All posts by Jerry Moreno

People involved in accidents regularly question why having a personal injury lawyer is important. Accidents tend to occur when we least expect them. They also tend to unfold in the places where we feel relatively safe. From the roads we travel on daily, to the workplace, and even our doctor’s office, it seems that there is no location where we are immune to injury.

Fortunately, you can minimize your risk of being in an accident by following safety guidelines at work, adhering to driving laws, and always being cautious – especially when you are away from home. But you should also be prepared to protect yourself in case you sustain an injury.

One of the best ways to achieve this goal is to hire a skilled personal injury attorney. Below are five reasons why having a personal injury lawyer is important, and some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer.

1) You Receive Trusted On-the-Spot Guidance

When people are injured in an accident, it is normal for them to experience a variety of feelings and emotions ranging from shock to fear to anger. Even the most level-headed people may feel temporarily confused or unsure of what steps to take next.

A personal injury lawyer can be a lifesaver in the minutes following an injury accident. Once you have requested medical help and called the police, it is a good idea to reach out to your lawyer for guidance. Here are some specific reasons why why having a personal injury lawyer is important, and ways a lawyer can help you in the minutes following an injury:

• Offer Steps on What to Do Next: If you are shaken after an accident, your lawyer can offer valuable guidance on what to do and what not to do.
• Advise You in Communications with Others: A lawyer can advise you on how to handle questions from the police, your employer, and others.
• Provide Tips That Could Ultimately Help Your Case: Your lawyer may advise you to take pictures of the scene or write down information.

2) You May Discover Hidden Injuries That Require Treatment

Data published by the United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that there were 5,250,837 motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2020 for the 2.9 hundred million vehicle-miles driven. In these motor vehicle crashes there were 2,282,015 injured persons, and 38,824 fatalities. Per 100 million vehicle-miles driven in 2020, there were 181 crashes, 79 injured persons, and 1.34 fatalities. With all of these accidents, many people still ask “Why do you need a personal injury attorney?”

Experienced lawyers know that some of the most serious injuries produce no outward signs of trauma. Even if you “think” you are okay, a good personal injury lawyer knows the injuries to watch out for, such as traumatic brain injury, herniated discs, knee damage, and psychological trauma. They will remind you to seek a thorough medical evaluation after your accident to screen for problems that may require treatment. This is another reason why having a personal injury lawyer is important.

3) Bilingual Legal Support Can Make a World of Difference

Sustaining an injury in a accident can be traumatic for anyone. But it can be especially challenging for the 13.5% of Spanish speakers in United States. If you or a loved one speaks Spanish as a native language, hiring a bilingual personal injury lawyer is a wise investment.

From explaining laws and documents in Spanish to providing guidance in a language that is easy to understand, hiring a bilingual personal injury lawyer can make a world of difference in the outcome of a case. So when you search for an “accident lawyer near me”, be sure they and/or the staff can speak Spanish.

4) A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help Stop Intimidation Tactics Against You

Some personal injury cases unfold relatively smoothly. Unfortunately, there are others that are marked by the use of unsavory tactics on the part of employers, insurance companies tricks, and even health care professionals who are unwilling to treat injured parties.

These tactics are often used to coax people involved in accidents into minimizing their injuries or settling for a compensation amount that is less than what you should ask for in the personal injury settlement. Here are a few common examples which highlight why having a personal injury lawyer is important:

• Pressure: An employer may attempt to dissuade you or distract you from filing an injury report or workers compensation claim at work, or for searching for a “work injury lawyer near me”.
• Threats: Some employers tell injured workers that they will lose their job if they file a claim
• Low-Ball Settlements: An insurance company may try to entice you into accepting a fast settlement for an unreasonably low amount
• Stalling: Some insurance companies purposely delay the processing of your claim to avoid paying you what you are owed

Personal injury attorneys can spot these tactics a mile away and know how to handle them, which is why having a personal injury lawyer is important. If necessary, your lawyer can communicate with the insurance company and your employer’s attorney on your behalf. Your lawyer can also stay on top of insurance companies that have failed to remit payments.

