find a lawyer who will take my case

by Prof. Estelle Hills 3 min read

Focus on attorneys who practice the kind of law for which you need legal advice. Ask around among your family, friends, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they know of any attorneys they could recommend. Personal references can be some of the most reliable references you will find.

Certified lawyer referral services or your local bar association
  • Going to LawhelpCalifornia.org. ...
  • Calling the State Bar's Lawyer Referral Services Directory at 1-866-442-2529 (toll free in California) or 1-415-538-2250 (from outside California); or.

Full Answer

How do I find a good lawyer?

Most communities have referral services to help people find lawyers. You might be able to find them under “Lawyer Referral Service” or something similar in your yellow pages. These services usually recommend a lawyer in the area to evaluate a situation.

How can I get a lawyer to refer me to someone?

You may want to seek out a lawyer referral service that participates in the American Bar Association-sponsored certification program, which uses a logo to identify lawyer referral programs that comply with certain quality standards developed by the ABA. My new job offers a prepaid legal services plan.

What happens after I submit my case to LegalMatch?

We'll also provide you with a full breakdown of their fee structure as well as user ratings by other LegalMatch clients to help you decide if they're the right lawyer for you. Within a few hours after you submit your case, you may receive responses from local attorneys by phone or email.

How long does it take for an attorney to review my case?

Within a few hours after you submit your case, you may receive responses from local attorneys by phone or email. We recommend waiting a day or two to allow the majority of attorneys to review your case thoroughly.

How long does it take to get a lawyer's profile?

How long does it take to get a response from a lawyer?

What does lawyer star rating mean?

Is a lawyer pre-screened?

Is there an obligation to hire a lawyer?

Is your privacy protected?

See more

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What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

What is the best site to find a lawyer?

8 Of The Most Popular Lawyer Review Sites In 2020Google lawyer reviews. Google has quickly become a giant contributor in the world of online reviews. ... Yelp. Yelp isn't just for finding the best pizza joint in town. ... Avvo. ... Martindale–Hubbell. ... Lawyers.com. ... Better Business Bureau. ... 7. Facebook. ... NOLO.

How do you find a good attorney?

There are many ways to find a reliable lawyer. One of the best is a recommendation from a trusted friend, relative, or business associate. Be aware, however, that each legal case is different and that a lawyer who is right for someone else may not suit you or your legal problem.

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't get paid unless you win?

In a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer who represents you will get paid by taking a percentage of your award as a fee for services. If you lose, the attorney receives nothing. This situation works well when you have a winning lawsuit.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?

You can pay anywhere from $50 to thousands per hour. Smaller towns and cities generally cost less while heavily populated, urban areas are most expensive. The more complicated the case and the more experienced the attorney, the more you'll pay. Lawyer fees can range from $255 to $520 per hour.

What questions should you ask when hiring a lawyer?

Below are ten questions to ask your potential lawyer.How long have you practiced law? ... What type of cases do you generally handle? ... Who is your typical client? ... How many cases have you represented that were similar to mine?More items...•

What are some questions you should ask a lawyer?

Questions to Ask Your Lawyer During a Consultation1) What kind of experience do you have with similar cases?2) What would be your strategy for my case?3) Are there any alternatives to going to court?4) What are my possible outcomes?5) Who will actually handle my case?6) What is my role in my case?More items...•

How much money does a lawyer make?

about $148,910 a yearA: In 2020, the average salary of a lawyer was approximately $12,410 a month, which amounts to about $148,910 a year. Q: Do lawyers who own private practices or partners in law firms have a higher salary? A: Lawyers working in law firms generally earn more than those who own private practices.

Will a lawyer take a losing case?

If your case isn't winnable, no lawyer will want to waste your time, or the court's time, pursuing legal action. However, if you have a case where the facts and evidence are in question, but the damages you could recover are high, an attorney with extensive experience in cases like yours might take the case.

What is the most percentage a lawyer takes?

No matter when the claim settles or how much, the legal representative usually cannot take more than the 33.33 percent of compensation awards. However, most of the fees and expense the lawyer will acquire through the completed case are in the fine print of a legal agreement between client and lawyer.

How do you represent yourself in court?

Here are some basic steps you can take to make sure you are prepared to represent yourself in court:Read about the law that applies to your case. Do research at the local public law library. ... Look at the options that would solve your problem without having to go to court. ... Make sure you follow the court procedures.

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How Do I Find a Lawyer? - American Bar Association

You’ve thought about it carefully and you’ve decided that you need to contact a lawyer. The big problem is—how to find one? This section will give you some tips on what to look for when choosing a lawyer, and lead you through some questions you can ask a lawyer when you first meet.

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What should I look for when choosing a lawyer?

The lawyer will be helping you solve your problems, so the first qualification is that you must feel comfortable enough to tell him or her, honestly and completely, all the facts necessary to resolve your problem. No one you listen to and nothing you read will be able to guarantee that a particular lawyer will be the best for you; you must judge that for yourself.

