Whether you have been in an accident, been treated unfair, or are in need of legal advice, a great solicitor or attorney is essential. Before you embark on a conquest to get what you truly believe is your right, whether it be money or property, you need to first make sure the law is on your side. Unless you are particularly savvy in researching, reading, and understanding the laws as written, you will need the assistance of a solicitor.
The first thing to do to make sure the law is on your side is to hire a reputable solicitor or attorney. Many advertise on television; many of these are excellent, others are not. The State Bar Association has a list of attorneys licensed to practice in your area. If you watch the tiny print on the television commercials, you may see that the firm only practices in a limited area, but they may contract out with someone in your area, to which you have no choice.
Sometimes the best way to find an attorney is through word of mouth. Nearly everyone has used a solicitor at one time or another, if they were content with the results then ask for their name. Not all solicitors or lawyers practice the same type of law. Some specialize in divorce, criminal, civil, or constitutional law. A reputable attorney will refer you to someone in the associated field of your legal matters.
Before signing an agreement with any lawyer or solicitor, be sure you understand the fee arrangement; for example, are you paying by the hour or are they taking your case on a contingent basis? Contingent basis means your representative only gets paid if they win your case. Either way, make sure you understand the fee schedule; what percentage of your winnings will they keep, and does this include their expenses or is that in addition? If paying by the hour, keep in mind you will be charged for every phone call you make to their office, every visit, and every phone call they make on your behalf.
Finally, while you truly believe you have been harmed, injured, or mistreated, unless the law is written to substantiate your claim, you will not win. A good solicitor will tell you what the chances of winning your case are based on the law as written. If you disagree with their recommendations to not pursue your suit, a second opinion is always an option. There is no law which says you must accept the first solicitor's denial to take your case. Just as with a medical situation, get a second opinion.
The first thing to do to make sure the law is on your side is to hire a reputable solicitor or attorney. Many advertise on television; many of these are excellent, others are not. The State Bar Association has a list of attorneys licensed to practice in your area. If you watch the tiny print on the television commercials, you may see that the firm only practices in a limited area, but they may contract out with someone in your area, to which you have no choice.
Sometimes the best way to find an attorney is through word of mouth. Nearly everyone has used a solicitor at one time or another, if they were content with the results then ask for their name. Not all solicitors or lawyers practice the same type of law. Some specialize in divorce, criminal, civil, or constitutional law. A reputable attorney will refer you to someone in the associated field of your legal matters.
Before signing an agreement with any lawyer or solicitor, be sure you understand the fee arrangement; for example, are you paying by the hour or are they taking your case on a contingent basis? Contingent basis means your representative only gets paid if they win your case. Either way, make sure you understand the fee schedule; what percentage of your winnings will they keep, and does this include their expenses or is that in addition? If paying by the hour, keep in mind you will be charged for every phone call you make to their office, every visit, and every phone call they make on your behalf.
Finally, while you truly believe you have been harmed, injured, or mistreated, unless the law is written to substantiate your claim, you will not win. A good solicitor will tell you what the chances of winning your case are based on the law as written. If you disagree with their recommendations to not pursue your suit, a second opinion is always an option. There is no law which says you must accept the first solicitor's denial to take your case. Just as with a medical situation, get a second opinion.
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