5) You Will Not Miss Any Key Deadlines or Requirements

Navigating the complexities of the court systems can be extremely challenging for anyone who does not work in the legal profession. And it can be especially difficult if you are trying to recover from injuries.

Your attorney will provide guidance as your case unfolds, making sure you don’t miss any filing deadlines, court dates, or paperwork requirements. An attorney will also make sure your claims and appeals are completed properly and in full.

What Is the Single Most Important Reason to Have a Personal Injury Lawyer?

Having a trusted personal injury lawyer in your corner will boost your odds of having a favorable outcome with your case. From a financial standpoint, people who hire personal injury attorneys tend to receive a settlement that is approximately $60,000 higher on average than people who don’t hire a lawyer. For this reason alone, hiring an attorney is worth the investment.

If you have decided you would like to hire a lawyer, remember that not all attorneys are created equal. With roughly 135,000 personal injury lawyers in the United States, it can be a bit overwhelming to narrow the field and make a decision.

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.

If you or someone you are close to has ever been hit by a car, you know how disoriented one can become when it happens to them. If you’ve been hurt or injured by the negligence of another person, company, or driver; it is possible to seek compensation for your medical bills and other related expenses. You don’t have to call a personal injury lawyer after car accidents, but these are some reasons why you should.

They Are Professional and Objective

Car accidents and personal injuries cause a lot of pain and emotional upheaval. This trauma may make it difficult to make objective decisions as far as your accident/injury is concerned. A personal injury attorney will file personal injury claims on your behalf. They will also help bring knowledge, skill, and experience into your case; and this will help you get the settlement you deserve.

They Know How to Negotiate

After an accident has occurred, and personal injury claims have been filed, the offending party’s insurance representative handles these cases daily and can be very persuasive when it comes to bargaining for lower compensation. Negotiating with insurance companies can be very challenging and they have techniques on persuading you to accept their first offer. This is why you need an experienced lawyer to help you through this period. Hiring a personal injury lawyer after you’ve been injured often leads to heftier compensation.

They Can Help You Get Medical Attention

Putting your personal injury attorney’s name as one of your emergency contacts will ensure that they are one of the first ones to be called when something happens to you. If they get this call early enough, they may be able to help you get treatment. The quality of treatment you receive at this point speaks to whether you will have a speedy recovery or not. If your attorney is familiar with medical malpractice and personal injury, they can also ensure that you are receiving proper care. While you are recuperating, your injury lawyer could be filing personal injury claims against whoever ran you over or is at fault for the injuries you suffered.

They Help You Make Better Decisions

If you aren’t a lawyer, filing a personal injury claim may seem like a long and complicated legal process. Sometimes, the offending party owns up to their mistake and is willing to compensate you. In such cases, if the compensation amount is adequate for your injuries, it would be unnecessary to take court action. A qualified personal injury lawyer will analyze your unique situation and inform you of the options that are available to you. They can also provide counsel on the best route of action, depending on the severity of your situation.

They Can Provide You With Legal Coverage

Often, the offending parties contest personal injury claims, and this prompts you to take court action. The other party will have a lawyer, and you not having one will probably turn the odds against you. Having the support of a personal injury lawyer will help level the playing field. An experienced lawyer will give you adequate legal representation after car accidents. They will gather all the evidence you need to win your court case.

They Can Help You Get Faster Compensation

If you don’t have a lawyer, you will have to wait until you have recovered sufficiently before going to seek compensation. This implies that it will take you much longer to get your settlement. You should call a personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident. This way, they can file personal injury claims on your behalf while you are recuperating. A qualified personal injury lawyer has vast experience with similar cases to yours and the legalities involved with those cases, hence they can side-step all setbacks and help you get compensated as fast as possible.

They Give You Peace of Mind

Sometimes, accidents may result in fatalities. Other times, they may cause post-traumatic stress and intense emotional trauma. Following up on personal injury claims at such a time may be very stressful. You should hire a personal injury lawyer after you’ve been injured. Experienced lawyers will handle all the complicated aspects of your claim, giving you the peace of mind you need to put all your focus on getting better.

