How Does My Lawyer Get Paid?

There are a variety of different ways a lawyer gets paid for his or her legal services, including, but not limited to: contingency fees, flat fees, and hourly rates. All fee arrangements are typically agreed to, in writing, before representation begins.

At GB Law, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. What does this mean for you? It means: You will not pay our attorneys for their legal services unless they successfully settle your case. In contingency fee arrangements, an attorney agrees to accept a certain percentage of the money awarded in a judgment or negotiated in a settlement.

On average, attorneys will take one-third (1/3) of the money a client recovers. This, however, does not include expenses accrued during the course of representation. In any litigation, there are several expenses, such as:

  • Filing fees
  • Copies of medical records or medical reports
  • Depositions and medical opinions

When the money is awarded, the attorney will take out just enough to cover these types of costs. After the expenses are accounted for, the attorney will take out the agreed-upon percentage of the remaining balance. You will then receive your share of money awarded.

Our attorneys pride themselves on their ability to deliver superior service. They work extremely hard towards getting their clients everything they are entitled to receive. Remember: Because our attorneys feel confident in obtaining a positive result, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning if they do not obtain a positive verdict or settlement, there is no cost to you.

Understanding Car Accidents in Personal Injury Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Car Accidents in Personal Injury Law: A Comprehensive Guide

Car accidents are unfortunate incidents that can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial distress. When these accidents occur due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, the field of personal injury law comes into play. Personal injury law encompasses legal principles and processes to provide compensation and justice to those injured in car accidents.

Understanding Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law is a legal area that focuses on providing remedies to individuals who have suffered harm, both physically and emotionally, due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. The primary objective of personal injury law is to ensure that injured individuals receive compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain, and suffering.

Establishing Fault in Car Accidents

Determining fault is crucial in personal injury cases involving car accidents. Assessing fault is typically through a legal concept: “negligence.” To prove negligence, the injured party must demonstrate the following elements:

a. Duty of Care: The at-fault party owed a duty of care to the injured party.

b. Breach of Duty: The at-fault party breached their duty of care through negligent actions or omissions.

c. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the car accident and injuries.

d. Damages: The injured party suffered actual damages, such as medical expenses or pain and suffering.

Types of Car Accidents

Car accidents can occur in various ways, each with unique circumstances and legal implications. Some common types of car accidents include:

a. Rear-End Collisions

b. T-Bone Accidents

c. Head-On Collisions

d. Side-Swipe Accidents

e. Multi-Vehicle Accidents

Insurance and Compensation

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in car accident cases. Most jurisdictions require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover damages resulting from accidents they cause. In personal injury cases, injured parties may seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company for their losses. Compensation can include medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Regarding car insurance, several types of coverage are available that provide varying levels of protection. Understanding each type of car insurance can help you make informed decisions when selecting coverage options. Here are the most common types of car insurance:

 

  1. Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is the most basic and essential form of car insurance. It covers damages and injuries caused to others in an accident for which you are at fault. Liability insurance typically consists of two components:
  2. Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and legal expenses for injuries suffered by others in an accident you caused. b. Property Damage Liability: Property damage liability covers the cost of repairing or replacing the property of others (e.g., vehicles, buildings, fences) damaged in an accident you caused.
  3. Collision Coverage: Collision coverage protects damage to your vehicle from collisions with another car or object, regardless of who is at fault. It helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle. Collision coverage is typically subject to a deductible, which you must pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in.
  4. Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against damages not caused by a collision. It covers many incidents, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and natural disasters. Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is subject to a deductible.
  5. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments coverage provides coverage for medical expenses incurred by you and your passengers in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP coverage may also cover other costs, such as lost wages, rehabilitation, and funeral expenses. The availability and extent of PIP coverage vary by state.
  6. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or lacks sufficient insurance to cover your losses. UM/UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, property damage, and other losses that result from such accidents.
  7. Gap Insurance: Gap insurance is typically optional and is helpful for individuals who lease or finance a vehicle. It covers the “gap” between the amount owed on a car loan or lease and the vehicle’s actual cash value. In the event of a total loss, such as theft or a severe accident, gap insurance can prevent you from paying out of pocket for the remaining loan or lease balance.

