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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.

Tips on Hiring a Good Lawyer for Your Legal Needs

If you are looking to hire a lawyer, you’ll find no shortage of legal talent. The United States holds 5% of the world’s population and 70% of its lawyers. Law schools awarded 43,588 J.D.s per year on average, up 11.5 percent since 2000, and the United States boasts one lawyer for every 200 U.S. citizens.

With a record number of practicing lawyers in the U.S., finding a lawyer for your legal needs is no easy task. The best way to find a lawyer is through word of mouth and referrals. Wide variations exist in the skill level and expertise of each lawyer so recommendations from friends and acquaintances are a good way to locate quality legal talent.

The nature of your legal problem will determine the type of lawyer you need to hire. Most lawyers concentrate their practice in a few legal specialties such as family law, criminal law, employment law, personal injury law, bankruptcy or civil litigation. Therefore, it is important to retain a lawyer with expertise and experience in the practice area for which you require his services. Below are a few of the best resources available to help you find a lawyer that fits your needs.

Word of Mouth and Referrals

Word of mouth and referrals from friends, relatives, neighbors, business associates, and acquaintances are the best way to find a lawyer. These individuals have no vested interest, financial or otherwise, in recommending a certain attorney and can communicate any positives or problems they encountered in their dealings with a particular attorney or law firm. While it is tempting to hire a friend or relative for your case, this may not be your best strategy. If the friend or relative specializes in an area of law outside your needs, he or she may not be competent to address your particular legal issue.

Local Bar Associations

Another great resource for finding a lawyer in your area is your local bar association. Most county and city bar associations offer lawyer referral services to the public although they do not necessarily screen for qualifications. The American Bar Association also maintains a database which offers assistance to consumers seeking legal help.

Other Lawyers

Lawyers can often recommend other lawyers in the legal community who can assist you with your specific needs. Legal circles are small and most lawyers will know several other lawyers who specialize in the practice area for which you seek advice. Lawyers are also aware of other lawyer’s reputations in a particular practice field. Keep in mind, however, that lawyers often receive referral fees when they refer a case to another lawyer which may influence their decision as to whom they recommend.

Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory

Available at your local public library or law library, this directory of lawyers is an authoritative resource for information on the worldwide legal profession. Martindale-Hubbell also offers an online lawyer locator service which contains a database of over one million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. To find a lawyer, you can search by practice area or geographic location.

Internet Resources

A number of for-profit directories on the Internet offer search vehicles through which you can find a lawyer. A few of these sites are lawyers.com, legalmatch.com, attorney.locate.com, lawyershop.com, attorneyfind.com and attorneypages.com.

Legal Aid Services

If you need a lawyer but cannot afford one, you can contact your local legal aid office, an organization that provides free or pro bono legal assistance to low-income individuals in non-criminal matters. Check the white pages of your telephone directory or type in “Legal Aid [insert the name of your county of state]” into an Internet search engine to find local legal aid providers near you.

If you seek legal assistance, finding a qualified lawyer is only the first step. The next step is choosing the best attorney for your legal needs. For tips on how to choose the best lawyer for your case, see How to Choose a Lawyer.

Unlike video games, life may not give you a second chance. In the same way, you get only one chance to fight criminal charges. According to the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency research, the average yearly criminal incident sentenced by the courts between 2012 and 2016 was 98030. There were 97,762 guilty pleas on 891,266 dispositions during the 5 years. These numbers show the importance of hiring the best criminal defense lawyer.

The United States has the highest documented incarceration rate in the world. If you live in Pennsylvania, especially in Erie, the Erie criminal defense lawyers should be your first choice to defend your criminal case. Whether you are accused of a drug crime or tax evasion, relying on a court-appointed attorney is like playing with your life.

When facing a criminal charge, the first thing you need to do is find the best criminal defense lawyer. But why should you hire a defense lawyer when the court appoints you one? Here are 10 benefits of hiring a professional defense lawyer that you should know.

1. They Know the Criminal Justice System Inside and Out

Professional criminal defense attorneys spent years studying and practicing law, and they understand how to handle the various charges of any criminal case. They find out how the law can help to defend the case more strongly. They are always up-to-date with all the changes in the legal system and laws.

They thoroughly study your case and also analyze the charges for the possibilities of failures. They are also transparent about all the possibilities instead of giving you false hope. They have the experience of defending similar cases and know what steps should be taken.

2. They Help You Understand the Whole Process

The legal system can be challenging to understand, especially when each state has different laws and legal procedures. That’s why it is essential to hire a professional defense lawyer who will explain to you every tiny detail of your case.

They will also prepare you at every step of the case, from questioning by the police to how your case will proceed in the courtroom. Their guidance will help you eliminate any confusion you might have regarding the procedures and reduce your stress.

