how much can a zoning attorney make

Why hire a land use and zoning lawyer?

Whether you are a business, homeowner, or property developer, a land use and zoning lawyer can help challenge a municipality's zoning regulation and land use restriction. Use FindLaw to hire a local land use and zoning lawyer to help you gain or protect your right to …

Who can authorize planning and zoning attorney expenses?

Sep 05, 2019 · On the other hand, planning and zoning officials should not be overly hesitant to involve an attorney when they do not feel confident in their understanding of the law at issue. As with medical care, waiting to seek advice can cost much more in …

How much do attorneys charge per hour?

Jan 06, 2022 · Lawyers who take on civil rights cases typically earn less than lawyers who choose careers in business fields, such as corporate law. The average salary for a civil rights lawyer is approximately $87,826 a year, but very capable and experienced attorneys in this field can make as much as $200,000.

When should I contact a zoning attorney?

Jan 20, 2017 · This can affect how much of the land you are able to develop which, in turn, can affect your property value. A zoning and land use attorney can assist you in conducting comprehensive research into zoning rules and regulations for the land you are looking at. With the help of a legal professional, you can find and interpret all zoning laws and ...

How much do civil rights lawyers make?

The average starting salary for a civil rights lawyer is approximately $45,000 a year, but very capable and experienced attorneys in this field can make as much as $200,000.

What is the job of a tax lawyer?

Tax Lawyer Salary. Tax attorneys act as the representatives of a company, organization or an individual in dealing with federal, state, and local tax agencies. On a day-to-day basis, most tax lawyers give advice to businesses and individuals with regard to all aspects of tax legislation.

What are the responsibilities of a criminal lawyer?

Some of the main responsibilities of a criminal lawyer are to investigate the case at hand, interview witnesses, study case law and procedural law, construct a defense, and plan a strategy for the case. Negotiating plea deals in less serious cases is also within a criminal lawyer’s field of expertise.

What is real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers assist their clients in a variety of ways regarding commercial and residential real estate. Issues regarding tenants, neighbors, zoning and property development also fall under the umbrella of real estate law.

What does a personal injury lawyer do?

In case of an accident or injury, personal injury lawyers represent their clients to obtain justice and compensation for any losses or suffering. The vast majority of these cases fall under the area of tort law.

What is intellectual property law?

Intellectual property law is a complex field that requires a deep understanding of relevant laws in addition to a creative and analytical way of thinking. Intellectual property lawyers, or copyright lawyers, make sure that new intellectual inventions and innovations created by individuals gain the protection of the law, and are not infringed upon by competitors.

Why is it important to have a criminal lawyer?

It is important for a criminal lawyer to have superior written and oral advocacy skills in order to successfully argue a case in front of a judge and a jury. Creative thinking and analytical skills also play a significant role in the process of developing a strategy and doing the research for complex court cases.

How to avoid disagreements with your attorney?

Either way, most states require evidence of a written fee agreement when handling any disputes between clients and lawyers. You must have written evidence of what you agreed to pay for anyone to hold you accountable for what you have or have not spent.

How to pay retainer fees?

Make sure that your contract includes the details of: 1 Contract – The agreement should list the total amount of any retainer deposit that you pay upfront. It should also state when you need to pay additional fees, if necessary. 2 Hourly Fee – Don't look only for the hourly rate of your lawyer on the agreement. Make sure you also see a description of the different hourly rates for each person who might contribute to your case. Ask for your payment schedule. Ask if you get a discount for early payment or if you pay penalties for late fees. 3 Contingency Fee – In a contingency case, the lawyer profits by the percentage they earn upon winning the case. The lawyer's contingency percentage and the payment-collection process should appear clearly outlined in your agreement. Sometimes, a lawyer will not collect any fees from you if they lose a contingency case, such as in personal injury disputes. In other situations, they may demand payment from their client only if they lose the case. 4 Costs of Suit – Check for clear terms to describe who pays for all of the different litigation costs involved. You should anticipate possible charges for court appearances and filing fees, hiring a private investigator, the cost of bringing in an expert witness, costs for officially serving and delivering legal documents, and travel fees.

What is contingency fee?

An attorney contingency fee is only typical in a case where you're claiming money due to circumstances like personal injury or workers' compensation. You're likely to see attorney percentage fees in these situations to average around a third of the total legal settlement fees paid to the client.

What is statutory fee?

A statutory fee is a payment determined by the court or laws which applies to your case. You'll encounter a fixed statutory fee when dealing with probate or bankruptcy, for example.

What to ask when hiring an attorney?

When hiring your attorney, ask for a detailed written estimate of any expenses or additional costs. They may itemize each expense out for you or lump their fees all together under different categories of work. Lawyers may bill you for: Advice. Research.

Do lawyers charge retainers?

Sometimes lawyers may charge a retainer if they find themselves in high demand. Other lawyers who work more quickly and efficiently may see no need for charging you a retainer fee. Call different lawyers in your area to see if retainers are standard practice for your particular case.

General FAQs

Q: When town meeting "accepts" the provisions of a "local option" statute, must that town meeting's vote to accept the statute be submitted to the Attorney General for approval?

Planning Board Hearing Questions

Q: Is the 14-day notice requirement for the planning board hearing on a proposed zoning amendment satisfied where the first notice was posted and published on the 14th day prior to the date of the hearing?

Questions from Town Clerks

Q: Must personnel by-laws and amendments thereto be submitted to the Attorney General for review pursuant to M.G.L. c. 40, § 32?