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FAQs
- Do I need an attorney?
If you are asking yourself this question, chances are you may need to seek a free initial consultation. You should be aware that if you wait too long, you may lose your right to pursue some legal actions.
- How do I afford an attorney?
Attorneys may be retained in a number of ways. An attorney can enter into a contingency agreement with you to be paid at the conclusion of a successful case from a portion of the settlement or verdict. Next, an attorney may be paid a retainer agreement, which is a lump sum payment to the attorney to "retain" the lawyer's services. Lastly, an attorney may send you a invoice which typically contains a breakdown of the lawyer's work done day by day at an hourly rate. Sometimes, the attorney may combine a few of these methods. Ask your attorney to explain how he or she will be compensated for the representation.
- What are a lawyer's responsibilities?
Lawyers can provide a number of services and perform a wide range of functions. These functions are defined in the Lawyer's Rules of Professional Conduct. The lawyer is an advisor who provides the client with an informed understanding of legal rights and obligations, as well as practical implications. The lawyer is an advocate, zealously asserting the client's position under the rules of the adversarial system. The lawyer is a negotiator, seeking to obtain advantageous results for the client consistent with requirements of honest dealing with third parties. As an intermediary between clients, a lawyer reconciles divergent interests as a spokesperson for each client. Lastly, the lawyer is an evaluator, examining the client's legal affairs and reporting about them to the client and others. The lawyer's function depends on the client's particular need and the service that the lawyer
is providing. However, regardless of the service or function, the lawyer should be competent, prompt and diligent.
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