3. They Handle All Your Case Paperwork

Handling all the paperwork for a legal case is a crucial task. One missing document can have catastrophic consequences. It takes experience and exceptional attention to detail while filing various documents related to the case, such as multiple forms and applications.

An experienced defense lawyer knows which forms need to be there and how to fill them up correctly. They will take care of all the paperwork and know where, when, and how to submit them. They will ensure there is no mistake in the paperwork.

4. They Will Help You Consider All the Available Options

In many cases, the accused have the options to choose how the case will move forward. An expert criminal defense lawyer can help you weigh various options, from negotiations, the types of charges to the potential options for plea deals.

They can also negotiate other options like reducing the charges and penalties and possible dismissal of the case. You have the option of whether the case should go to trial or accept the deal offered by the prosecution. Your lawyer will help you to understand the consequences of each option.

A criminal charge is a grave matter with a possibility of going to jail or getting numerous other sanctions. Defendants find that the best recourse is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. Attorneys can help you understand the kind of law you are accused of violating and what they can do to protect you from the consequences.

It is best to talk to two or three different criminal defense attorneys and find the one you feel you can trust and help you the most. The best way to decide is always to get the one with the most background experience on your type of criminal case.  A trusted criminal defense attorney serving for more than 30 years can be a safe choice to help defend your rights and interests. Below are more reasons for you to hire a criminal defense attorney.

They have a better understanding of the judicial system

Every criminal case is unique, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will deal with the many variables and pull a good defense together. They know how to file the paperwork, how to conduct investigations, how to deal with prosecutors and turn things to your favor. They have a better understanding of the entire judicial system, so you can be assured that your case is in good hands.

They have dealt with a similar case before

They say experience is the best teacher, and criminal defense attorneys with years of experience and a long track record have more likely dealt with the same case as yours. If so, they already have a solid strategy to help you win the case or at least get the best possible outcome. Upon consultation, you can ask and check their track records, winning chances, and how they plan to deal with your specific case.

They can help keep you stable and focused.

They are no psychiatrists, but having an experienced attorney handling all the dirty work can keep you from breaking down from the stress and anxieties of being criminally charged. They have dozens of clients, possibly with similar cases, so they understand what you’re going through and help keep you in check. They can walk you through the legal proceedings, present your options, and explain the realities of the situation.

They have better relations with the prosecutors

Experienced lawyers who have been handling criminal cases for years start to develop indirect professional relationships with prosecuting attorneys. It is crucial to understand that when people have seen each other inside a courtroom multiple times, they begin to form a professional understanding of how each other thinks and makes decisions. This relationship can be very advantageous to help negotiate better plea deals, bonds, or bail. In addition, they can help lower sentences, reduce fines, and help defend your rights.

They can prevent violation of your constitutional rights

It is crucial to get an attorney soon after your arrest or after getting charged. Being proactive prevents the prosecutors from gathering more evidence against you to make their case stronger. If a lawyer is present soon after your arrest, negotiations can immediately begin and prevent things from getting any worse. They can assess the situation from the moment of your arrest and ensure there was no violation of your constitutional rights.

They can help reduce the overall costs of criminal penalties

Some defendants may think twice about hiring a criminal defense attorney because of the high professional fees. However, if you are convicted or made to pay fines, the overall cost may be even higher than simply getting help for your defense. Criminal defense attorneys can help you get lower court fees, bail costs, and other fines related to your criminal case. These fees can run up to thousands of dollars, but you can significantly reduce the expenses with the right attorney.

Takeaway

An excellent criminal defense attorney will rarely give up on their clients. For them, getting convicted of a criminal offense is not the end that defines your life. Getting a good criminal defense attorney can help you make criminal appeals and move to a more positive outcome even after a conviction. They can guide you and your family throughout the entire case, even after charges.

Florida child support is often a contentious subject between ex-spouses. In some cases, the non-custodial parent will stop paying child support. If this happens, you have options.

In a video that recently went viral, a Virginia father demonstrates how resentful parents can get in the fight over child support. The reason the video went viral? It shows the father making his final payment to his ex-wife by dumping 80,000 pennies in front of her house.

While the mother and daughter turned something petty into a feel-good story by donating the payment (and inspiring others to donate) to Safe Harbor Shelter in Richmond, which serves survivors of domestic abuse, it also demonstrates how often emotions are at play for ex-spouses.

Sometimes those emotions cause the non-custodial parent to stop paying child support altogether. Many divorced parents in Florida wonder what happens if their ex-spouse stops paying court-ordered child support.

Here are a few things you can do to enforce your child support.

What happens when the non-custodial parent stops paying Florida child support?