Final Words

Accidents are a side effect of life. They happen. If you are injured in a car accident, or if you are injured due to the negligence of someone else, you should promptly seek legal help for compensation. Unfortunately; you can’t rely on other’s driving as attentively or as carefully as you are. Road accidents have led to the death of around 40,100 people in 2017. This blog is not to be construed as legal advice and is for general use only. You should always seek advice from an attorney for legal matters.

Adaptability

Criminal lawyers have the ability to think quickly on their feet. This allows them to present information in a clear and concise manner while also being able to adapt easily when something unexpected happens, and make quick decisions about what they need to do next.

Resourcefulness and Information Gathering

Being resourceful and having the ability to gather effective and relevant information is of the utmost importance as a criminal lawyer. Having the skill of scanning a plethora of documentation, physical evidence and records (as well as reference other useful materials from outside sources if needed) in order to build a criminal case is a feat all on its own.

An Ability to Think Critically

Criminal lawyers have the ability to identify what is important within a criminal case even if it’s not obvious or clear at first glance. The best criminal lawyers can take seemingly small details of a criminal case and link them together so they can better understand how it all fits in with other pieces of evidence.

Being able to think critically about criminal cases means you must pay attention to every detail given by witnesses during trial proceedings, which will help you piece together the bigger picture later on.

High Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

During criminal trial proceedings, criminal lawyers must be able to listen well and understand what other people are saying while also being empathetic towards others so they can put themselves in their shoes. Being empathic means you have an understanding of how someone else may feel under certain circumstances rather than just considering yourself without empathy at all.

A skill like this may be considered sneaky, however, it allows a criminal lawyer to read people’s actions to build a solid defence for their client. Being empathetic in this way can also be brought into daily life as being there for someone who needs support will require an individual who can be empathetic towards their struggle.

The Ability to Give and Receive Feedback

Criminal lawyer’s role within criminal trials involves learning and growing as both people and professionals on top of not losing morale after making difficult decisions that affect outcomes in different types of criminal cases. Having the ability to take criticism, whether it is positive or negative, will allow a lawyer to learn from their mistakes and make more informed decisions in the future.

In saying this, personal coping skills for when things don’t go according to plan are also beneficial for criminal lawyers. Being able to stay cool when things don’t go your way is something that many seasoned lawyers still struggle with.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is a required skill for criminal lawyers. Knowing how to negotiate with clients, opposing counsel and judge’s during criminal trials are all necessary skills that allow criminal lawyers to get what they want.

Having great negotiation skills in daily life could mean the difference between getting a speeding ticket, haggling for a refrigerator or even getting a cat out of a tree. It’s an important skill to build upon regardless of profession.

Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are invaluable for criminal lawyers as it allows them to be able to stand out professionally in criminal law. Being a leader means that you are responsible for guiding other people at times, which is an important skill within the criminal justice system.

Leadership skills can be applied to criminal lawyers in different ways. You could lead a team of criminal law professionals within a firm, give presentations at conferences, seminars and other networking opportunities that arise from time to time. It is the ability to take responsibility in times of both success and hardship.

Thinking Outside the Box

Thinking outside the box allows criminal lawyers to come up with creative ways to defend their clients when it feels like all hope is lost. Criminal law cases are complex and need criminal lawyers that have a sense of creativity about them in order to solve problems quickly which could save time, money or even outcome in court proceedings.

Creativity comes into criminal law in different ways and criminal lawyers use their creativity day to day by being innovative with the evidence they have been given, whether it be from witnesses or forensic investigators.

Working Under Pressure

Criminal law is a field of work that must be able to handle pressure as criminal case proceedings can become quite intense at times.  Criminal lawyers have to not only think quickly but also work under pressure at times while making sure that they are acting within the criminal law framework.

Having a clear mind and being able to take decisions in a split second is important when representing someone who may be going through criminal proceedings whether it’s part of their job or just for fun.

Good Communication Skills

Good communication skills are important for criminal lawyers because it allows them to convey information in the most effective way possible. Criminal law is a field of work that requires criminal lawyers, whether they be defence or prosecution counsels, to have good communication skills while being able to understand what’s going on around them and communicate that with their team members.

Having a clear understanding of what you’re saying, as well as knowing how someone else may interpret your words based on who they are, can help criminal lawyers clarify certain points within court proceedings. These interpretations could make all the difference when trying to get someone off from charges brought against them according to criminal laws.

