if you want to sue what is the name of the attorney you should get

by Jadyn Halvorson Sr. 7 min read

To sue someone, you should find a lawyer who has a specialty in the required area. Lawyers specialize in areas of interest and expertise, much like doctors.The most requested legal specialists are in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense including dui defense, family law including divorce, bankruptcy, immigration and medical malpractice.

Full Answer

How to find a good lawyer to sue someone?

A referral from your banker, your accountant, your doctor or your pastor, your insurance agent or real estate professional can be worth checking out. You can also seek the advice of an industry group or a service organization for the name of a good lawyer to sue someone.

How do you sue an attorney for malpractice?

Another way to sue an attorney for malpractice is to sue them for breach of contract. When you hire your attorney, you may sign an agreement for services. It may have been called a retainer agreement.

How do you list an attorney in a lawsuit?

List the names and contact information of any person who may have knowledge or have witnessed actions to support your claims of what the attorney did or the damages that were caused. Make a list of people who could serve as potential sources of information or as witnesses.

Can you sue an attorney for breach of contract?

Suing an Attorney for Breach of Contract. Another way to sue an attorney for malpractice is to sue them for breach of contract. When you hire your attorney, you may sign an agreement for services. It may have been called a retainer agreement.

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What is the person who filed a lawsuit called?

plaintiff - The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.

What is an attorney called?

In the United States, the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably. For this reason, people in and out of the legal field often ask, “is an attorney and a lawyer the same thing?”. In colloquial speech, the specific requirements necessary to be considered a lawyer vs attorney aren't always considered.

What is it called when you sue someone for suing you?

Every county in California has a small claims court. The person suing you (called "the plaintiff") has to sue you in the right court. You can ask for your case to be dismissed (or transferred to the proper court location in your county) if you are sued in the wrong court.

How do I sue someone in Australia?

A lawsuit can be filed in Australia by submitting a summons to the court. Request for an initial hearing date must also be submitted, along with any other documents that will help prove your case such as receipts or contracts.

Which is higher lawyer or attorney?

Keep in mind that all attorneys are also lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. An attorney is a lawyer who passed the state bar exam, allowing them to practice law in their jurisdiction.

How do I find an attorney?

You can run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews. You might also consult your local or state bar association's attorney directory, which is a list of lawyers in your area.

How do I file a lawsuit against someone?

If you decide to go to court, follow these steps:Figure Out How to Name the Defendant.Ask for Payment.Find the Right Court to File Your Claim.Fill Out Your Court Forms.File Your Claim.Serve Your Claim.Go to Court.

When can you sue someone?

Suing someone is where you make a legal claim against an individual or company. You can sue someone if they have broken a civil law in order to reclaim the losses that their actions in breaking this law caused you. Civil law provides clear guidelines for dealing with disputes that involve our rights and property.

Can you sue for anything?

In Provincial Court Civil you can sue for an amount up to $50,000 plus interest and costs. This is the Court's monetary jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to sue someone in Australia?

legal fee to take instructions and prepare court documents $1,200 (4 hours) court filing fee of $197. if claim is not defended: legal fee of $600 (2 hours) to prepare court documents for default judgment.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?

You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, and some states don't even allow you to have one. Read an overview of your state's small claims court laws first. There are many advantages to seeking legal help from an attorney, but you would likely have to pay attorney's fees.

Is suing someone worth it?

Is Going to Court Worth It? Again, it just depends on the specifics of your case. If you have a strong case and a good attorney, suing a person might be worth the costs. But if your case isn't as clear and you don't have a large budget, you may want to think twice before going to court.

What to do when you hire an attorney?

When you hire an attorney, you do so with trust and confidence. Most attorneys are upstanding and do a good job for their clients. Unfortunately, there are also some bad eggs out there. If your attorney has done something wrong, you may want to consider suing a lawyer for malpractice.

How to win a lawsuit against an attorney for malpractice?

To win when you sue an attorney for malpractice, you need to show that: The attorney was supposed to do something. He or she didn't do it (or did it wrong) This resulted in a financial loss to you (losing the case or losing money)

What are the types of malpractice?

