is there a legal service where the lawyer tells you what to do rather than do it for you?

For instance, it's the difference between telling someone what to do (legal advice) instead of how to do it (legal information). Some examples of legal advice include: Selecting, drafting, or completing legal documents or agreements that affect the legal rights of a person

Full Answer

What should I do if I have a lawyer?

Cooperate with your lawyer and respond to requests for information in a timely manner. Attend meetings and legal proceedings, such as a deposition or mediation. Be courteous to your lawyer and his or her team. Don’t ask your lawyer to do anything illegal or unethical. Pay your legal bills in a timely manner.

What are the duties of a lawyer?

Although the rules vary from state to state, there are some basic duties that lawyers often have. For example, your lawyer must: represent you competently, zealously, and within the bounds of the law keep conversations with you confidential, except in specific and rare occasions

Who can give legal advice?

From a legal standpoint, the giving of legal advice is tantamount to the practice of law, and only a licensed attorney with whom one has formed an attorney-client relationship with may give actual legal advice.

What information does a lawyer have to keep private?

They must keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client. Lawyer-client communications are covered by the attorney-client privilege only if the circumstances lend themselves to confidentiality.

Does my lawyer have to do what I say?

An attorney must always do what they say they will in a prompt and timely manner as unreasonable delay may adversely affect the outcome of your case.

What is the meaning of pro bono publico?

for the public goodThe term "pro bono," which is short for pro bono publico, is a Latin term that means "for the public good." Although the term is used in different contexts to mean “the offering of free services,” it has a very specific meaning to those in the legal profession.

What is a free consultation?

So, when a lawyer says that he or she will provide a free consultation it means that they will sit down with you, hear about your problem, and give you some initial thoughts about it, at no charge or obligation to you. This meeting gives you a chance to "interview" the lawyer and the lawyer the chance to interview you.

Does your lawyer have to tell you everything?

Attorney-Client Privilege – Your attorney is bound by the ethics of the legal profession not to reveal whatever you tell him without your permission. The only times this doesn't apply is if you: Waive your right to privilege, which means you give the lawyer permission to disclose information.

What is the meaning of Ad Idem?

Legal Definition of ad idem : in agreement : at a meeting of the minds the parties were ad idem.

What does prima facie mean?

Prima facie may be used as an adjective meaning "sufficient to establish a fact or raise a presumption unless disproved or rebutted." An example of this would be to use the term "prima facie evidence."

Are free consultations really free?

It's true: Free legal consultations really are free. Don't hesitate to take advantage of them if you were injured and want to find out about your legal options.

What's another way to say free consultation?

Instead of calling it a free consultation, try a free strategy session, or a free diagnostic, or a free assessment, or a personalized seminar or webinar, or a free coaching class.

Should I offer a free consultation?

3 days agoOn the one hand, free consultations are a great way to attract potential clients by providing them with the security of deciding who to hire before having to pay fees. It's a good way to get people into your office, which gives you the chance to stand out above your competitors. But on the other hand, time is money.

Do lawyers lie for their clients?

In California, the Rules of Professional Conduct govern a lawyer's ethical duties. The law prohibits lawyers from engaging in dishonesty.

Can lawyers snitch on clients?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that protects the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under the rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to.

What can I do when my attorney ignores you?

If you believe that your attorney acted unethically, you should consider filing a complaint with the State Bar. You can complete a complaint form online or download a PDF complaint form from the State Bar's website.

What to Do If Your Lawyer Is Not Helping You

When your lawyer is not responding to you properly, it means he is not taking an interest in your case. In such a situation, he’ll neither receive your case nor will call you back. It’s not a good sign as it will cease your case and not process properly.

How to Judge a Lawyer?

Whether he’s honest or not, judging a lawyer is very important. One can clear this point via various factors. Some of the factors to judge a lawyer are given here.

What to Do When My Lawyer is Not Helping Me?

When you find your lawyer not interested in your case, do these preventive measurements promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you find your lawyer ignorant of your case, find out the reason behind it, and start searching for a new lawyer for your case too.

Conclusion

From the above discussion, the importance of proper communication between the lawyer and the plaintiff is clear. Without proper coordination with the client, a lawyer can hardly succeed in the case. So, if you find that your lawyer is not helping you, try to find out the reason behind his ignorance.

What is legal advice?

True legal advice forms an agreement between an attorney and his or her client based on a particular legal matter the client is experiencing. In a nutshell, legal advice has the following characteristics: Requires legal knowledge, skill, education and judgment. Applies specific law to a particular set of circumstances.

What is legal information?

Legal information obtained from free online legal websites, including a law firm or attorney's own website. Advice from friends, family members, or former clients of a lawyer. Information you hear on the radio. Information you read on social media websites. Information you see in news periodicals or on billboards.

Is legal advice generic?

What Legal Advice is Not. While legal advice is specific, direct, and proposes a course of action, legal information, on the other hand, is factual, generic, and does not address any one particular cause of action. To help avoid the confusion that often comes with legal information, websites and individuals will often go to great lengths ...

Can a lawyer give legal advice?

As a general matter, only a lawyer may give actual legal advice, whereas any non-lawyer may recite legal information. Furthermore, it is generally illegal for a non-lawyer or unlicensed attorney to offer legal advice or otherwise represent someone other than himself or herself in a court of law. Unlike legal information, legal advice refers to ...