 

It’s important to note that insurance requirements and coverage options may vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, each insurance provider may offer additional coverage options and policy add-ons to tailor coverage to specific needs.

When choosing car insurance, it’s best to carefully review and compare policy terms, coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions to ensure adequate protection based on your circumstances and preferences. Consulting with an insurance professional can also be beneficial in understanding the nuances of each type of car insurance and making an informed decision.

Statute of Limitations

Being aware of the statute of limitations is crucial, which sets a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations varies by jurisdiction, and failing to file a claim within the specified timeframe may result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Seeking Legal Representation

Navigating personal injury law can be complex, especially with car accident cases. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is often recommended to protect your rights. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

Conclusion

Car accidents within personal injury law are multifaceted issues requiring a comprehensive understanding of legal principles and procedures. By grasping the fundamentals of personal injury law, establishing fault, understanding the different types of car accidents, and being aware of insurance coverage and the statute of limitations, individuals involved in car accidents can take the necessary steps to protect their rights and seek fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Consulting with a personal injury attorney can significantly enhance your chances of a successful legal outcome.

4 Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident

Thousands of car accidents happen across the country every day. Suffering an injury after a car accident can have a traumatic effect on your life. The economic consequences of a car accident can be devastating, even with adequate health insurance and auto coverage.

Other costs might include lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and home modifications. If another driver’s negligence caused your car accident and subsequent injury, you might be able to build a personal injury claim against them.

A personal injury lawyer can assist you with the process of obtaining the compensation you deserve. Let’s go over some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer after your car accident.

 

You Can Focus on Your Health

After suffering a devastating injury caused by the negligent actions of another, the last thing you want to have to deal with is negotiating with the insurance company or dealing with complex legal details. Thankfully, when you have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you do not have to.

In fact, now is the time you can focus on attending follow-up appointments, continuing physical occupational therapy, spending time with your family, and focusing on your health. Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf while you focus on recuperating from the trauma you endured. This way, you can minimize your stress and regain as much functionality, mobility, and strength as possible.

Your Lawyer Will Gather Evidence

While you focus more of your attention on healing, your personal injury attorney will be working diligently on your behalf. Did you know the burden of proof and civil lawsuits is different from that of criminal court? In criminal Court, the prosecutor must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for the jury to return a guilty verdict.

The same is not true in civil claims. The burden of proof in civil court is based on a preponderance of the evidence. This is a much lower burden, as the evidence presented simply must suggest to the jury that the defendant is likely at fault for causing their injuries. For this reason, the evidence presented must be compelling.

Examples of such evidence could include:

  • Eyewitness testimony
  • Medical records
  • Interviews with experts and specialists
  • Copies of police reports
  • Expense tracking logs
  • Personal journal entries
  • Video of the accident
  • Photos of your injuries

Your Personal Injury Lawyer Will Identify the Liable Party

One of your personal injury lawyer’s most important responsibilities will be figuring out who is responsible for causing the accident. Generally, liable parties are compelled to compensate victims for their damages.

By conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident, we can reveal the identities of anyone and everyone who may have played a part in causing your accident and subsequent injuries.

Your Attorney Will Help You Explore Your Legal Options

You might be surprised to learn that you do not necessarily have to go to trial to maximize your financial compensation. For some injury victims, filing a claim with the insurance company may be enough. If the liable party has comprehensive insurance coverage, you may have an opportunity to be repaid for your losses in full through an insurance claim alone.

Unfortunately, many people purchase the bare minimum amount of coverage as required by law. If this is true in your case, an insurance settlement is not going to be enough. Thankfully, your lawyer will be prepared to bring your case to trial.

Here, you will not be limited by the types and amount of coverage the policyholder purchased. Instead, you have a chance to be made whole. You might be able to avoid going to court if the liable party is willing to settle your claim reasonably without a trial. However, this is rare.

Your Injury Attorney Will Handle the Insurance Company

One of the most important jobs your attorney will handle is talking to the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. Many insurance companies are focused on minimizing payouts to victims and will do whatever possible to dismiss the value of a claim or deny it altogether. Our skilled attorneys have good relationships with many insurance providers, and they know how to counter any attempts to deny claims unfairly.