What does legal insurance cover?

These plans vary. Many cover most, if not all, of the cost of legal consultations, document preparation, and court representation in routine legal matters. Other programs cover only advice and consultation with a lawyer.

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters. I have been accused of a crime, and I cannot afford a lawyer.

Is there a free legal aid program?

Several legal assistance programs offer inexpensive or free legal services to those in need. Look in the yellow pages under topics such as “legal clinics,” “legal aid,” or “legal advice,” or search online. Most legal aid programs have special guidelines for eligibility, often based on where you live, the size of your family, and your income. Some legal aid offices have their own staff lawyers, and others operate with volunteer lawyers. Note that people do not have a right to a free lawyer in civil legal matters.

Do lawyers use ads?

In some ways, yes, ads are useful. However, always be careful about believing everything you read and hear — and nowhere is this truer than with advertisements. Newspaper, telephone directory, radio, television, and Internet ads, along with direct mail, can make you familiar with the names of lawyers who may be appropriate for your legal needs. Some ads also will help you determine a lawyer’s area of expertise. Other ads will quote a fee or price range for handling a specific type of “simple” case. Keep in mind that your case may not have a simple solution. If a lawyer quotes a fee, be certain you know exactly what services and expenses the charge does and does not include.

When Will, a Lawyer, Take a Case For Free?

Under some circumstances, a lawyer may work for free. Here are some situations that will lead a lawyer to fight a case without charging his fee.

How to Hire a Lawyer For Free?

If you can’t afford a lawyer’s fee, some methods can assist you in hiring a lawyer without money. Some of such methods are discussed here.

Frequently Asked Questions

If a lawyer takes a case for free, he is regarded as pro bono in legal terms.

Conclusion

Usually, lawyers don’t make a case for free. However, some circumstances make them work without charging the fee from the clients. Also, those who can’t afford the legal fees can move on via any of the methods mentioned above to process their case. All these methods will prove beneficial if you can’t afford the lawyer’s fee.

Why won't my lawyer take my case?

If the case is one which is charged by the hour or on a flat fee. There are three basic reasons lawyers won’t take the case. You are the plaintiff, and you don’t have a legitimate claim. You are the plaintiff and the lawyer knows that the legal fees will cost substantially more than you have a chance of winning.

How to find a good lawyer?

First, narrow your attorney search to the specific area of law that your case involves. Look under that category in all the common places, yellow pages, internet sites, etc. Call or set an appointment to meet & discuss your case. If you're have trouble determining exactly what type of lawyer to meet with, call your local County Bar Association, State Bar Association, or inquire at any local Legal Assistance agencies or groups in your area for help. If there is a law school near you, many will have a community legal assistance office. These are good places to inquire to get you pointed in the right direction.

What does "no lawyer will take my case" mean?

When I hear someone lament (as I often hear) that “no lawyer will take my case,” this is usually coming from someone who believes they are a victim of some injustice, who wants to sue somebody to right that perceived wrong. In other words, they are a potential plaintiff in a lawsuit for money damages. In the USA, and perhaps in some other jurisdictions (which I am not familiar with), the law allows a lawyer to take on a plaintiff client’s case on a “contingency” basis, meaning (A) the client doesn’t have to pay anything up front, (B) the client doesn’t owe the lawyer any fee unless the lawyer wins the case (or negotiates an agreeable settlement before trial), and (C) the lawyer’s fee is based on a pre-agreed percentage of however much money the lawyer ultimately recovers for that client. The expenses of the lawsuit, as well as the lawyer’s percentage fee, are deducted from the recovered fund, as are any other liens against the fund (such as, medical bills related to the injury) before the remaining funds are disbursed to the client. Lawyers who routinely take contingency cases are happy to offer a free initial consultation, during which they decide whether their firm wants to take on your case. For them, that initial consultation (and getting people to call in and set up an appointment for one) is their primary marketing tool.

What happens if you have insurance and are sued?

If you have insurance but are being sued for more than your coverage limit, you are on your own as far as paying for your personal lawyer as to the excess amount. The insurance company will still pay for your defense, but they may be less willing to make an early settlement if they realize they are going to lose the whole coverage amount if they lose, whether or not they have to go to trial, and thus your insurer may be willing to roll the dice — with your risk of personal financial exposure as the ante — in hopes of winning a defense verdict. After all, they have nothing to lose by going to trial (they’ve already written off your coverage amount as a loss reserve), even though that puts you at risk. Or, they may put up their policy limits early on but, if that offer is not accepted, the insurer may then instruct the lawyer they hired to do the bare minimum the law allows him to do ethically, to protect you against a higher judgment. In either of those cases, it is a good idea to have your own independent lawyer to keep your insurance company from throwing you under the bus; your personal lawyer is not beholden to the insurance company for continued defense business (new defense case referrals), and can forcefully insist your insurance company try harder to settle the case within your policy limits, so you will not have to pesonally pay an excess judgment that may be entered against you. Frankly, though, if you did have insurance, the lawyers you consulted would have found this out, and would have told you the same thing I just did — report this to your insurance company, and let them handle it, while offering to stay in as your personal “excess” counsel if your assets required such protection.

