In the event that you have not by now, chances are that sometime in your lifetime you will want to retain the services of legal counsel. Thanks to my interview with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, this is a selection of responses to frequent and worthwhile questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have been served with a Summons and comparable documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to find legal guidance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit call for responses that involve exact deadlines; skipping those deadlines could compromise your defense, limit or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” period that allow you to think about the legal issues and potential resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel immediately is advised.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many attorneys 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 essential as that attorney will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in retaining legal counsel away from area in which the matter occurs is cost of travel time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or preserve a billable rate for all work performed. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

3. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action 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 issues involved. Mediators are to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial in between the parties and their counsel, and continue maintaining the confidential structure of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Typically 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 normally required in every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, lawyers may specialize in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer services in several precise areas of law. Trial lawyers handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle divorce cases, 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; others are delineated by statute, such as worker’s compensation. Any lawyer can talk about your specific issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or advise you of the need to consult with another in a specialized area.

5. QUESTION: How can I make sure my lawyer is resolving my issues?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – month-to-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 established, you are wise to periodically review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. You should also feel comfortable contacting your attorney at intervals to determine the status of the issue, knowing you will likely be charged for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: Just how do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what attorneys are around to assist you. A referral from someone you know and respect can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but shouldn’t be the sole reason counsel is chosen. Look into the attorney’s background of training, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

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