Perseverance

Criminal law can be a tough field of work, but criminal lawyers must have the perseverance to push through and do what’s necessary for their client. Criminal law as a profession is not for everyone and criminal lawyers mustn’t lose sight of what they’re fighting for.

Having perseverance in criminal proceedings can mean that criminal lawyers are able to negotiate better with other parties involved, remain confident under pressure or just be incredibly determined about achieving a good outcome for their client.

Personal Injury Attorney Vs. Criminal Defense Lawyer: What’s the Difference?

Among the thousands of legal subspecialties, personal injury and criminal defense lawyers are the most sought-after legal practitioners in the United States. However, what is the difference between the two?

Personal injury attorneys are the ones who handle cases under the personal injury law, such as incidents involving slip and fall, defective products, medical malpractice, vehicular accidents, and wrongful deaths. In contrast, defense attorneys are usually generalists. Most of them take any criminal court case, while others have focused on their specializations.

Although each has a different scope in the legal industry, it is necessary to know their differences and what they can specifically do for you. Who knows, either of them might be of great help for you soon.

Personal Injury Attorneys

A personal injury attorney represents a claimant (the person who claims compensation for injuries or losses from an accident caused by someone else) in court. The primary responsibility of a personal injury attorney is to help claimants exercise their right to fair compensation.

To seek the best settlement for the claimants, a personal injury attorney must prove that a defendant was neglectful or made voluntary decisions that resulted in the claimant’s injury and losses. You can click here to know how these lawyers work to help their clients get the compensation they deserve.

The specifics of how a personal injury lawyer or premises liability lawyer proves it mainly depend on three factors: (1) specialty area, (2) details of every case, and (3)  specific stage of the case that is being worked on.

Despite the variations, there are seven similar methods that most personal injury lawyers do in all or most cases, as follows:

1. Investigate Claims
2. Gather Evidence (This includes procuring the police report and the incident, tracking down witnesses and requesting relevant documents from the claimant.)
3. Contact and Negotiate with Insurance Companies
4. Send Demand Letters to the Insurance company
5. Draw up Pleadings (This usually happens when an insurance company refuses to offer a just settlement.)
6. Conduct Discovery (This usually involves sending interrogatories to the opposing party.)
7. Representation in Court (This occurs if a settlement cannot be negotiated between an involved insurance company and the claimant.)

Apart from negotiating with insurers, a personal injury lawyer deals with commercial companies, too. For example, in San Diego, California, a trucking company denied legal liability to its driver’s negligence, primarily because the at-fault driver is an independent contractor. It was a hard case, with a great deal of money at stake. The at-fault driver had to seek legal help from a San Diego truck accident lawyer. Otherwise, he could solely shoulder all expenses.

Another example is the recent lawsuit against the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which allowed poultry companies to increase line speeds amid COVID-19. This has allegedly endangered several employees at chicken processing plants in six states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Missouri. Although the lawsuit is still pending in federal court, it calls for both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.

Moreover, claims that are not dealt with a personal injury lawyer are typically settled for a lower amount. On the contrary, if a personal injury lawyer advocates a claimant’s case, they will ensure to get the maximum amount of compensation available from an insurance company.

What’s more, Personal Injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they are unpaid unless the case is settled. Their payment also depends on the settled amount of compensation. That is to say, the higher the compensation a claimant will receive, the better the service they will receive. For this reason, they will more likely investigate a case closely before giving it a go.

Criminal Defense Lawyers

A criminal defense lawyer is also called a “defense lawyer” or  a “criminal lawyer.” They mainly defend a defendant (the person accused of or charged with a crime) from the charges they face and protect their constitutional rights. One of these rights is to deny any unreasonable searches, regardless of whether they are innocent or guilty.

To successfully win the case, a defense lawyer has to hold a proper investigation and prepare a defendant for trial. Should a case go to trial, defense lawyers may have to go back in forth the court before and during a legal proceeding. Here is a quick summary of what they do:

1. Investigate the Client’s Case
2. Trial Preparation
3. Jury Selection
4. Representation in Court
5. Sentencing Hearing

Seek legal help from a defense lawyer whenever you are accused of or charged with a criminal offense, regardless of how minor or major it is. Misdemeanors and felonies alike may still result in lengthy prison sentences or exorbitant fines. You can hire your chosen defense lawyer or trust the court-appointed lawyer to plead your case.