Your Personal Injury Lawyer Will Fight for Total Compensation

Once your claim is prepared, your attorney will help to negotiate a favorable settlement. When determining the value of your claim, our attorneys consider the economic and non-economic damages that you have sustained, such as:

  • Medical expenses
  • Any future medical treatments
  • Lost wages
  • Any other income that you may lose due to the lasting effects of the accident
  • Property damage

By working with an experienced and competitive law firm, you can rest assured that we will negotiate the best possible settlement for your injuries. We here at Stafford & Heafner are proud to offer our clients a level of service that they can’t find anywhere else.

How Does Personal Injury Law Work?

Personal injury law is the area of civil law that allows victims of preventable accidents to hold those who caused or failed to prevent their accident accountable for the injuries and financial losses they suffered. Personal injury law applies to things like construction accidents, slip and fall injuries, defective product injuries, boat accidents, car accidents, and dog bites.

If you suffered injuries in an incident caused by someone else’s careless or reckless actions, or negligent failure to take appropriate action to prevent injury,, you need to know how personal injury law works. You will likely be eligible to take legal action, hold the at-fault party responsible, and recover compensation for your damages if the various elements of your claim can be proven with relevant evidence. A personal injury attorney is a critically important ally when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation by way of a personal injury lawsuit.

In This Article
  1. Negligence and Liability in a Personal Injury Case
  2. Building a Personal Injury Case on Long Island or in NYC
  3. You Could Only Have a Short Window To Act
  4. Speak With a Member of Our Personal Injury Team Today

Negligence and Liability in a Personal Injury Case

Understanding how personal injury law works in New York State requires understanding negligence and liability. Typically, personal injury law cases are based on negligence. (There are exceptions though. For example, the owner of a car that was negligently operated such that the negligent operation of the care caused injury may be legally responsible due to, “vicarious liability,’ even though that car owner was not personally negligent.) One party failed to act safely and reasonably, and their negligence caused harm to another.

There are four factors required to prove negligence and hold an individual or company liable in a personal injury case:

  1. The at-fault party had a specific duty to uphold, such as keeping their property free from hazards.
  2. They failed to uphold their duty.
  3. Their failure caused you to suffer injuries, become ill, or suffer other harm.
  4. You sustained economic damages as a result of their action or inaction.

If you prove each of these elements, it is possible to hold the at-fault party accountable in many cases. This evidence, along with documentation of your losses, allows you to demand a fair payout from an insurance company or take the case to court. You could even recover damages in your case if your own negligence was a factor in your injuries.

What kinds of “injuries” does personal injury law include?

Personal injury law can apply to any injury that one person or entity causes another person, so long as that injury was caused by intentional, negligent, or reckless behavior, or by an action covered by strict liability. Some common causes of personal injury that can give you a right to recover damages include:

  • Auto accidents
  • Slip/Trip& Fall (liquids, snow and ice)
  • Slip/Trip & Fall (unsafe conditions on property) other than liquids, snow and ice
  • Premises Liability
  • Construction Site Accidents—Negligence, New York Labor Law 240 and 241
  • Dram Shop (Alcohol) Liability
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Product Liability
  • Police Misconduct
  • Wrongful Death
  • Battery
  • Assault
  • Infliction of Emotional Distress
  • False Accusations—Defamation of Character by Libel or Slander

Personal injury law covers any situation in which the following occurs:

  • Physical, Mental or Reputational Injury: A person is injured physically, mentally, and/or in his or her reputation;
  • Wrongfully Caused: The injury is caused wrongfully, in the eyes of the law, by another person or by an entity (such as a corporation or municipality).When you are injured, the law asks whether the person who injured you was responsible to take care that you did not get injured. There are different levels of wrongful conduct that lead to liability depending on the circumstances:
  • Everyday Situations—Negligence: The law usually asks, “Was the person who injured you “negligent” in causing your injury?” Negligence is another way of saying “careless,” or lacking in the use of ordinary care or consideration.
  • Special Situations—Recklessness: In certain cases, those involving injuries caused by police and firefighters driving to or arriving at emergency situations, the law may ask if the officer acted “recklessly” in causing injury—that is, did they act in utter disregard to your safety?
  • Intentional Injurious Acts: There are also intentional acts (like if someone punches you on purpose and without justification, breaking your nose) where the intent combined with injury will allow recovery.
  • Defective Products—Strict Liability: Finally, there are injuries involving dangerous products or products manufactured improperly or that are defective—in such cases, the law doesn’t look for wrongful behavior, but rather presumes responsibility by the fact a person was injured using the product (also known as “strict liability”).
  • Compensable Damage: A person will not be able to recover (much less find a lawyer to represent him) for a cut on the finger or other negligible injury:
    • Example: You are crossing the street with a “walk” sign. A car goes through the red light, causing you to dive to the ground to avoid being hit. If you get up with a minor scrape on your hand, and walk away without further symptoms, there is an injury caused by negligent driving, but you will likely not be able to recover, despite the actions of the driver.