What does it mean when someone says no lawyer will take your case?

When I hear someone lament (as I often hear) that “no lawyer will take my case,” this is usually coming from someone who believes they are a victim of some injustice, who wants to sue somebody to right that perceived wrong. In other words, they are a potentia

How many parties are involved in a lawsuit?

But that’s not your situation. Every lawsuit has at least two parties: at least one plaintiff (the person who is suing, making affirmative claims for some kind of legal relief, whether that be asking for a money judgment, or some other kind of court order commanding an opponent to do something or refrain from doing something), and at least one defendant (the person who is being sued). Someone who is being sued as a defendant also has the right, in most courts, to counter-sue the original plaintiff (this is called a “counterclaim”) or sue one or more of the other people who were sued by the original plaintiff, his original co-defendants (this is called a “cross-claim”) or, as in your case, sue somebody else entirely, who had not previously been involved in the original case. That’s what happened to you — you were brought into the case as a third-party defendant, which means one of the original defendants decided that if he owed the original plaintiff money, it was in his view because of something wrong that you did, and therefore, he brought you into the case so that the original plaintiff’s claim against him, and his claim against you, could be decided together, in a single trial, to avoid possible inconsistent results if separate trials were held.

What is deducted from a recovered lawsuit?

The expenses of the lawsuit, as well as the lawyer’s percentage fee, are deducted from the recovered fund, as are any other liens against the fund (such as, medical bills related to the injury) before the remaining funds are disbursed to the client.

First: MONEY

Probably the first thing on a lawyer’s mind when she meets with you is – how will she make money on your case? There are basically three ways lawyers get paid: flat fee, hourly, or contingency. If the client is paying it’s fairly straightforward.

Second: HEADACHES

Second on a lawyer’s mind when meeting with you are “Headaches.” I’ve been doing this long enough that I can smell a headache client from a mile away. You do not want to be seen as a headache client.

Third: TIME

Show that you are respectful of the lawyer’s time. Lawyers are always stressed for time. Do not send me a five page timeline of your work history before you got fired and do not launch into a thirty minute play by play of how your boss harassed you during our first phone call.

Fourth: HEART

Despite what you hear, lawyers have hearts. Some are small and dark shriveled masses – but they still have them. Most lawyers want to feel good about what they are doing.

How long does it take to get a lawyer's profile?

Within 24 hours , your case is reviewed, evaluated, and when a lawyer is interested in taking your case, you'll receive a full attorney profile and their background information.

How long does it take to get a response from a lawyer?

Within a few hours after you submit your case, you may receive responses from local attorneys by phone or email. We recommend waiting a day or two to allow the majority of attorneys to review your case thoroughly. Then, it's up to you to select the right lawyer near you based on the responses you receive and the legal qualifications you're looking for.

What does lawyer star rating mean?

Lawyer star ratings and reviews show previous customer experiences with each attorney and allow you to properly evaluate their strengths and weaknesses

Is a lawyer pre-screened?

All member lawyers are pre-screened and in good standing with their state's bar associations

Is there an obligation to hire a lawyer?

There is never any obligation to hire or contact a lawyer through our service - you decide if and when you contact an attorney

Is your privacy protected?

Your privacy is always protected - you decide when to disclose your personal information to interested attorneys. All member lawyers are pre-screened and in good standing with their state's bar associations. Review attorney's profiles and responses to your case before making a decision.

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When Will, A Lawyer, Take A Case For free?

  • Under some circumstances, a lawyer may work for free. Here are some situations that will lead a lawyer to fight a case without charging his fee.
See more on legalfactpro.com

How to Hire A Lawyer For free?

  • If you can’t afford a lawyer’s fee, some methods can assist you in hiring a lawyer without money. Some of such methods are discussed here.
See more on legalfactpro.com

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is it called when a lawyer takes a case for free?
    If a lawyer takes a case for free, he is regarded as pro bono in legal terms.
  • How do lawyers decide to take a case?
    Lawyers decide a case after confirming the following things. 1. Nature of the case 2. Nature and psychology of client 3. Clearing medical records 4. Checking the merits of the case 5. Estimating the damage
See more on legalfactpro.com

Conclusion

  • Usually, lawyers don’t make a case for free. However, some circumstances make them work without charging the fee from the clients. Also, those who can’t afford the legal fees can move on via any of the methods mentioned above to process their case. All these methods will prove beneficial if you can’t afford the lawyer’s fee. References 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attorne…
See more on legalfactpro.com