More importantly, you may want to ask for a defense lawyer during police interrogations. Having been called in “just to talk” by the police means they will look for potentially incriminating evidence. Whatever you say, no matter how modest or factual it may be, can be used against you. This is why you need a defense lawyer to defend you.

Takeaway

Legal matters may take place both in unexpected and expected situations. The worst scenario is when you are involved in a case, and yet you are unsure of your rights. But fret not. This is when lawyers come into play.

Many people feel that having a lawyer is a sign that someone is either looking for trouble or doing something risky that might make them have legal problems. While having private contact with your doctor or a veterinarian for your pet is considered beneficial, having a personal lawyer on call is somehow always linked to some trouble. It’s not usual to have an attorney you can call when needed without searching for one. Instead, people often “get an attorney” when things get rough. Even if there isn’t an urgent need for a legal representative daily, there are still numerous reasons why it is a great idea to keep a good relationship with one. Here are the reasons why.

Lawyers prevent problems

It is common to think of attorneys as people who legally fix problems. However, most of the work that they do is preventative. Attorneys have the proper knowledge and expertise to assist you with anything, including reviewing contracts, writing up agreements, filing paperwork. It doesn’t always have to be a case of an emergency when they step in. An attorney is there to represent their clients’ interests by keeping them out of legal trouble, and they know how to do it best. Even though you probably think you have everything under control, all the time until you don’t. That’s why you should always have a legal support on-call.

The other party probably has one.

If someone you’re negotiating or competing with has an attorney working with them, you might consider getting one for yourself, too. Otherwise, this may put you at a disadvantage. Having someone who understands legal documents and law by your side puts you on the same page as the other party. If it comes to any negotiation or dispute, it’s not in your best interest to be the only one in the room without someone representing you. The companies you’re working with have lawyers working for them, so, understandably, you should have one too.

You never know when You might need them.

You can never know when your next legal emergency is around the corner, and you might need a lawyer as soon as possible. You may get yourself in the situation to have a limited amount of time to respond. You will probably waste a lot of it trying to find a lawyer, and when you do find one, they’re going to spend a lot of time getting caught up on you and your history. An effective response generally means a better outcome and more money saved. The better relationship you have with your attorney, the easier it will be to help you.

It can save you from unnecessary costs.

Whether you’re going through a divorce, making a business deal, or preparing to face a judge in court after a car crash, one of the first questions you’re going to ask is how much will it cost you. Fees depend on the complexity of the case, and it is true that sometimes may get high. However,

not having a lawyer may cost you more than handling your legal matter without their help. Having a professional Harrisonburg car accident attorney, in a situation of an unfortunate car accident, is definitely worth your money with a usually very uncertain outcome.

Powerful networking

Every attorney operates in a massive network of many legal professionals from different specialties, officials in government, and other professionals of all types. One of the skills that makes a good lawyer a better one is their ability to contact the right people. Having a good lawyer means you will automatically get access to contact information for other professionals, informally and formally. Having a reliable person to direct you to the right people is always invaluable, and that’s something attorneys are great at.

They are not that expensive.

One of the biggest reasons people avoid talking with an attorney before it becomes necessary is their services’ potential price. While some lawyers charge different rates, and some can be very expensive, most are very fair. Moreover, you can probably find a competent attorney for a lower hourly rate than your doctor or a plumber. Most lawyers provide free consultations to talk with you about your situation and give some idea of how they can help and how much it will cost, so you don’t have to fear having to spend a fortune just by talking to them.

Hopefully, reading through this article will raise awareness of the benefits of having a good lawyer on call and get you to think about contacting one right away. When you find yourself in a situation, you need a lawyer; you’ll be glad to meet them on time.

Starting a small or solo firm has its perks — you get to practice law while also being the CEO. This means you can choose your clients, create your own business model, and potentially make more money. However, there are some matters you should consider before you take that plunge.

