In the case you haven’t by now, probably sometime in your own life you will have to employ legal counsel. With the help of my discussion with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, listed here is a listing of responses to frequent and important questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and similar documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to find legal guidance immediately. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit call for responses that involve specific deadlines; missing those deadlines could damage your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that enable you to consider the legal issues and possible resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers or attorneys practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is crucial as that attorney will have a comfort level with the neighborhood courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One consideration in retaining an attorney outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some attorneys don’t charge for travel, others offer a reduced rate or preserve a billable rate for all work performed. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the issue present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or some of the concerns involved. Mediators need to be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential structure of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the fee of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is usually 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, attorneys may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer you services in a few 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 most matters. Some areas of law are very specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, like worker’s compensation. Any lawyer can talk about your particular issue, determine if he/she is qualified to handle such matters or advise you of the need to speak with another in a specialized 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 expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that supply on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you are wise to occasionally review the docket and see what events have transpired by your counsel and the other party/counsel. You should also feel at ease contacting your attorney at intervals to determine the status of the issue, knowing you will likely be charged for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal difficulties are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and can be just as complex. To protect your rights and remedies, the best practice would be to study your area of need and research what law firms are out there to work with you. A recommendation from somebody you know and regard can add a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but really should not be the only reason counsel is selected. Research the attorney’s background of training, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be strengthening but can also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be considered with exactly the same degree of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a physician, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

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