When each of these factors is present, an injured person may be able to recover a dollar amount for all damage suffered (medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering) by suing the person or entity that wrongfully caused the damage.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Personal Injury Attorney

Personal injury attorneys wear many hats – and you’ll be glad they do if you find yourself in need of an accident lawyer

How can a personal injury lawyer help?

Lawyers generally show up on the worst day of a person’s life.

Your wounds may may not have even dried before you start getting calls, requests and bills from insurance companies, doctors, police and others. At such a time when you should be focusing on healing and recovery, you may be feeling completely overwhelmed and stressed wondering how you are going to pay for everything.

This is when a personal injury lawyer can help.

personal injury lawyer helps individuals who have sustained injuries in accidents to recover financial compensation. These funds are often needed to pay for medical treatment, make up for lost wages, pain and suffering, and provide compensation for injuries suffered.

Personal injury attorneys specialize in tort law, which covers all civil litigation for injuries or wrongdoings resulting from negligence. The main goal of personal injury lawyers who practice tort law is to make their client (the injured “plaintiff”) whole again and discourage others from committing a similar offense.

Common examples of personal injury practice areas include motor vehicle accidentsslip and fall accidents, defective productsworkplace injuries and medical malpractice.

Basics of personal injury law

A personal injury lawyer performs many important duties. These common functions include:

  • Explains your rights
    A personal injury lawyer can explain how an accident and different legal issues affect a person’s rights. Different states have different laws pertaining to the statutes of limitations or how comparative negligence affects a case.(To answer your question, the statute of limitations imposes time limits for when a lawsuit must be filed. Comparative negligence rules determine whether a person can sue if he was partially to blame for the accident and how much he can recover.)
  • Provides advice
    A personal injury attorney can walk a client through the system with the finesse of a professional tour guide. They help you understand complicated legal procedures, interpret medical and insurance jargon, and get through the maze of paperwork required in personal injury cases.One common piece of advice is not to provide a statement to the other driver’s insurance company since it will simply look for ways to deny liability. An injury lawyer may also recommend seeking medical treatment to document the relationship between the accident and the injury.

    A personal injury attorney also provides you objective opinions about your case so that you can make the best possible decision that aren’t clouded by fear, anger, frustration, stress and other emotions many injury victims understandably experience.

  • Represents in court
    Most personal injury cases do not result in a trial; the vast majority is settled even before a lawsuit is filed.However, if the insurance company denies the claim, it’s possible that the only way for the victim to recover is by going through a full civil trial.

    Litigation is complex and requires close adherence to proper procedures and rules of evidence. This is not a task best handled by a novice.

Some surprising ways you didn’t know a personal injury lawyer could help you

Lawyers do have skills, you know. There are some great ways they can help:

