how to find a lawyer when the county is paid off

by Lue Paucek 6 min read

You can contact your county's lawyer referral service or call your local county bar association (which will have a lawyer referral service or other resource) help you find a lawyer. You can also find a certified lawyer referral service by: Going to LawhelpCalifornia.org to find more information on a State Bar-certified lawyer referral service;

Full Answer

How do you pay for a lawyer?

If you need to come up with the money to pay for a lawyer, here’s how to finance the costs. Credit cards are an option as you can charge the costs upfront and then slowly pay off your balance over time.

How to find a lawyer in your area?

How to Find a Lawyer. 3. Run an attorney search at databases such as Avvo and Martindale Hubbell, which provide information such as practice areas, location, disciplinary records, and lawyer reviews. 4. Consult your local or state bar association’s attorney directory, which is a list of lawyers in your area.

Where can I find a free lawyer?

To find information on getting a lawyer for free visit LawHelp and type in your zip code or the county you live in. Next choose your legal problem and then choose the sub-category. The click on “go” to find a list of legal services organizations that may be able to help if you qualify.

Can you get a lawyer if you can’t afford to pay?

Although rare, if you are in need of legal services and are likely not able to pay, you have the ability to consult with law firms and find out if this in an option for you. If you need to come up with the money to pay for a lawyer, here’s how to finance the costs.

What is the first qualification for a lawyer?

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

What does legal insurance cover?

Do legal aid offices have their own lawyers?

Is there a free legal aid program?

Do lawyers use ads?

See more

About this website

image

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.

Do lawyers get paid if their client loses?

If you lose your case, the lawyer does not receive any payment from you. However, whether you win or lose your case, you will have to pay some or all of the court costs and other expenses, which can be quite high.

What is it called when you pay a lawyer up front?

What Is a Retainer Fee? The most common type of “retainer” fee is actually an advance fee deposit, usually between $500 and $5,000. These advance fee deposits are paid up front, like a down payment, and then the lawyer subtracts her hourly fees and costs.

What is a true retainer fee?

In a “true” retainer fee arrangement, in exchange for the client's payment of an agreed-upon amount, the attorneys commit themselves to take on future legal work for the hiring client, regardless of inconvenience, other client relations, or workload constraints.

How can I defend myself in court without a lawyer?

0:188:40How To Defend Yourself in Court without a Lawyer (and Win)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd judges are used to hearing that quote unquote pleading your innocence. And arguing with theMoreAnd judges are used to hearing that quote unquote pleading your innocence. And arguing with the prosecutor. Whether or not in front of a jury regarding your guilt or innocence.

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 is a retainer fee for a lawyer?

Overview. A retainer fee can be any denomination that the attorney requests. It may be as low as $500 or as high as $5,000 or more. Some attorneys base retainer fees on their hourly rate multiplied by the number of hours that they anticipate your case will take.

What is a pro bono settlement?

Pro bono cases often involve a conditional obligation to pay costs, in which the client only has to pay the lawyer if they are able to recover costs from the other party.

Bar Directories and Lawyer Finders

It's time to renew your membership and keep access to free CLE, valuable publications and more. Your membership has expired - last chance for uninterrupted access to free CLE and other benefits ...

Find a Lawyer | Lawyers Near Me | FindLaw.com

Find a lawyer with the FindLaw Lawyer Directory - the largest US Legal Directory to search for attorneys and law firms near you.

Find a Lawyer Near You | Attorney Search - LegalMatch

When you need to find a lawyer, our no‐cost system provides you with access to pre‐screened lawyers through a quick and painless process.Immediately after you present your case, email notifications are sent to lawyers that match the geographic location and legal practice area you specify.

How to Find the Best Lawyer Near Me | Nolo

If your legal problem is complex or involves lots of money, you might not want to attempt to handle the matter without a lawyer. After all, lawyers do more than dispense legal information.

Find Lawyers and Law Firms Near You | Local Attorney Search

Search and Find an Attorney Near You. Our directory contains listings for more than one millon lawyers and law firms. No matter where you are located or what legal issue you are facing, you will find the right attorney in the Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.