Types of Attorney Malpractice 1 Negligence. To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy. Negligence happens when the attorney makes mistakes that other attorneys normally would not. 2 Breach of duty. This kind of malpractice happens when the lawyer violates his or her responsibilities to you by settling the case without your approval, not preparing the case for trial, lying to you, abandoning your case, misusing funds you provided for court costs, or misusing funds owed to you (such as a settlement amount). The attorney has not done what other attorneys would do in this type of case. 3 Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

What happens if an attorney violates the law?

If the attorney violated proper ethics, you can file a grievance with the ethics committee of the state bar association, which ensures all attorneys are in good standing to renew their licenses. The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation.

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. This occurs when an attorney fails to do something he or she agreed to in your contract, such as filing your deed or patent. If the lawyer promised to do something he or she was contractually obligated to do and didn't do it, you have grounds for breach of contract.

Can an attorney be disbarred?

The attorney could be disbarred or directed to pay you compensation. If you are disputing a fee with your lawyer, the state also likely has a fee dispute committee that can help you obtain an out-of-court resolution. You can hire another attorney to complete or fix your case and obtain the outcome you need.

Can you sue a lawyer for negligence?

To sue lawyer for negligence, you need to be able to prove the attorney didn't use the proper care in your case and missed a deadline, filed the wrong papers, didn't comply with court orders, or made other errors that were not intentional but were sloppy.

Can you sue the police for harassment?

Police misconduct can present itself in various forms. A person can successfully sue the police for harassment if they are able to provide evidence proving that an officer either illegally spied, racially profiled or made discriminatory remarks against that person. Additionally, discrimination lawsuits can be filed if the individual can prove ...

Can you sue the police for racial discrimination?

Additionally, discrimination lawsuits can be filed if the individual can prove a pattern of racial or sexual discrimination, or discrimination based off of one’s gender or sexual identity. A person can also sue the police for violating their Fourth Amendment rights, which protects them from illegal searches and seizures.

Can you sue the police for excessive force?

Lastly, a person who was a victim of excessive force is able to sue the police. In any lawsuit against the police, extensive evidence must be presented in order to win, as police officers and departments can be notoriously challenging to overcome in court. However, with the right attorney by your side, your case will have a much higher chance ...

Can a police officer win a lawsuit?

An individual who has a case against a police officer can win various damages in a lawsuit depending upon the details of the case. A person can sue for economic damages if they believe that police misconduct cost them financially; lost wages can be awarded to compensate the victim if the incident caused them to lose employment time, ...

Can you sue a police officer?

An individual is eligible to sue the police if their civil rights have been violated by an officer. When police misconduct occurs, it is important to ensure that law enforcement is held accountable for their actions. While winning lawsuits against police officers is difficult, it is not impossible.

Can you sue a police officer for qualified immunity?

This does not mean, however, that a person cannot continue in a lawsuit against the police department. Rather, qualified immunity simply shields the offending officer from personal liability, meaning that a person cannot sue them directly.

How to sue an attorney for malpractice?

One way to sue an attorney for malpractice is to bring a claim for negligence. A negligence claim says that the attorney didn’t do a competent job in your case. An attorney is presumed to be qualified to handle your case. If they don’t have the skills or experience to do a competent job, they shouldn’t take the case. In addition to having the right skills, they must also avoid making careless errors that can unravel your claim. Here are a few examples of when attorney negligence can amount to malpractice:

What are some examples of negligence in an attorney?

Here are a few examples of when attorney negligence can amount to malpractice: An attorney with no experience in personal injury law takes a personal injury case. The attorney fails to assert a claim that likely would have been successful for the client. The client misses the opportunity to bring the claim. A breach of contract claim proceeds ...

What happens if an attorney fails to follow a retainer agreement?

If your attorney fails to follow this agreement, you may have a claim for breach of contract just like you could sue anyone else for violating the terms of a deal. Some examples of an attorney breach of contract case may include:

What is breach of contract?

A breach of contract case depends on the terms of your contract or retainer agreement. An experienced attorney for lawyer malpractice claims can help you review what happened in your case to see if a breach of contract claim applies.

How long do you have to file a claim in Florida?

