why would i need a lawyer

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Lawyer

1. The Law is Complicated. If you're not a lawyer you probably have no business acting like one in certain instances.
2. Not Having a Lawyer May Cost You More. What's at stake? A criminal case may determine whether or not you spend time...
3. Lawyers Know How to Challenge Evidence. Without the proper legal training, you may not be able to...

Full Answer

Why should you should become a lawyer?

• Opportunity to Help Others. Furtherance of public good and ensuring justice and fair treatment to all and sundry in the society by duly helping individuals, groups and organizations with their ...
• Knowledge of the law. ...
• Command over speech. ...

What are the professional requirements for becoming a lawyer?

What are the Professional Requirements for Becoming a Lawyer?

1. Bachelor's Degree. Anyone who wants to pursue a law degree must first complete a bachelor's degree program (or its equivalent).
2. Law School. The next step is to graduate from or complete at least three years at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, with slight variations from ...
3. State Bar Exam. ...
4. Character and Fitness Review. ...
5. Oath. ...

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What are the benefits of being an attorney?

The Top 8 Reasons to Become a Lawyer

• Earning Potential. Lawyers are among the highest-paid professionals in the legal industry, and most attorneys earn salaries well above the national average.
• The Prestige. ...
• An Opportunity to Help Others. ...
• The Intellectual Challenge. ...
• Diverse Practice Areas. ...
• Work Environments and Perks. ...
• Transferable Skills. ...
• Global Influence. ...

When to hire a lawyer?

• Offer internships. Set up a summer associate program to attract recent law school graduates. ...
• