what to do when you cannot find 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.
• Go to small claims court.

What do I do if I don't have a lawyer?

Still, whether it's a divorce or you're being taken to court for something else, if you don't have a lawyer, a logical move would be to call the courthouse and ask who they would suggest going to. You think you're the first person who couldn't afford a lawyer?

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.

Where can I find legal help if I can't afford a lawyer?

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.

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 do lawyers do when lost?

A: Some of my colleagues, who are very fine trial lawyers, tell me when they lose a case they set a finite time frame — perhaps 48 hours — to “mourn.” Then they have to get back up and at it. There might be a basis to seek a new trial, or a modification of the decision, and an appeal could be viable.

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 it called when you can't afford a lawyer?

If you're unable to afford a lawyer, you should start by looking into Legal Aid. Legal aid is an umbrella term for any service which provides legal assistance to those unable to afford it otherwise.

Why do lawyers ignore you?

If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.

Do lawyers lie?

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

Should you tell your lawyer everything?

It's almost always advisable to tell your lawyer the whole truth about your case, even if you've committed a crime. Giving your lawyer all the facts helps them craft the best defense by raising reasonable doubt. Even when a client admits guilt, there are usually many mitigating circumstances that can come into play.

Can I represent myself in court?

You have a right to represent yourself in court in a civil case. If you choose to represent yourself, the court will hold you to the same standards as if you were a lawyer. Some cases are simple and straightforward.

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.

Why do attorneys take so long to respond?

Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.

How often should my lawyer update me?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb if things are slow, but if you are preparing for trial or in my case an administrative benefits hearing, the contact with you and your attorney should be more frequent and specifically scheduled.

Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?

The reasons a case can progress slowly can be summed up into three general points: Your case is slowed down by legal or factual problems. Your case involves a lot of damages and substantial compensation. You have not reached maximum medical improvement from your injuries (this will be explained below)

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 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.

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 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.

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.

Christian K. Lassen II

I would recommend calling a couple more lawyers, and if they feel the case is a nonstarter, take their advice.

Christian K. Lassen II

I would recommend calling a couple more lawyers, and if they feel the case is a nonstarter, take their advice.

Christian K. Lassen II

I would recommend calling a couple more lawyers, and if they feel the case is a nonstarter, take their advice.

Raymond Scott Costantino

The attorneys you are dealing with would be in the best position to explain why they are not responding the way you want them to. However, I will share the reality of medical malpractice law which generally applies all over the country. The medical and insurance lobby have spent years and millions of dollars to...

Timothy Lawrence Van Eman

Your experience is usually a sign that the case is not worth pursuing. Alternatively, you've been talking to inexperienced lawyers. If you really feel you have a case, keep trying.

Clifford Michael Farrell

Reposted under Medical Malpractice practice area to have a better chance of a helpful answer as this is not as much about ethics.

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.

Why do attorneys refuse to take cases?

Maybe it’s because they are too busy. Maybe it’s because they don’t specialize in that area of the law.

What does it mean when a lawyer sets off alarm bells?

These alarms tell us that there is a serious problem with you or your case. And under those circumstances, lawyers may choose not to take on your case, even if the case could be worth a lot of money.

What to do if an attorney promises a particular outcome?

First of all, if an attorney promises a particular outcome, find another attorney. There are typically too many other people involved, each having his/her own opinion of a matter, for one person to guarantee an outcome. (And the rare attorney that always wins is smart enough to never make such a promise.)

Do lawyers want to take your case?

The fact that lawyers do not want to take your case therefore, seems to speak more about the merits of your case. It is difficult to find a lawyer to take your case if the lawyers do not believe your case has adequate legal merit. You have not said what type of case it is or any of the facts involved in it.

Can you pay a lawyer if you won?

You have no money to pay the lawyer and would make so little even if you won that the lawyer would lose money even if they won. Your case is so bad the lawyer knows you will lose and you can't pay them yourself. There is no right of legal representation for civil cases and most civil lawyers word on contingency.

Do public defenders get paid?

They get paid by the state or the client or by the other party if you win and the court orders them to pay court costs. However you are constitutionaly entitled to a lawyer in a criminal case. Unfortunately the law doesn't say they have to be a competent lawyer.

Public Defenders

A public defender is a lawyer who works for the benefit of the public. Their role is to uphold people who have been criminally charged or require aid with civil affairs when incapable of paying their legal representation.

Programs Supported by The Federal Government

Low-income people can get free legal representation in civil lawsuits thanks to federal funds. Separation, landlord-tenant, discounted housing, public assistance, Social Security, and unemployment disputes are among the issues that our staff attorneys and competent paralegals can help with.

Charitable Groups that Help Specific Groups

You might be able to identify a nonprofit (charitable) group with attorneys or legal assistants on staff devoted to offering low-cost legal services to specific demographics, based on what is accessible in your area.

Bar Associations and Pro Bono Programs

Lawyers’ bar organizations can be found at the state and municipal levels, and they frequently offer cheaper or no-cost legal services to plaintiffs. Some bar organizations have pro bono initiatives manned by lawyers who have committed to volunteering a portion of their time to provide free legal counsel to deserving clients.

What to do if an attorney is having trouble contacting a client?

If an attorney is having trouble contacting a client, the attorney should make all reasonable efforts to locate the client. If contacting the client is not possible, the attorney should keep records documenting all efforts to give notice, including efforts to contact the client by mail, phone, and email. If the attorney still can’t locate the ...

What to do if you can't contact your client?

If you can’t contact your client, document all your diligent efforts to locate him. Review your previous discussions and agreements to determine what actions your client has authorized you to take. If specific action is necessary and you do not have authorization from your client, a motion for withdrawal may be your next step.

What is the number to call for ethics?

Attorneys with concerns about legal ethics can call the Ethics Line at 206-727-8284 or 800-945-WSBA (9722) , ext. 8284 and receive help analyzing ethical issues. For other issues, Sandra can be reached at sandras@wsba.org or 206-239-2118.

Can an attorney file suit without direction?

See Advisory Opinion 1899. An attorney may not file suit, accept a settlement offer, or take other definitive action without direction from his client, even if the attorney feels action is in the best interest of the client.

Can an attorney take independent action without a client's consent?

Without authorization from the client, an attorney may not take independent action. RPC 1.2 states that a lawyer shall abide by the client’s decision concerning the objectives of the representation and consult with the client as to the means by which those are carried out.