missing those deadlines could damage your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a “pre-suit” period of time that enable you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys 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 community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining legal counsel outside the area wherein the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or preserve a billable rate for all work conducted. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and resolve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial in between the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential aspect of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Usually 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 every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of attorney do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other industries, lawyers may specialise in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in several precise 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 complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to go over your specific issue, determine if he/she is qualified to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized area.

5. QUESTION: How am I able to be sure my lawyer is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may even keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that established, you’re wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel at ease getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to learn the status of the issue, understanding you’ll likely be billed for these communications.

6. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal matters are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and might be just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the very best practice would be to investigate your area of need and research what law firms are accessible to help you. A referral from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the plan to hire an attorney but really should not be the exclusive reason counsel is selected. Look into the attorney’s background of education, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking basic questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but can also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a medical doctor, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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