In the case you haven’t already, probably sometime in your life you will have to seek the services of a lawyer. Thanks to my discussion with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, what follows is a listing of answers to popular as well as fundamental questions.

1. QUESTION: Do I need to hire an attorney at law in the county where the problem occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, depending on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter is being litigated is important as that lawyer will have a level of comfort with the county courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing lawyer) and judges. One thing to consider in retaining legal counsel away from area wherein the matter takes place is cost of travel time. Some attorneys don’t charge for travel, others offer a lowered rate or maintain a billable rate for all work performed. Talk about that question with each lawyer consulted.

2. QUESTION: How will I make certain my attorney is resolving my case?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a confirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients – once a month, quarterly, etc. You can also keep track of your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that set up, you’re wise to occasionally review the docket and see what events have occurred by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It’s also advisable to feel at ease contacting your attorney at intervals to determine the status of the issue, understanding you will likely be billed for these interactions.

3. QUESTION: How do I pick an attorney at law?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other sectors, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are generally just as complicated. To safeguard your legal rights and remedies, the ideal practice would be to study your area of need and research what law firms are available to assist you. A recommendation from someone you know and admire can add a personal element to the plan to hire an lawyer but really should not be the sole reason counsel is picked. Look into the attorney’s background of education, experience and area(s) of practice. Asking basic questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a legal professional should be contemplated with the same degree of thought and consideration as that given to the pick of a doctor, accountant, financial consultant or therapist.

4. QUESTION: How do I know if I require a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek legal advice without delay. Documents filed in court that start a lawsuit require responses that involve specific deadlines; skipping those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some matters by statute involve a “pre-suit” time period that allow you to take into account the legal issues and potential resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel as quickly as possible is recommended.

5. QUESTION: What is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the case present at an agreed location with their counsel (if retained) and a selected mediator to try and resolve all or some of the problems involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all parties and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial between the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential structure of the conference to inspire settlement and resolution. Typically the parties share the charge of the mediation equally but other arrangements can be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is generally required in just about every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

6. QUESTION: What kind of legal professional do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other sectors, lawyers may concentrate in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer you services in a few specific areas of law. Trial lawyers deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are extremely technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, as in worker’s compensation. Any lawyer should be able to discuss your specific issue, determine if he/she is prepared to handle such matters or inform you of the need to seek advice from another in a specialised area.

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