i need to win a civil case, what lawyer do i hire

Hire a Specialist. While most lawyers do general practice and will accept any brief, a few others have decided to specialize in one or a few areas of law. The best lawyers for a case are usually those who have specialized in that particular area of law.

Full Answer

How do I get a lawyer for a civil case?

In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer: Contact the city courthouse. Seek free lawyer consultations. Look to legal aid societies. Visit a law school. Contact your county or state bar association.

How do you win a civil case?

In order to win a civil case, you must meet your burden of proof. Most people know that the burden of proof in the criminal justice system requires a prosecutor to show beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of doing something wrong. The standard is more relaxed in the civil justice system.

Why should I hire a civil lawyer?

Their goal isn't just to prove what happened but to show why the event happened so that it never happens to anyone else. Beyond evidence gathering, a civil lawyer listens to your side of the story and how you want to present yourself to the opposition. In this way, civil lawyers offer more than criminal attorneys or district attorneys.

What kind of cases do civil lawyers work on?

A civil lawyer most commonly works on cases involving: 1 Divorce 2 Trusts 3 Wills 4 Contracts 5 Mortgages 6 Titles 7 Wills 8 Personal injury 9 Workers compensation More ...

Can you beat a case without lawyer?

Whatever the reason, you have the right to represent yourself, to be your own lawyer in all cases in California. But just because you can represent yourself does not mean you should.

How do you successfully win a lawsuit?

Tips for Success in the CourtroomMeet Your Deadlines. ... Choose a Judge or Jury Trial. ... Learn the Elements of Your Case. ... Make Sure Your Evidence Is Admissible. ... Prepare a Trial Notebook.Learn the Ropes.Watch Some Trials. ... Be Respectful.More items...

What type of lawyer goes to court the least?

There are many types of lawyers that rarely (if ever) go into court, as the scope of their work does not require it. These may include estate planning lawyers, labor lawyers, personal injury lawyers, and bankruptcy lawyers.

How can a civil case win a defendant?

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER TO WIN A COURT CASETell the Court Everything That It Wants to Know. ... Know the Facts and Questions of Law. ... Present Your Case Convincingly. ... Avoid Lengthy Unreasonable Arguments & Tiresome Cross Examination.

What makes a successful lawsuit?

In a lawsuit, it is not about who is right or wrong, but what you can prove. The best proof is often in the form of documentary or other visual evidence. All of us have witnessed in today's Youtube society the impact that visual evidence can impact a person's opinion.

How long does a civil lawsuit take?

While an actual trial in court usually takes only a few days, the pre-trial process and the process of preparing a case can take weeks or months. In especially complex cases where both sides present extensive witnesses and lots of technical evidence, even the trial process can stretch on for a long time.

How do I decide what kind of lawyer to get?

Here are a few questions to help you determine what type of law would be a good fit for you:How Much Do You Like to Argue?How Motivated You Are by Money?How Much Control Do You Need Over Your Work Life?How Much Interaction Do You Need With Other People?What Do You Like to Do?

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'.

What is a civil attorney?

A civil attorney, commonly known as a litigator, is a lawyer hired by a client to pursue or defend a civil lawsuit in a court of law. A civil lawsuit can arise in many different areas of law and often concerns the recovery of money or property. Civil attorneys specialize in a wide range of areas, including: personal injury law, employment law, ...

Can you sue someone for a non-criminal crime?

As mentioned above, someone can sue or be sued under almost any non-criminal theory of law. If you believe you have been wronged financially or otherwise, it would be ideal to hire a civil attorney to help you assess the merits of your case. Furthermore, if another person or business ever sues you, it is best to immediately consult ...

How do lawyers prove their case?

In a criminal case, a lawyer's task is to prove their case by using "proof beyond a reasonable doubt". In other words, it must be crystal clear to everyone that the accused is guilty through the evidence alone. Civil lawsuits have a far lower burden of proof. They require only a preponderance of the evidence.

