"attorneys you need when you need an attorney

by Prof. Winston Konopelski MD 10 min read

Which degree do you need to become a lawyer?

Good Reasons to Hire a Lawyer. While you don't necessarily need an attorney in every legal matter (i.e. a minor traffic ticket), there a few situations when it's in your best interest to hire a lawyer. Probably the best reason to hire an attorney is if you've been charged with a crime.

Do I need to retain a lawyer?

Jun 01, 2020 · There are various types of lawyers (such as estate planning, criminal, business), so it’s important to find one who practices in the area of law you need. An attorney search can be made by asking friends for a referral, consulting print or online directories, or contacting your local or state bar association. You can also ask a lawyer to give you advice on an hourly basis, …

Do we need to retain an attorney?

Feb 04, 2022 · They will tell you whether you will need an attorney and will either take your case or point in the direction of a lawyer who can best represent you. If the attorney takes your case, the fee will be approximated up front. In general, however, the following guidelines apply: When You Should Get Legal Advice 1. A Complex or Nasty Divorce. When couples mutually agree on all of …

Do I need to consult with an attorney?

Jan 04, 2021 · Most would assume that if you ask a lawyer, whether or not you need a lawyer the answer would always be “Yes, you need an attorney to represent your legal interests.” However, this may not always be case. A lawyer can be helpful in every legal situation but there are steps you can take to avoid or minimize the need for an attorney.

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How do you decide when you need a lawyer?

If you've never worked with a lawyer before, there are many types of legal issues that might require legal representation. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you have suffered an injury, been wrongfully terminated at work, are thinking about starting a business, or have been accused of committing a crime.Feb 11, 2022

Is an attorney always necessary?

While you don't necessarily need an attorney in every legal matter (i.e. a minor traffic ticket), there a few situations when it's in your best interest to hire a lawyer. Probably the best reason to hire an attorney is if you've been charged with a crime.

Why you shouldn't be a lawyer?

Deadlines, billing pressures, client demands, long hours, changing laws, and other demands all combine to make the practice of law one of the most stressful jobs out there. Throw in rising business pressures, evolving legal technologies, and climbing law school debt and it's no wonder lawyers are stressed.Nov 20, 2019

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

Why is it important to find a lawyer?

Especially if there is a sizeable estate, tax issues, or a complicated or extensive distribution plan, it is important to find a lawyer to be sure things are done right. You Are Adopting A Child. Adopting a child is an important matter, and an attorney will assure things are done right. A Contract Is Needed. It is essential that you understand the ...

What to do if you don't understand the terms of a contract?

If you don’t understand the terms, or how to prepare a contract, consult a lawyer. If you need a complex business organization (multiple entities), have complex tax matters, need to file for a patent, or become involved in litigation, hire a lawyer.

Do you need a lawyer to administer an estate?

In these cases, it may not be necessary to hire a lawyer.

Is it cheaper to hire a lawyer?

The Value of Hiring a Lawyer. Legal services generally do not come cheap. The more complicated your legal problem, the more you will need legal advice, and the more it will cost for legal help. In some cases, it can be much more costly to try to represent yourself.

What happens if you are charged with a crime?

If you are charged with a crime, including domestic violence, tax fraud, or even some motor vehicle offenses (such as driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, or so many unpaid parking tickets that an arrest warrant has been issued), hire an attorney. You Could Lose A Lot of Money.

What are the legal issues that require an attorney?

Some common situations when you may want to hire an attorney include: 1 Starting a business 2 Protecting an invention or trademark 3 Considering divorce 4 Evicting a tenant 5 Getting arrested or being served with a court notice 6 Being involved in an accident that caused harm 7 Experiencing personal property damage 8 Buying or selling a business 9 Writing a will or estate planning 10 Facing citizenship or immigration issues

When do you want to hire an attorney?

Some common situations when you may want to hire an attorney include: In general, you'll want to hire an attorney when you have a lot to lose if things don't turn out as you hope. "I knew it was time to hire a lawyer when we started doing contracts with larger businesses, and the language of the contracts went way over my head," says Jeff McLean, ...

What can an employment attorney do?

An employment attorney can help employers and employees work together to reach a resolution in the event of a problem, from wages and workplace safety to discrimination and wrongful termination. But when is it appropriate to reach out?

Who runs NoExam?

Jonathan Fritz, who runs, NoExam, a life insurance brokerage that is 100% digital, with all employees working remotely, discovered about a year ago that one of his sales agents was soliciting the firm's customers on behalf of another company.

What are the two legal categories?