  • Completes a professional investigation
    Personal injury firms may have their own investigators document the scene of an accident, interview witnesses and develop theories about how the incident occurred. These might be professional investigators or even retired cops working a new job.Outside experts such as accident reconstruction experts may be necessary if the cause of the accident is in dispute. Your attorney will have a dedicated roster of professionals he or she normally uses and will know who can assist.
  • Connects with medical providers
    A personal injury lawyer may have a business relationship with a medical professional who may agree to provide medical services in favor of a lien on any future settlement or judgment.They may also have greater experience in understanding serious injuries and may recommend a particular specialist who has provided superb results in previous cases.
  • Better assesses damages
    Many accident victims only think about the immediate impact of an accident. After all, they could be receiving harassing phone calls from bill collectors, making up funds after being off work for a few weeks and may need to repair their vehicle to get back on the road.However, a personal injury lawyer deals with these cases on a routine basis and can help identify a more accurate estimate of the real and long-term effect of injuries, such as a loss in earning capacity if the accident left the victim disabled. A personal injury lawyer may also ask an economist or actuary for help in assessing the lifetime impact of an accident.
  • Works through a variety of legal processes
    A personal injury lawyer can help in a number of different judicial forums. For example, he or she may help with informal negotiation with the insurance company before or after a case is filed in court.Alternatively, they may help litigate a case if the settlement offer is not satisfactory to the client or the claim is denied. However, personal injury lawyers can also help in other types of forums such as alternative dispute resolution.

    Arbitration may be required if the victim’s own insurance company is involved. This involves presenting a case in front of a neutral arbitrator who makes a binding decision. Mediation consists of the victim and the person responsible for the injury working together to reach a solution out of court with the help of a third-party neutral. (See more on mediation and arbitration.)

When you need a lawyer… and when you don’t

Surprisingly, not every case requires the use of a lawyer.

If the damages are minimal, there is no serious injury and the settlement offer appears reasonable, providing a significant portion of the settlement to an attorney may not make sense.

However, sometimes cases that seem simple at first may become more complicated, which may be best handled by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer.

For example, someone’s insurance may not have been in effect at the time of the accident or an injury might not reveal itself as chronic until months after the accident. Some key times to hire a personal injury lawyer include when:

  • The claim is denied
    If you know that the other party was responsible for the accident but the insurance company does not want to take responsibility, it is important to talk to a lawyer to get an objective and experienced opinion.
  • Multiple parties may be involved
    In some cases, accidents might involve multiple vehicles or parties. This often complicates things.This can occur if there was a multi-car pileup or a situation involving contractors, subcontractors and employees. A personal injury lawyer can help identify all parties that may share liability in the case and who may be named as defendants.
  • A settlement is offered
    It is often worth the time and money to consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement. Insurance companies may try to get rid of cases as quickly as possible to minimize the payout since they represent their client’s financial interests.Very often, the first offer is a low-ball offer that they hope the victim will accept. A personal injury lawyer can determine whether an offer seems fair.

5 Reasons To Call A Personal Injury Attorney

You never thought it would happen to you.  You are sitting at a traffic light, minding your own business, waiting for the light to turn green.  All of a sudden, with no warning, your car is rear-ended by another vehicle.  You immediately feel pain to your neck and your back.  You get out of your car and see there is damage to your rear bumper.  What do you do next?

Unfortunately, this scenario occurs often to motorists in Florida. Most people don’t expect that they will be the victim of someone else’s negligence, but when that happens, it is important to know what to do and what rights you have.  That is where a personal attorney comes in.

Personal injury attorneys are lawyers who are trained in the legal areas of negligence and evidence. Personal injury attorneys also have background training in anatomy and medicine to understand injuries, and many times in physics in order to understand the dynamics of vehicular crashes.

If you are in an accident and you are hurt, the expertise of a personal injury attorney will assist you in a time of need.  Here are the top five reasons why you need a personal injury attorney if you are the victim of negligence.

  1. If you are in a car accident, there are various laws that apply to damages that you can recover. Specifically, Florida law requires that even if you are not at fault, your own insurance company pays your medical bills; however, your medical bills are only paid at 80% and up to a limit of $10,000.  A personal injury attorney makes sure that your insurance pays your medical bills, and that the remainder over 80% and above $10,000 are compensated by the person whose negligence caused your injury.
  2. If you are injured in Florida, you have the right to obtain damages for pain and suffering for any disability, or disfigurement. A personal injury attorney makes sure the party at fault is held responsible for compensating you for these damages.
  3. If you need significant medical care, a personal injury attorney can guide you through the steps necessary to obtain that care and to make sure that the care you are getting is proper and that it is paid for. The medical system is confusing and a Personal Injury Attorney can help a victim of negligence navigate that maze.
  4. Insurance companies are not your friends. Even though they may advertise “you are in good hands,” insurance companies are a business like any other, and their primary objective is to make money.  The way that insurance companies make money is to deny claims.  A personal injury attorney fights the insurance company every day to obtain just and reasonable compensation for those that are entitled to it.  Even though you may have been paying premiums to your insurance company for many years, that will not matter in the eyes of the insurance company when it comes time to pay your claim.
  5. If a physician determines that you may need medical treatment in the future, a personal injury can assist you. The attorney can address that issue with your physician and then inform the insurance company about the care you may need. A personal injury attorney can make sure that an insurance company pays for that future medical care as part of any settlement. In addition, if you will be out of work in the future, a personal injury attorney can raise that claim with the insurance company as well.