1. Is starting a law firm right for you?

Begin by asking yourself four critical questions:

• Am I ready to run a business?
• Do I have the resources to handle the firm’s business or do I need to hire help?
• Who is my competition, and what can I offer that they can’t?
• Do I consider my time working on the business as important as my billable work?

If your answer is yes to these four questions, you’re probably on the right track.

2. What type of law do you want to practice?

You have the opportunity to decide whether your firm will be general practice or more niche. For some attorneys, offering a wide variety of legal services is preferred. This can depend on your business model or the needs of the community where you will practice. For others, focusing on one of two practice areas may be ideal.

This decision is yours to make. It will allow you to confidently move forward to the next stage of planning.

3. How do you intend to attract clients?

Getting clients through your door can be a challenge. Attracting clients is both an art and science

Today, technology is your best bet. An integrated digital marketing strategy that utilizes an SEO-optimized website and social media can give you a competitive edge over more established competitors.

Additionally, networking is key to building a pre-launch clientele base. Attending local business and networking events can help build a potential referral network.

4. What is your plan, and who is on your team?

Having a J.D. often isn’t enough to run a law firm. You will need some entrepreneurial know-how as well. Like with any other business, your law firm needs to have a business plan, a budget, and an execution strategy.

Experience in business and project management is ideal whenever possible. That could be gained from previous work experience or coursework.

If you plan to hire others, ensuring you hire the right people at the start is critical to the success of your firm. Take the time to set up a hiring process at the outset to ensure this aspect of your legal business goes as smoothly as possible, now and in the future.

5. How much investment do you need?

Determining the amount of financial investment you need is dependent on several things. For example:

• How much money do you have at hand?
• Are you starting a new practice or buying an existing one?
• How much do you need to cover cash flow as per your business plan?

Another important question to answer is whether you will have a physical office location, 100% remote, or a combination of the two.

With the help of technology, lawyers can practice from anywhere at any time. You can also start off with a serviced office which gives you more flexibility than signing an office lease.

Another option is to take the unique route of buying a practice. Many firms are owned by baby boomers without exit strategy or succession plans. This option comes with the added advantage of an established clientele, although the initial financial investment may be more.

Get help from the experts

Starting a law firm is complex, but FindLaw offers many resources and services that can help your firm every step of the way.

Most executives aren’t trained in the law. So how can they know whether their legal counsel is giving them good advice?

It doesn’t take legal expertise to direct one’s lawyers to act in accordance with the law and to spell out legal risks clearly. You’re not paying lawyers to be creative; you’re paying them to monitor what’s legal and what isn’t. Executives must not press lawyers to find and finesse every legal loophole. When a corporation retains a law firm, it should make clear, in writing, that the firm’s responsibility is to keep the company out of legal hot water. The company should request that all legal judgments be accompanied by a statement detailing the potential legal risks of pursuing the strategy the lawyers have okayed.

You need to know, in particular, just how legally vulnerable every transaction or plan you’re considering is. Whenever a lawyer says, “This is legally okay, in our opinion, but vulnerable on the following grounds” you need to get the reasons behind the lawyer’s thinking in writing. Lawyers may resist spelling out legal vulnerabilities on paper; in fact, they’ll probably warn you not to write bad stuff down. Don’t listen. Writing down explanations of legal vulnerabilities actually protects you. It shows that you and your board did not intend to break the law—that you carefully took into consideration the law’s demands before you acted.

It’s also important to get a second, independent legal opinion about legally risky moves. You always want to have a clear view of the worst-case scenario. Lawyers are trained to give all sides of an argument. You should take advantage of that training and get fully informed advice.

Finally, a CEO should demand to be informed immediately if the company lawyers suspect illegal activity on behalf of the corporation—or against it—by any member of management. And the CEO, in turn, must inform the board of any credible evidence of illegality that could harm the company. Every board should have a legal committee of independent directors empowered to receive such reports from management—or from the legal team directly if management refuses to investigate or stop the possible illegality.

But don’t you want your lawyers to be aggressive in helping you gain the greatest advantage within the bounds of the law?

