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In the case you haven't before now, probably sometime in your lifetime you'll need to hire legal counsel. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, here is a list of answers to very common as well as worthwhile questions.


1. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a legal professional?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and related documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should endeavor to seek out legal assistance without delay. Papers filed in court that commence a lawsuit require responses that involve exact deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, restrict or avoid your recovery. Some issues by statute involve a "pre-suit" period of time that enable you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a lawsuit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel at the earliest opportunity is recommended.

2. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based upon on their licensure for the latter. Having knowledge in the county wherein the matter will be litigated is crucial as that attorney will have a comfort level with the local courthouse personnel, attorneys (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One thing to consider in hiring an attorney outside the area in which the matter occurs is cost of travel time. Some lawyers do not charge for travel, others offer a decreased rate or maintain a billable rate for all work carried out. Clarify that question with each attorney consulted.

3. QUESTION: Exactly what is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a process whereby the parties to the matter present at an agreed area with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and resolve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators should be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to stay impartial amongst the parties and their lawyer, and maintain the confidential nature of the conference to encourage settlement and resolution. Generally the parties share the cost of the mediation evenly but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement in advance of the conference. Mediation is typically required in just about every case filed in court and before a trial is held.

4. QUESTION: What kind of lawyer do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, lawyers may concentrate in a certain or more than one area. Similarly, law firms may specialize, provide general legal needs or provide services in several specific areas of law. Trial attorneys deal with cases involving lawsuits; family law attorneys handle separation and divorce, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and associated matters; general practitioners handle nearly all matters. Some areas of law are extremely specialized, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, such as worker's compensation. Any lawyer can go over your specific issue, determine if he or she is prepared to handle such matters or inform you of the need to speak with another in a specialised area.


5. QUESTION: How am I able to make sure my lawyer is resolving my issues?
ANSWER: Every good attorney keeps track of his time (fees) and expenditures (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a affirmation of how the lawyer bills his clients - month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may also track your case in some jurisidictions that provide on-line access to case dockets. If the county has that established, you're wise to routinely review the docket and see what activities have taken place by your lawyer and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel at ease contacting your lawyer at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you'll likely be charged for these communications.

6. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney or lawyer?
ANSWER: Legal problems are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and are generally just as perplexing. To protect your rights and remedies, the best practice is to investigate your area of need and research what attorneys are around to help you. A referral from someone you know and respect can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an attorney but really should not be the singular reason counsel is chosen. Look into the lawyer's background of education, expertise and area(s) of practice. Asking important questions should be urged in this process. Self-help could be strengthening but may also limit or negate your recovery. Hiring a law firm should be considered with the same level of thought and consideration as that directed at the selection of a doctor, accountant, financial specialist or therapist.

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