Personal injury attorneys have the expertise to make sure the insurance companies understand these future loss claims and to compensate you accordingly.

No one wants to be hurt in an accident.  For some people, being injured in an accident is one of the most distressing things they will experience in their life, However, hiring a personal injury attorney can take some of that stress and anxiety away.  A personal injury attorney uses their skill and expertise to aid victims of negligence when they need it the most.

5 Essential Tips On Your Path To Becoming A Lawyer

The road to becoming a lawyer is a long and difficult one, however, it is also an achievement that only the best talents can attain. The fact that you are even thinking about it shows that you have the determination and desire to succeed. Despite the difficulties, it is also a profession that will bring incredible job satisfaction and financial reward. If this sounds like your dream career path, here are five essential tips to reach your goals and become a lawyer.

1. Shine During High School

Excelling during high school not only can put you ahead of your competition when it comes to applying for colleges, but it also puts you in the correct frame of mind to pursue a career in law. You are going to have to work hard, so start working hard early. Get involved in extracurricular activities and take part in other activities that involve debating and meeting people as your personal skills will be key once you leave college.

2. Consider Participating In A Clerkship

A clerkship can give you the opportunity to work for a law firm over the summer or part-time. This will give you essential experience and law firms will look favourably upon this attribute on your résumé. There is also the possibility that the law firm that is providing you with the clerkship may take you on once you graduate from law school. If you are struggling financially and need extra funds to help you with living costs during an internship or clerkship, you can consider personal loans from private lenders. Doing so will keep you financially stable until you start to make money.

3. Get Involved In College

Like with high school, you should be getting involved as much as possible while at college. If there are positions of responsibility available you should be applying for them. Take extra classes if you need them and try to foster good relationships with your professors, as it will be them who are writing your reference for law school. If you can find work experience, this will help you even more as it shows your willingness to put yourself out there and start learning early.

4. Don’t Get In Trouble With The Law

It might seem obvious, but it is worth emphasising that you should not get in trouble with the law as it could prevent you from having a career in law. Bar Associations usually put candidates through a moral screening process and any involvement with the law will not look good. The number one rule of becoming a lawyer is to stay out of trouble.

5. Network

Your network can never be big enough, especially in an industry as competitive as law. Start networking early and never miss the opportunity to do so when you are at college or completing an internship or clerkship. The main importance of networking is your connections as they could provide you with opportunities that will completely change the course of your career. Networking works both ways and, to maintain your network, you will need to be prepared to help others when they are in need. A good network will also be able to provide you with advice and support during your journey.

5 QUESTIONS TO ASK A LAWYER IN AN INTERVIEW

Now 5 Helpful Questions To Ask Lawyer During The Consultation

Many lawyers offer to speak with potential clients for a free initial consultation. This helps you in finding a qualified attorney and choose if they are the right person for you. Knowing the questions you want to ask before meeting the lawyer is, therefore, very important. Here are some of the questions you should consider asking:

1. How Many Cases Similar to Mine Have You Handled Before?

It’s important to determine how long your attorney has practiced law and whether they have handled cases like yours in the course of their experience. Asking the attorney such a question will help you determine if they can handle your case.

If they have dealt with similar matters, they are likely to be sufficiently competent to handle your type of case. At this point, an experienced attorney may even be able to present you with testimonials of similar cases to yours that they have taken.

Other related questions:

  • What type of cases do you primarily deal with (criminal law, family law, etc.)?

  • When did you start practicing law?

  • Can you give me examples of similar cases you have handled?