What is privileged attorney?

The attorney-client privilege is a rule that preserves the confidentiality of communications between lawyers and clients. Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients ...

Why is confidentiality important in law?

The duty of confidentiality prevents lawyers from even informally discussing information related to their clients' cases with others. They must keep private almost all information related to representation of the client, even if that information didn't come from the client.

What is the client privilege?

The Client's Privilege. Generally, the attorney-client privilege applies when: an actual or potential client communicates with a lawyer regarding legal advice. the lawyer is acting in a professional capacity (rather than, for example, as a friend), and. the client intended the communications to be private and acted accordingly.

What is an example of a civil suit?

Example: In a civil suit regarding allegedly stolen funds, the judge orders the defense to turn over to the plaintiff documentation of conversations between the defendant and his attorney. The defense argues that the attorney-client privilege applies, and that the documents are protected. But the documents relate to plans between ...

Can an attorney disclose client secrets?

Under that rule, attorneys may not divulge their clients' secrets, nor may others force them to. The purpose of the privilege is to encourage clients to openly share information with their lawyers and to let lawyers provide effective representation.

Is attorney client privilege inadmissible?

If someone were to surreptitiously record the conversation, that recording would probably be inadmissible in court.

Can a client forfeit the attorney-client privilege?

No matter who hears or learns about a communication, however, the lawyer typically remains obligated not to repeat it.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hired attorneys because they don't want to sit in court. Well, truth be told, neither do I. The difference between lawyer and client is that the lawyer expects it to take a long time and understands. The client typically thinks it's unjustified. So, your hard truth is that each case takes time. Be patient.

What to do if your lawyer doubts you?

Tell the Truth. If your lawyer doubts you in the consultation, or doesn't think you have a case, while that may change over time, getting over an initial disbelief is very hard. You have to prove your case. Your attorney is not your witness. They are your advocate - but you are responsible for coming up with proof.

Why is credibility important in court?

Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom. If you care enough only to wear sweats to the courthouse, then the judge will see that you don't care, and that will be reflected in their desire to help you, listen to you, and decide in your favor. Step it up.

What to say when a judge can see your boobs?

If the judge can see your boobs, he's not listening to your story. If I can see your boobs, then I know you didn't care enough about yourself to talk to an attorney. Dress like you are going to church. Credibility is one of the most important things in this world - and most important in a courtroom.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

If you don't pay your lawyer on the day of trial, or however you have agreed to, then while he or she may be obligated by other ethical duties to do his/her best, they won't be motivated by sympathy for you, and it will show in court.

What to do if no one can confirm a story is true?

If no one can confirm that the story is true, you will at least need something external, such as a hard copy document, to prove your case. Be prepared.

Can a lawyer take your money?

While lawyers can certainly take your money and your time and we can file a case that will be very hard to win, if you don't care enough about your life to get a contract, the judge is not very likely to be on your side. At least, not automatically. Oral contracts are extremely hard to prove. What are the terms.

How to be courteous to a lawyer?

Be courteous to your lawyer and his or her team. Don’t ask your lawyer to do anything illegal or unethical. Pay your legal bills in a timely manner. These duties are often implied as part of the attorney-client relationship, even if you didn’t expressly agree to them in a retainer agreement.

What happens if a lawyer violates the rules?

If your lawyer violates these rules, he or she can be disciplined or even face a legal malpractice suit.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

Each state has its own ethical rules for lawyers, called the rules of professional conduct. When lawyers fail to live up to this code of conduct, the state disciplinary board can take action against them—from a simple warning to disbarment (losing the license to practice law forever).

What is attorney-client privilege?

When you seek advice from an attorney about a legal matter, your private communications with your lawyer are protected by the attorney-client privilege. This means that your lawyer cannot reveal any information that you disclose to him or her in confidence, unless you give your express permission.

How to represent you in court?

represent you competently, zealously, and within the bounds of the law. keep conversations with you confidential, except in specific and rare occasions. communicate with you in a timely and effective manner. keep you informed of developments in your case.

Can a lawyer reveal the content of a conversation?

Except for some very limited exceptions, even a court of law can’t force your lawyer to reveal the content of your discussions. The privilege does not, however, apply to communications for the purpose of committing a crime or an act of fraud. This is called the “crime-fraud exception.”.

Can an attorney text you?

Attorneys have the option, but are not required, to send text messages to you. You will receive up to 2 messages per week from Martindale-Nolo. Frequency from attorney may vary. Message and data rates may apply. Your number will be held in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Where to go if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you're not satisfied with your lawyer's strategy decisions or with the arguments the lawyer has been making on your behalf, you may even want to go to the law library and do some reading to educate yourself about your legal problem.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't work?

If that doesn't work, as a last resort you may need to sue your lawyer in small claims court, asking the court for money to compensate you for what you've spent on redoing work in the file or trying to get the file.

What is the agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers?

Every state has an agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers. In most states, it's the bar association; in others, the state supreme court. The agency is most likely to take action if your lawyer has failed to pay you money that you won in a settlement or lawsuit, made some egregious error such as failing to show up in court, didn't do legal work you paid for, committed a crime, or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.