In the case you have not already, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will need to seek the services of legal counsel. Thanks to my discussion with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, this is a selection of responses to very common along with important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek out legal guidance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could damage your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that allow you to consider the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel at the earliest opportunity is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based upon 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 level of comfort with the local courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One consideration in retaining legal counsel outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some attorneys don’t charge for travel, others give you a decreased rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a decided on mediator to try and resolve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial between the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is normally 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 industries, lawyers may specialize in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer services in a few specific areas of law. Trial attorneys deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are very specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any attorney should be able to discuss your particular issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or inform you of the necessity to seek advice from another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How can I be sure my lawyer is handling my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer monitors his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you are wise to routinely review the docket and see what activities have transpired by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. You should also feel at ease getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you’ll likely be charged for these communications.

6. QUESTION: Precisely how do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal troubles are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are often just as complicated. To protect your legal rights and remedies, the best practice would be to investigate your area of need and research what law firms are available to help you. A referral from someone you know and respect can bring a personal element to the decision to hire an attorney but really should not be the exclusive reason counsel is picked. Research the lawyer’s background of schooling, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be empowering but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be contemplated with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the choice of a physician, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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