where do i find a lawyer to represent me in a case against the county?

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 I find a good attorney to represent me?

You can ask people you know to suggest attorneys they have worked with in the past. You can ask an attorney you know or have worked with before if they can refer you to an attorney who has experience with issues similar to yours. If you’re a servicemember, you should consult with your local JAG Legal Assistance Office .

How do I find a lawyer in my state?

You may be able to find lawyer referrals in your area by checking the American Bar Association website or your state bar association. Low income consumers may qualify for legal aid. Find an office in your state here. Servicemembers should consult their local JAG office . Ask people you know to suggest attorneys they have worked with in the past.

How do I get legal representation in 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:

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.

How do I choose a law firm to represent me?

10 Factors To Consider When Choosing A Law Firm To Represent YouExperience with your case type. ... Expertise in your local area. ... Advocacy style. ... Fee schedules. ... Employment history. ... Diversity. ... Reputation. ... Communication.More items...•

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'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 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...•

How to contact a lawyer in California?

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. Checking the Yellow Pages of the telephone book under "Attorneys" for a State Bar-certified lawyer referral service. Legal aid agencies.

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.

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.

What is a basic legal plan?

In general, most basic plans provide legal advice and consultation by telephone and may also include brief office consultations, review of simple legal documents, preparation of a simple will, and short letters written or phone calls made by a lawyer to an adverse party. Other plans may offer more extended services.

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.

Can I fire my lawyer?

You have the right to fire your lawyer at any time. But he or she usually will have the right to payment for any past work already done for you.

Do lawyers charge for fees?

The lawyer will charge you for the costs of your case as well as the fees. You will be responsible for paying these costs even if your case is not successful. Costs can add up quickly. It is a good idea to ask the lawyer for a written estimate of what the costs will be.

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.

How to find a lawyer?

Ideas on how to find an attorney: 1 You can contact a lawyer referral service in your area by reaching out to your state or local bar association. 2 You may qualify for free legal services through legal aid. Scroll down for a list of offices in each state. 3 You can ask people you know to suggest attorneys they have worked with in the past. 4 You can ask an attorney you know or have worked with before if they can refer you to an attorney who has experience with issues similar to yours. 5 If you’re a servicemember, you should consult with your local JAG Legal Assistance Office .

How to find out if an attorney is licensed?

You can also see if he or she has a disciplinary record. You can find this information by searching the attorney’s name on the state bar website where the attorney is licensed, or by calling the state bar association.

How to contact a lawyer referral service?

You can contact a lawyer referral service in your area by reaching out to your state or local bar association. You may qualify for free legal services through legal aid. Scroll down for a list of offices in each state. You can ask people you know to suggest attorneys they have worked with in the past.