How to get a feel for an attorney?

One way to get a feel for an attorney’s practice is to be observant when you go for your first consultation.

What to do if something feels off?

If something just feels off, you should move on and find an attorney with whom you have a better rapport.

Is a lawyer an attorney?

The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" have a lot in common, but not all lawyers are attorneys.

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer?

Although an attorney isn’t always necessary when dealing with legal situations, if you’ve decided you want to hire a lawyer, you may now be wondering how you go about finding a good one. Before you begin your search to find a lawyer, remember there are different types of lawyers, from estate planning to criminal defense.

How much does a lawyer charge in New York?

Lawyers will charge you $35.00 for a 30-minute meeting. If your legal problem concerns personal injury, social security, medical malpractice, veteran's and military law, unemployment or workers' compensation, the 30-minute meeting with the lawyer is free.

Can the NYS court system recommend a lawyer?

The NYS Court System can't recommend any specific lawyer but we can help you find the right lawyer for your legal problem.

Can tenants get a lawyer?

Some tenants can get a free lawyer in their cases under the Universal Access to Legal Services Law. New York City is the first city in the country to provide lawyers for tenants in housing cases. By 2022, all tenants should be able to get some free legal assistance.

What to ask an attorney about contingency?

Once you find an attorney willing to take a case on a contingency basis, ask questions. Not only is it essential to be confident in the lawyer's expertise, but it's also good practice to inquire about: how the lawyer will approach your case. a fee estimate. the likelihood of success, and. how much the lawyer expects you'll receive in damages.

What kind of cases do lawyers take on contingency fees?

Typical sorts of cases that lawyers will take on a contingency fee include those involving: personal injuries. employment discrimination. sexual harassment. medical malpractice, and. other lawsuits in which there will likely be a substantial recovery.

Why do not all lawyers take contingency cases?

Not all lawyers will take contingency cases because they require an attorney to do a significant amount of work without pay —at least for an extended period. Even if it's a winning case, some attorneys aren't financially set up to take on such matters. They need the flow of paying clients to cover office costs and other expenses.

What happens if you lose a lawsuit?

If you lose, the attorney receives nothing. This situation works well when you have a winning lawsuit. Many lawyers will agree to accept the case in exchange for a significant portion of your settlement or award—33% to 40% on average.

Can an attorney change a fee agreement?

Keep in mind that it isn't ethical for an attorney to change the fee agreement unilaterally (without your consent). Also, a client should be advised to seek counsel from an independent attorney before agreeing to any changes to be sure that the amendment is in the client's best interests.

How to find a lawyer?

Some lawyers will offer a free consultation. You can find a lawyer by getting referrals from someone you trust. You can also find a lawyer by getting referrals from community agencies, and from Bar Associations such as:

Why do people hire lawyers?

Hiring a lawyer to help you may be more affordable than you think, and it may protect you from doing something that cannot be undone.

What is flat fee in law?

A “flat fee” means the lawyer will charge one fee for all of their work on the case and should tell you what the fee is before starting the work.

What is LawHelpMN?

LawHelpMN.org: Offers a statewide online directory to search for free or lower-cost civil legal services based on your location and/or legal issue. You can choose the LawHelpMN Guide to go through a short interview and get legal information and referrals or search providers and clinics directly.

What is an hourly fee?

An “hourly fee” means the lawyer will charge you an amount of money per hour. With hourly fees, the lawyer keeps track of all of all of the minutes they spend on your case and then bills you for that time based on their hourly rate.

How long is a free legal advice clinic?

Some counties have free legal advice clinics where you may be able talk to a volunteer lawyer for free for 15-30 minutes. The volunteer lawyers will not represent you for your whole case. Some of the free legal advice clinics only help with certain legal issues, and some may have income limit restrictions.

Do lawyers charge a flat fee?

Not all lawyers offer “limited scope” or “unbundled” services. Depending on the type of case, you may be able to hire a lawyer on a “flat fee,” “sliding scale fee,” or “contingency fee" basis. A “flat fee” means the lawyer will charge one fee for all of their work on the case and should tell you what the fee is before starting the work.