Two Legal Categories – A Short Explanation 1 Civil Law: This area of law covers all legal issues that do not involve criminal activity or breaking the law. Generally, one party sues another because they have been “wronged” in some way and want some type of compensation for that “wrong.” Civil law also covers legal agreements, real estate transactions, divorces, child custody, and other matters where legal paperwork is necessary to protect all parties involved. 2 Criminal Law: This area of law relates to offenses that break the laws of a local, state, or federal governments. The prosecution is handled by lawyers employed by the governmental entity, and the defense is handled by either a publicly appointed defender or a private defense attorney whom the defendant pays. In criminal law, there are misdemeanors (small offenses) and felonies (more serious crimes).

What is a complex divorce?

1. A Complex or Nasty Divorce. When couples mutually agree on all of the details of a split, there is no real need for a lawyer. When, however, there are issues of property, investments, savings, support, debt, and child custody arrangements, only a fool neglects getting legal representation.

Is a traffic ticket a legal matter?

A traffic ticket is a legal matter. So is armed robbery. Obviously, the “accused” in both of these instances have very different situations and only one will need a lawyer to hand their defense. In between these two extremes, however, are a myriad of legal matters which may or may not require legal representation.

What happens if you are sued?

Law Suits. If you are being sued and the consequences of a loss may result in the loss of a good deal of money or property, you need a lawyer. Again, the other side has a lawyer, so you need to get one too. Most of these things are settled out of court, but you want an experienced negotiator on your side. 4.

Can you go to court for DUI?

A good lawyer can meet with the prosecutor and get the charges reduced, especially if this is your first offense. Never go to court on a DUI charge without a lawyer — unless you are willing to accept the maximum penalty.

Is a public defender better than a private attorney?

Defendants who have personally hired attorneys always fare better than those who do not or those who take a public defender. Remember, a public defender is on case overload, and will usually recommend a plea bargain that will be worse than what a private attorney could get you. If you qualify financially for a public defender, still try to find a friend or relative willing to pony up the money for a lawyer.

Is it scary to face a criminal charge?

Facing any criminal charge is scary, and you may not even know your rights as an accused person. Get a lawyer immediately for protection of your rights and so that you are defended as well as possible — guilty or not.

What happens if you are charged with a criminal offense?

You are charged with a criminal offense that could result in incarceration; You have been charged with offenses that could result in serious consequences such as DWI / Impaired Driving or Reckless Driving, You have missed your court date and have an outstanding Order for Arrest;

Do I need an attorney if I have a lawyer?

Most would assume that if you ask a lawyer, whether or not you need a lawyer the answer would always be “Yes, you need an attorney to represent your legal interests.”. However, this may not always be case. A lawyer can be helpful in every legal situation but there are steps you can take to avoid or minimize the need for an attorney.

Can a court appoint a lawyer?

If you can not afford an attorney the Court may appoint you one in certain types of cases. The Court considers appointing counsel if you meet certain criteria. A court appointed lawyer is not always free of charge, but it may be more affordable than retaining private counsel. Read more about court appointed counsel.

Is The Insurance Company Offering You A Fair Settlement?

Has an insurance company made an offer? It likely has a range and is starting negotiations at the lowest dollar amount in that range. It also may not be taking all factors of your loss into account such as how this loss has affected your life.

Why You Need An Attorney

The attorneys at Richin & Gaines, P.A., can help you sort through the confusion of insurance claims, unreasonable offers and claim denials. We can help improve your chances of receiving a fair settlement.

Do You Have To Go To Trial To Receive A Fair Settlement?

Not every personal injury case needs a contentious trial to reach a fair resolution.

Are You Being Treated With Respect?

If you are involved in a serious accident resulting in catastrophic or debilitating injuries, the last thing you want is for someone to take advantage of your vulnerable condition. A lawyer can advocate to protect your best interests in injury compensation.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

The attorneys at Richin & Gaines, P.A., can help. We have over 60 years of combined legal experience to represent your injury case. To schedule a free initial consultation, call 301-960-5709 or contact our firm online. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland.

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Situations When Attorneys May Help

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Unless you are trained in handling similar matters, it's generally wise to retain the services of someone who knows more than you do about the situation you're in. You wouldn't try to build a house without a general contractor or negotiate a multimillion-dollar buyout of a competitor on your own, would you? But sometime…
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Protect Yourself from Future Issues

  • When Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, a lawn-care service platform, started the company four years ago with two co-founders, the trio invested in drafting a buy-sell agreement at the outset. Clayton admits that "it felt like creating divorce papers on your wedding day," but he followed his attorney's advice, and they all signed the agreement. Fast-forward three years and one of the co …
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Prevent Damage to The Business

  • Jonathan Fritz, who runs, NoExam, a life insurance brokerage that is 100% digital, with all employees working remotely, discovered about a year ago that one of his sales agents was soliciting the firm's customers on behalf of another company. She had apparently taken a position with another company while still working for NoExam, and "was siphoning inbound customers." …
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