Based on the Florida statute of limitations for your case, you only have until a specific deadline to bring your claim. Your attorney either doesn’t bother to determine the deadline, or they know of the deadline and they miss it. Either way, you’re unable to bring your case, or it quickly gets dismissed.

Can you sue an attorney for negligence?

There are three general grounds for a legal malpractice claim: First, you may sue your attorney for failing to do their job up to professional standards. That’s called negligence. Second, you may sue your attorney for breaching their contract of services with you. Third, you may sue your attorney for breach of their fiduciary duty ...

Can an attorney commit malpractice?

There are all kinds of ways that an attorney can commit malpractice based on negligence. Negligence means that the attorney fails to provide reasonably competent services . Lawyers are presumed to be qualified to handle your case.

How to find a good lawyer to sue?

The way to find a good lawyer to sue someone is from personal referrals. Ask people with similar problems to refer you to a good lawyer for your lawsuit It's not likely that your next-door neighbor will know a good lawyer for your needs.

What to do when you sue someone?

When you sue someone, find a good lawyer in your state. The practice of a lawyer is limited to the states where he/she is licensed. Your lawyer must be licensed to practice law in the state where you are going to sue someone.

What to ask a paralegal at a preliminary interview?

During the preliminary interview, you'll want to ask if they will sue someone and take the case to court or will they negotiate a settlement out of court. Ask about their legal experience and success. Find out how much of the work will be done by paralegals. A lawyer should also carry liability insurance.

How much do lawyers charge to sue someone?

In private practice, they may work for an hourly fee according to a billable hour structure. Professional fees range from $100 per billable hour to $500 and more , depending on the lawyer and the specialty.

What does a lawyer do before a lawsuit?

A good lawyer will help you weigh the merits of your case before you sue someone . Sometimes to sue someone is not the best answer for your problem. A legal action involves substantial legal fees, plus lots of preparation and research. If your lawsuit goes to court, it can be prolonged and delayed for a long time.

How much can you sue for in small claims?

In some states, the limit you can sue for in Small Claims is $5,000 or $10,000. You can sue in Small Claims for the return of a rent deposit, unpaid bills, or a broken contract. Many people regularly sue someone and argue their own case in Small Claims Court without a lawyer.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

The lawyer will not bill you, but will take a percentage of the money awarded if you win the case. Your lawyer's fee might be 30% or more of the award when you sue someone.

What happens if an attorney breaches a contract?

If your attorney failed to adhere to specific terms in your contract with him or her, then your attorney may have breached the contract. Failing to file an action, research a specific item, or file a lien are some examples of how an attorney may breach a contract.

What is proximate cause of attorney breach?

Proximate cause is that the harm is reasonably foreseeable and not too far removed from the action to be attributable to it.

What are the three types of malpractice suits?

There are three basic categories for a legal malpractice suit: negligence, breach of fiduciary duty , and breach of contract. Keep in mind that you must also be able to prove that your attorney's conduct hurt you financially and, as a result, you suffered financial consequences.

How long does a malpractice suit last?

The statute of limitations -- essentially, the "expiration date" -- for some malpractice suits can be as little as a year. If you believe your attorney is guilty of malpractice, don't delay in contacting an attorney and filing your suit. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0.

What is the fiduciary duty of an attorney?

As part of an attorney’s fiduciary duty to the client, if an issue arises in which an action taken for the client’s benefit will likely cause harm to the attorney, the attorney must act in the client’s benefit in spite of the harm to self.

Can you get a copy of a malpractice case in California?

Several states, including California, may view your file as your property, and not the property of the attorney. In these states the attorney is required to give you a copy of your case file.

Do you have to pay a lawyer for a malpractice case?

For most legal malpractice cases, your attorney will be paid on a contingency basis. This means they will collect between 30-50% of the proceeds of your award.

What are the three types of lawsuits against lawyers?

Lawsuits against lawyers usually fall under three categories: negligence, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty . Negligence. Negligence is the most common grounds for a malpractice lawsuit. It happens when your attorney fails to use the skill and care normally expected of a competent attorney. For example, you might have grounds ...

What happens when an attorney fails to use the skill and care normally expected of a competent attorney?