Jeffrey B. Lampert

IF yours was a civil case and IF the other party were fantastically rich and IF a lot of things, I would agree with my colleague that it is still unlikely that all 5 attorneys had been bought off. Most attorneys have their clients' interests at heart. However, your use of the word "plea" tells me this is a criminal case, which tells me...

Christine C McCall

You need to set your fears to one side and try to make this attorney-client relationship work. Five lawyers! They aren't all crooks. Five lawyers almost always means that there is something wrong with this client. Even where there isn't a problem with the client, almost all attorneys will think there...

What to do if you can't afford a lawyer?

Legal aid agencies. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get free or low-cost legal help in non-criminal cases from a legal services program. This will depend on your income and the nature of your legal problem.

How to replace an attorney civil?

Fill out the Substitution of Attorney-Civil ( Form MC-050 ). Sign this form and have the lawyer that you are firing AND the new lawyer you are hiring sign it too. Then, make a copy for each side in the case, including yourself.

What is retainer fee?

Retainer fee: A retainer fee sometimes is like a "down payment" on any legal services that a client will need. This means that the legal fees will be subtracted from the retainer until the retainer is used up. The lawyer would then bill you for any additional time spent on your case or ask you to replace the retainer.

What to do if you have doubts about legal aid?

If you have doubts, call your local bar association or lawyer referral service to check. Certified legal specialist directory.

Why is it important to talk to a lawyer before starting a business?

Lawyers are also very helpful to prevent legal problems down the line. Preventive legal advice can save you time, trouble, and money by preventing problems before they arise. For example, if you are going to enter into a contract with someone else, having a lawyer help draft or review the contract before you sign it can help you protect yourself in case something goes wrong. Also, talking to a lawyer before starting a new business can help you choose the best way to set up your business to avoid financial issues later on.

What can a lawyer do?

A lawyer can help you get a divorce, file for bankruptcy, or draw up a will. Or if you have been seriously injured or mistreated, a lawyer can help you file a lawsuit. Some lawyers handle a variety of legal problems; others specialize in certain areas of the law.

How to contact the state bar?

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

How do lawyers get paid?

There are four basic ways lawyers get paid: an hourly fee, a retainer, a flat fee, and a contingency fee. Here’s a closer look at each of the payment types.

How much does a lawyer charge an hour?

For example, if a second-year lawyer is working on a matter, that lawyer may charge $275 an hour.

How much does a misdemeanor defense cost?

A simple misdemeanor defense may cost no more than $1,000, while a major felony charge could cost tens of thousands,” says Earley. Constantini answers along the same lines saying, “A misdemeanor charge has degrees of seriousness and is charged accordingly; the retainer can range from $1,500 to $5,000.

What factors affect the price of a lawyer?

In summary, the key factors that impact the price are location, case type, case complexity, law office type, and the experience, education, and expertise of the lawyer. Further, you’ll have to contact lawyers to find out what they charge.

What happens if you are denied a credit card?

If you are denied a credit card, that means the bank deemed your credit unworthy of an unsecured loan. Try building your credit score over time by making on-time payments, paying your bill in full, and not opening too many credit cards.

How much does a lawyer bill for a phone call?

For example, if an attorney takes a client’s phone call and the call lasts 10 minutes, the lawyer will bill 12 minutes or 2/10 of an hour for a total of $50 for that phone call.”

What is a flat fee?

Flat Fees are Common for Certain Cases. Klein adds, “A flat fee is common in the area of criminal law and bankruptcy law. For example, a client comes in to retain us for a chapter seven bankruptcy; we will charge a flat fee of $3,500 to accomplish the requested service.”. “The old billable hour is going away.

What is the first qualification for 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.

How long can you be in jail for a crime?

Constitution guarantees you the right to be represented by a lawyer in any case in which you could be incarcerated for six months or more. State constitutions may guarantee your right to a lawyer for lesser crimes.

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.

image