If you haven’t before now, probably sometime in your own life you’ll need to employ legal counsel. With the help of my interview with Tampa Lawyer Christina Mesa, here is a number of responses to typical as well as imperative questions.

1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have been recently served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to seek out legal advice right away. Papers filed in court that begin a lawsuit call for responses that involve exact deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that enable you to take into account the legal issues and probable resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking a lawyer as quickly as possible is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have 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 on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county in which the matter is being litigated is important as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One thing to consider in hiring legal counsel outside the area in which the matter takes place is cost of journey time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or maintain 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 matter present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and solve all or some of the issues involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial between the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the cost of the mediation equally but other arrangements may be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is typically required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What type of attorney at law do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, attorneys may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, offer general legal needs or offer services in a few unique areas of law. Trial lawyers handle 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 extremely complex, like bankruptcy or taxation; some are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to go over your particular issue, determine if he/she is prepared to handle such matters or inform you of the necessity to consult with another in a specialised area.

5. QUESTION: How may I make sure my lawyer is resolving my problems?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer agreement should include a affirmation of how the attorney bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you’re wise to periodically review the docket and see what events have taken place by your counsel and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel comfortable getting in contact with your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the matter, knowing you’ll likely be billed for these interactions.

6. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal issues are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as complex. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the ideal practice is to research your area of need and research what attorneys are available to help you. A referral from someone you know and respect can add a personal element to the plan to hire an lawyer but really should not be the sole reason counsel is selected. Research the attorney’s background of education, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be contemplated with the exact same level of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical professional, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

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