Yes, but you should be wary of attempts to push those bounds. The great legal thinker and Supreme Court justice Louis Brandeis once described how good lawyers find the safe course for their clients. He said that if you insist on walking alone along a precipice, you may stumble on a loose stone, slip, and go over. No lawyer can predict when disaster will occur—or protect you from it. But all competent lawyers can tell someone where she can walk safely, within view of the edge but not on it.

The only way for executives to know whether their lawyers are providing good advice is to demand an answer to the question, “Where is the precipice?” No executive should find out after the fact that she was walking on it and that her lawyers did not warn her. Likewise, no board of directors should be caught unaware that management and the company’s lawyers thought walking on the precipice was in the company’s interest. Long term, it never is.

A good lawyer will make the law clear to you. In cases of legal interpretation, executives should demand jargon-free explanations. If your lawyers have to resort to all kinds of technicalities to explain why something is legal or not, you need to get a second opinion or ditch the plan. Remember, if you are ever put before a jury of ordinary folks, the simple explanation is likely to reign.

What do you do if your lawyers themselves step over the precipice? Fire them?

Not only fire them, but sue them. It should go without saying, but the fact that lawyers know the law doesn’t mean they’re above the law. Executives must be prepared to sue their lawyers for malpractice if they receive inappropriate counsel. During the savings and loan crisis in the 1980s, the government became the trustee for the failed banks and recovered billions by suing for malpractice on behalf of the banks, which the government now ran. Your company hires lawyers to prevent legal nightmares. It should not take a legal beating and have its legal advisers get off scot-free.

Companies don’t sue, in part, because they fear that the lawyers will insist the law-breaking was management’s fault, not theirs. That’s why it’s all the more important that you get legal advice in writing, record any oral communications from your lawyers in contemporaneous private memos, demand in writing that your lawyers inform you of suspected illegality, take action to investigate and stop that illegality, and keep your board informed. If you don’t take those basic precautions, you’re asking for trouble.

So you are faced with a legal issue and seeking to hire a legal professional Law Firm to represent you? At the beginning of your search, you will realize that there are many law firms around you. However, finding the right one for you might not be as easy as expected.

It is advisable that you take your time before choosing a law firm, as working with the wrong law firm will just add more agony to your plate. You don’t want this to happen!

In this article we will highlight some factors to consider when choosing a law firm that will best represent you.

What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Law Firm?

1. Expertise

The legal field is a vast pool, and law firms handle different sections of law. While it is possible that a law firm handles different types of cases, ensure that they tackle cases similar to yours.

For instance, a firm like Gibbs & Crivelli handles personal injury cases, car accident cases, and wrongful death cases, and work accidents, among others. This is to say that you can approach them to take your injury case, but likely not a family law-related claim.

2. Size of the Law Firm

Many clients believe they can only get quality representation from large law firms. But, unfortunately, while working with a large law firm has its advantages, it does not mean that they are always the best.

You will realize that large law firms are expensive because they have high operational costs. Also, they might not prioritize your case because they tend to concentrate on high-end clients who pay more first.

With that in mind, you might want to reduce your search to small or medium-sized law firms. This is because they are affordable, and they give it all to see your case win.

3. Communication

Communication is the backbone of all relationships. So take note of the communication skills of the law firm from the first day you approach them.

How long did it take for them to reply to your email? Did they return your call? Did they answer all your questions? If you realize that the lawyer assigned to you is a lazy communicator, ask for a change or move to another law firm.

4. Location

It is advisable to choose a law firm in your local area. Can you imagine traveling miles away to meet your lawyer for weekly or monthly updates? Working with a local law firm ensures easy access and frequent face-to-face meetings, which is suitable for the case.

In addition, local lawyers are familiar with the local law court, and they have established relationships with the jury, judges, expert witnesses, and other people of influence in your case. With such a connected lawyer, your case is at an advantage, and you are assured of the best outcome.

5. Payment Terms

Many people shy from hiring lawyers because they are expensive. There are indeed costly law firms. However, you can always get a lawyer within your budget.

For example, if you are looking for a personal injury claim representation, settle for law firms that operate under contingency terms. No win, no fee for contingency payments.

Choose the Right Law Firm for You

Choosing the right law firm for you is not an easy task. However, with the five guidelines above plus your gut feeling, you are bound to make the right choice for your case.