2. What Strategies Are You Going To Use For My Case?

Even though many lawyers won’t go into the details of the strategies they plan to use since it’s just the first meeting, the right one should give you an overview of what he or she plans to do to help you with your case, if you take him or her on as your legal representation.

Other questions to consider include:

  • Which strategies do you intend to use? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

  • In your opinion, how long will this case take if you use this strategy?

  • Have you used these strategies before? Did they work?

3. Are There Other Alternatives Apart From Going To Court?

Legal services do not begin and end in the courtroom. There are often ways that one can avoid going to court. A Lawyer can often negotiate and come to a fair conclusion before the opponent files a lawsuit. In some cases, even after a lawsuit is filed, mediation and arbitration are still options to avoid going to court.

Other questions you can ask:

  • In the cases you have handled in the past, how many have you settled outside court?

  • Do you see yourself as a successful negotiator?

  • Are you open to the possibility of taking the case to court in case a settlement is not reached?

4. How Much Will It Cost Me?

This first meeting is the right time to talk about legal fees. When you ask about the cost, you will consider the lawyer’s response and see if you can afford it. In personal injury matters, a law firm will usually only require you to pay only after you receive your settlement.

Questions To Ask The Right Lawyer

Other questions to consider include:

  • What is your attorney fees structure? Is it per hour? Flat legal fee? Contingency?

  • Will there be extra costs?

  • Can you give me an estimation of the total cost?

5. What Are The Possible Outcomes Of The Case?

A good legal professional should be able to predict the outcome of the case. They should not just tell you what you want to hear, but should instead tell you the truth.

Other related questions you can ask:

  • Do you see us facing significant legal challenges?

  • How can I avoid a lawsuit?

In conclusion, taking advantage of the free consultation to know about your Lawyer, their abilities, and their credibility will go a long way in helping you with your case. You may not get all the legal advice that you want at this stage because this is just the first meeting. In any case, the choice is of whether or not to hire a lawyer is yours to make. Hopefully, these tips provided will help you make a wise decision.

3 Things To Consider When Starting Your Own Law Firm

Once many lawyers graduate from law school, they go and work for an established firm of some kind. This allows them to gain experience and work with those who can help show them the ropes. But eventually, with enough experience or clients, you may want to venture off on your own.

While starting your own firm can be a very profitable decision, it also takes a lot of hard work and dedication. But before you even lay the groundwork involved with starting your own firm, there are some things you need to ask yourself. If you don’t, you might find yourself vastly underprepared.

With that in mind, let’s go over a few considerations to make when starting your own law firm.

How Will You Stand Out Above the Competition?

Perhaps the first thing to think about is how you are going to rise above the competition. No matter where you are practicing law, you will have other firms or lawyers vying for the same clients. You need to find some creative and/or proven ways to separate yourself from the pack.

For example, this guide on law firm SEO (search engine optimization) can help you rank above your competitors to ensure you are the first option people see when people search for a lawyer in their city. Also, having a great website and social media presence can help set you apart, too. You need to market yourself well, maintain your professionalism and show potential clients why you are the right choice for them.

The Costs Involved With Starting the Firm

You also need to consider the costs of going off on your own. There are many different costs involved with starting your own firm. These include getting an office, paying for marketing, buying equipment, making a website, paying staff and many others. If you don’t think about these beforehand, they can sneak up on you and end up costing more than you would have imagined.

As for how much it will cost, that can depend. It depends on how large your office is, where it is located, how many people you plan to hire and how you market. In most cases, you should expect to spend a few thousand dollars minimum to get the business off the ground. Of course, do some independent research to find a more accurate number for your area.

Whatever your costs are, be sure you either have enough yourself, or are able to secure a fair loan to be able to get you what you need.

What Will Your Area of Practice Be?

You also need to decide on an area of practice. There are several different areas of legal practice that range from family law, to corporate law, to criminal law and many others. While you might be tempted to be a “jack of all trades” type of firm, this isn’t always the best idea.

When someone is looking for a lawyer, they are looking for someone who is a specialist. If you claim to be good at everything, many people may look for someone who solely focuses on what they need assistance with. So be sure to examine your strengths and experience, and choose an area that lines up well with them. A clearly defined practice area can help you build credibility quickly and you will often have an easier time finding clients.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you see what you will need to consider when starting your own law firm.