Penalties for Failure to Pay

Even in simple, amicable divorces, the relationship between parents can turn sour. The non-custodial parent may feel resentment for the amount of support they have been ordered to pay. They may feel that they should not have to pay child support at all. When this resentment grows, they may decide to stop making payments

In Florida, divorced parents have many avenues of recourse to force child support payments. When your child’s other parent fails to make court-ordered payments, you can file what is known as a civil contempt proceeding against them. If the court finds them in contempt, it can result in many different penalties, including:

• Fines
• Suspension of government-issued documents, such as driver’s license and passport
• Suspension of professional licenses
• Seizure of tax refunds
• Seizure of bank accounts
• Seizure of lottery winnings over $600
• Placement of liens on assets
• Reporting the failure to pay to credit agencies
• Jail time of up to a year.

The court may also levy other penalties against the non-paying parent. If found in contempt, the court may also hold them responsible for your court, attorney fees, and other expenses related to the case.

Income Withholding Order

One of the best ways to ensure that you receive the child support your ex-spouse owes is to ask the court to enter an income withholding order. When the court enters an income withholding order, the child support is deducted directly from your ex-spouse’s paycheck.

As you can see, you do not have to stand for your ex’s failure to pay their court-ordered child support. You have options to force your child’s other parent to meet their obligations as a parent.

Not receiving your Florida child support? You have options.

If your ex-spouse has stopped making their court-ordered child support payments, you need to get in touch with me so we can put a plan in motion. I am here to help you get the money that you need to support your child.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Leo Tolstoy.

Aventura family law attorney Helena Y. Farber treats every case with a unique approach, as no two cases are the same. The personalized approach of the Aventura divorce law firm of Farber Law, P.A. is reflected in their slogan “Thinking Beyond the Courtroom.” Miami divorce lawyer Ms. Farber understands that the decisions made during your divorce or any other family law matter will affect you and your family long after you leave the courtroom and therefore, attorney Farber thoroughly educates her clients as to their rights and responsibilities regarding their case and any possible outcomes, to enable the client to make the right decision.

Ninety-eight percent of divorce and family law cases settle in mediation. Attorney Helena Y. Farber prides herself in encouraging the less acrimonious and litigious approach to cases, which saves money and leaves the decision-making to the parties and not the Judge. Ms. Farber can carefully guide you during mediation to arrive at a comprise that is acceptable to both parties and is in the best interest of the children involved. However, attorney Farber does not shy away from litigation and if it becomes necessary, will effectively and aggressively pursue her client’s rights in the courtroom.

Divorce Lawyer Aventura & Family Law Attorney Miami – Farber Law P.A.

Helena Y. Farber is a divorce and family attorney in South Florida, representing individuals in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Aventura divorce attorney Ms. Farber dedicates her practice exclusively to divorce and family law. Aventura family law firm of Farber Law, P.A. has vast experience with a variety of family law cases, from uncontested matters to heavily litigated cases, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, child support cases, child custody, Alimony / Spousal Support, modification of agreements, division of assets, relocation (moving away) with the child, step-parent adoptions, and name changes.

Why Choose Miami Divorce and Family Law Attorney Helena Y. Farber

Ms. Farber is a magna cum laude (top 10%) graduate of Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad College of Law. Aventura divorce law firm of Farber Law, P.A. has vast experience in representing individuals in a variety of divorce and family law cases. Miami divorce attorney Helena Y. Farber prides herself on staying up to date on all the latest case law, attending many seminars, and continued legal education courses. Ms. Farber truly cares about her clients and takes time to listen and handle every case with utmost care and compassion. Aventura family law firm of Farber Law, P.A. believes that communication is key to a successful case, and is always available to answer any questions or concerns, with all calls and emails returned promptly.

The Move Over Law NY requires that you move over if you see a hazard or emergency vehicle. Many drivers are not aware that this law even exists. These people are at an increased risk for getting a ticket. If you have recently got a ticket, then it is important for you to contact a New York traffic ticket attorney.

Why Is There a Move Over Law NY?

The move over law has been around since 2010. It is dangerous for emergency workers to administer medical care and other services on the side of the road. That is why this law was put into place.

The move over law is also known as the Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act. It was named after Trooper Robert W. Ambrose and Sheriff Deputy Glenn M. Searles. They were both killed by passing vehicles when they were working.

This law used to only apply to police vehicles, fire trucks and ambulance. However, the law was amended in 2012 to include tow and maintenance trucks. The purpose of this law is to prevent emergency workers from dying or getting injured.

You have to follow this law. The only exception to this is safety. If you cannot safely move over, then you are not required to do so.

How You Can Avoid Getting a Ticket

The best thing that you can do to avoid getting a ticket is to slow down when you see an emergency vehicle. You should also move over to the other lane and try to stay as far away from the emergency vehicle as you can. However, if you still get a ticket, then it is a good idea for you to contact a New York traffic ticket attorney.

Defenses That Can Be Used

You can be charged a fine and get points on your license if you violate the move over law. However, there are several defenses that can be used. For example, the lawyer can argue that the driver did not have enough time to move over. The attorney can also argue that if the driver would have moved over, then they would have violated another law.