What are the different types of civil litigation?

Civil litigation often falls under one of the following categories of law: 1 Housing law 2 Labor and employment 3 Antitrust 4 Environmental law 5 Intellectual property 6 Product liability

What is the probability of the other party committing the wrong?

One side must show that there's a 51% chance that the other party committed the wrong. The differences in the standards of the burden of proof were on display in the O.J. Simpson trial. Simpson underwent criminal proceedings for the murder of his former wife and her friend.

What is civil lawsuit?

A civil lawsuit is a private dispute between two parties. The dispute may include either two people or two groups. The lawsuit a court process that allows one party to hold a second party liable for an action, usually an action that wronged the first party. For example, in the Brown v.

Is the average American familiar with the inside of a courtroom?

The average American is familiar with the inside of a courtroom not through personal experience but through popular media. They hear and see the supposed theatrics of criminal courtrooms and associate them with justice. Not all justice is criminal.

Do civil cases go to trial?

Here's another strange truth: very few civil proceedings go to trial. Trials are time consuming, costly and unnecessary. A civil lawyer today isn't worried about preparing for court; they help ensure you get the settlement you deserve without a day in court.

Do civil lawsuits fall outside of the criminal justice system?

Civil lawsuits fall outside the government's criminal justice system. Judges in a civil court don't have the same legal powers as criminal court judges. Both judges may compel an individual to perform reparations. However, while a criminal court judge may issue a jail sentence, civil court judges typically do not.

What is a lawyer referral service?

Lawyer Referral Service Provides names of lawyers who might be able to represent you whatever your income. Typically, your local or State Bar Association will be a source of information about lawyer referral services.

What is a family law facilitator?

A family law facilitator is a lawyer who can help you prepare court pleadings and explain court procedure to you. You can ask at the register's office if there is a family law facilitator available to assist you.

What is legal services?

Legal Services Programs Law offices or programs that provide free legal assistance to income-eligible individuals with certain kinds of cases , such as landlord/tenant, domestic violence, or welfare or social security benefits. Pro Bono Legal Services Legal services provided to a client free of charge.

Can I hire a lawyer to handle my case?

Can I hire a lawyer to handle part of my case? In some circumstances, it may be possible for you to hire a lawyer to handle only part of your case. In a few of the courts, lawyers are permitted to provide "limited assistance representation.".

Is it a good idea to get a fee agreement in writing?

It is a good idea to get a fee agreement in writing. It is important to understand that the total cost of your case may be higher or lower than originally estimated. To avoid being surprised, ask your lawyer for a regular accounting of what fees and costs you have incurred .

Do you have to have a written fee agreement in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, written fee agreements are required in contingent fee cases. Flat or fixed fee This type of fee often applies to routine legal matters such as a simple will or uncontested divorce. If you agree to a fixed fee, make sure you find out precisely what is included in the fixed fee and what is not.

How do I file a civil case in General District Court?

To file a civil case in General District Court, you must prepare a warrant or complaint, and file it with the clerk of the appropriate court. There is generally a fee for filing and an additional fee to have the warrant or complaint served on the defendant (the person or business you are suing).

What can I expect once I file my case?

Be prepared to go to court several times! The first court date you will get from the clerk’s office when you file is referred to as a “return date.” At that time, the defendant is required to appear (if he/she has been properly served). If the defendant disputes that he/she owes you money, a trial date will be set.

All things considered, should I represent myself, or hire an attorney?

If your lawsuit is for a small amount of money, it may not be economically practical to hire an attorney. If you have a case that has complicated legal issues or involves a significant sum of money, however, you have more to win or lose, and should consider hiring an attorney to represent you.

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Why should I not hire a civil litigation attorney?

One of the most common objections to hiring a civil litigation attorney is the cost of legal representation. However, with legal and financial costs at stake, not having an attorney could actually end up costing you more during a trial if you don’t fully understand the law or how the process works. In some cases, you can even claim your legal fees as part of a settlement. Instead of losing money, you could actually make money by hiring an attorney.