It happens when your attorney fails to use the skill and care normally expected of a competent attorney. For example, you might have grounds for a negligence suit if your lawyer missed an important deadline, failed to prepare for trial, or failed to follow court orders. Breach of contract. Breach of contract occurs when a lawyer violates ...

What is a breach of contract?

Breach of contract. Breach of contract occurs when a lawyer violates a specific term of the lawyer’s agreement with a client. For example, if your contract says that your lawyer will create a corporation for you by a certain date, the lawyer must stick to that agreement. Breach of fiduciary duty. Lawyers owe certain fiduciary duties ...

How long does it take to file a malpractice case?

The time limit for filing a legal malpractice case can be as short as one year.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't listen to you?

If your lawyer isn’t communicating with you or listening to your wishes, this might get his or her attention. In some cases, the board might order the lawyer to compensate you for a clear financial loss —for example, if your lawyer took fund from your client account.

Is it malpractice to be a lawyer?

However, it’s not malpractice unless your lawyer fell below the standard of care. The third element is perhaps the most difficult to prove. It’s not enough that your lawyer breached his or her duty.

Do lawyers owe you a duty of care?

If your lawyer agreed to represent you in a case or provide other legal services, your lawyer owes you a duty of care. The second element is more difficult to prove. It is not enough to show that your lawyer made a mistake or that you lost your case.

Why do you file a civil lawsuit?

There are any number of reasons to file a civil lawsuit. Maybe you've lost money, had your property damaged, or suffered a physical injury because of someone else's actions.

What happens if you file a lawsuit?

No matter what kind of case you're considering, if you file a lawsuit and its decided in your favor, there's nothing like having your position validated by a court of law. Some litigants are motivated, at least in part, by a belief that their lawsuit will have a positive impact on others or on society in general in the form of changes to current law or policy. Even an out-of-court settlement prior to trial can be a very positive result for a plaintiff who has clearly been wronged.

Is litigation a drain on time?

On the other hand, litigation can be a long, drawn-out process that can end up being a significant drain on your time, money, patience, and sanity . And there is always a risk that your suit may be partially or wholly unsuccessful, and that you'll walk away with nothing to show for all that expense and effort.

Can civil lawsuits be contentious?

And finally, parties to a civil lawsuit may not exactly be the best versions of themselves while the case is playing out. Tensions and emotions can run high, and things can get pretty contentious. So, if you do decide to file a lawsuit, be prepared for a fight.

1. Why do you want to sue?

Be honest with yourself; what’s motivating you to sue? Is it for strictly business reasons? If so, then you shouldn’t sue unless you’ll likely recover substantially more than the lawsuit costs. On the other hand, is it a “moral issue” to you? If so, you should think twice before bringing an action.

2. What do you want to get out of the lawsuit?

What—exactly—are you hoping to get if you win? Are you seeking money from the other side? If, so, how much? Are you looking for “specific performance” or “injunctive relief,” i.e., do you want the court to order the other side to do something or not do something? Or do you just want a “declaratory judgment” from the court resolving some legal question between you and someone else, e.g., determining what disputed language in a contract means? Simply put, if you can’t figure out what you want from a lawsuit, the court won’t do it for you..

4. How is the other side going to respond?

Even if you’re the one who starts the lawsuit, the case won’t be limited to just your claims against the defendant. That’s because, when someone (the “plaintiff”) sues someone else (the “defendant”), the defendant is allowed to respond by bringing any claims it has against the plaintiff (what are called “counterclaims”).

5. How much are you willing to put into the lawsuit?

If you’ve ever made a major purchase like a car, or a house, you’ve probably learned that it’s best to figure out the most you’re willing to spend before you go shopping. Otherwise, you’re likely to agree to something beyond your actual comfort zone and end up with buyer’s remorse.

6. How much is the lawsuit likely to cost?

Obviously, this is a question you will need to discuss with an attorney. However, you should have given some serious thought to each of the five questions above before you ever consult with a lawyer.

8. Are there any better alternatives?

No matter what the numbers tell you, you also need to consider whether there are any better options. For example, your situation may be a good case for “alternative dispute resolution” through arbitration or mediation, settlement discussions, or even just a “demand letter” or phone call from an attorney.

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