In the event that you have not before now, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will have to retain the services of legal counsel. Thanks to my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, what follows is a variety of answers to very common and imperative questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have recently been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you really should endeavor to look for legal guidance right away. Papers filed in court that begin a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; skipping those deadlines could damage your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a “pre-suit” period of time that enable you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer immediately is recommended.

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, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county in which the matter is being litigated is important as that attorney will have a comfort level with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One thing to consider in retaining an attorney away from area wherein the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or maintain a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Precisely what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed area with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential aspect of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Generally 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 usually required in just about every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of law firm 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 several specific areas of law. Trial attorneys handle cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to discuss your particular issue, determine if he/she is prepared to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How am I able to be certain my lawyer is handling my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you’re wise to occasionally review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your counsel and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel at ease getting in touch with your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, understanding you’ll likely be charged for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Exactly how do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and may be just as complex. To protect your legal rights and remedies, the very best practice would be to investigate your area of need and research what law firms are out there to assist you. A recommendation from somebody you know and admire can bring a personal element to the decision to hire an attorney but shouldn’t be the singular reason counsel is picked. Research the lawyer’s background of schooling, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking basic questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be contemplated with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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