Why do I need an attorney for my business?

Whether you’re just starting your own business or you’re facing a civil litigation dispute, your attorney can help you keep your personal and business interests protected. Additionally, your attorney can help you avoid future problems or legal issues down the road.

What is civil litigation?

In addition to the court proceedings, your case will involve documents and legal procedures that you are likely unfamiliar with. Your civil litigation attorney can ensure that you meet all deadlines, properly fill out and file documents, and follow all necessary procedures throughout your case. This is especially important, as failing to meet deadlines or follow procedures can result in a delay in your case—or even having your case thrown out altogether.

Can you represent yourself in civil court?

While it’s typically not advisable, you could represent yourself during a criminal or civil litigation case. When compared to criminal law, the burden of proof is much lower in civil litigation cases. In other words, the other party can disprove your stance with much less evidence or convincing. If the opposing side has a civil litigation attorney on their side, you’ll have a much greater chance of losing by representing yourself.

Who can put together a will?

Although most family attorneys can put together a basic will, you may want one who specializes in wills and estate planning, especially if you have a lot of assets or a dependent to take care of. You may need an attorney who has expertise in planning and executing trusts and a background in taxes.

What is immigration lawyer?

Immigration lawyers help their clients through all phases of the immigration process. Experts on immigration law, they are legally qualified to represent U.S. citizens, permanent residents or undocumented immigrants. Immigration lawyers also provide assistance to visitors here on student, work or travel visas, and can represent clients who may have ...

Do personal injury lawyers have to pass the bar exam?

Most states then require the person to pass the bar exam to become licensed to practice law. Unlike many attorneys who require a retainer, personal injury lawyers often work on contingency fees. This means that in lieu of payment upfront, they receive an agreed-upon percentage of the settlement in case of a win.

Do you need a real estate attorney for closing?

Many states require a real estate attorney to handle sale closing documents. For more complex matters such as a real estate deal gone awry or foreclosure, you’ll want to find an attorney who has successfully handled cases like yours. Look for online reviews of real estate lawyers in your area.

Do personal injury attorneys get paid?

Personal injury attorneys typically receive a percentage of your settlement (called a contingency fee), so they are paid after the trial or case is complete.

How do I find a good lawyer?

There are several sources you can use to find a good attorney. Friends, doctors, online directories, the state bar, and other sources can point you in a certain direction, but there are no guarantees that they will refer you to a good one. An excellent way to find a good lawyer is to get a referral from a legal professional you already trust.

When making a legal claim against a business or insurance company, do they have attorneys?

When making a legal claim against a business or insurance company, they have attorneys who are intimately familiar with the laws that govern their business, while the common citizen rarely has an understanding of legal procedures or their rights.

What do contingency lawyers do?

A contingency lawyer will often need to hire expert witnesses, investigate the incident, and fund all the costs involved with building your case. Such arrangements vary, and will depend on your attorney, the scope of your legal matter, the type of case, and the policy of the firm you work with - the key point is that if you have a good, ...

What is the last line of defense in a trial?

In fact, in many cases trial litigators stand as the last line of defense to hold the negligent and the unlawful accountable.

Do I need an up-front fee for an employment lawyer?

Other legal matters in such fields such as bankruptcy, family law (divorce & custody), most employment lawyers and other practice areas may require an up-front fee or a by the hour assessment of costs.

Can you file a complaint against a state bar?

Most state bar associations have dispute resolution services. If you feel that your representation has acted unethically, there are grievance procedures in every state that allow you to file a complaint against your attorney and have that complaint investigated.

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What does it mean to spend time in court?

And to add fuel to the fire, spending time preparing for a court case can mean losing wages or part of a salary. In short, if you don't have the time to self-educate, and if you can't find enough free legal advice to help you have your day in court, it's a wise decision to seek out a competent attorney.

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.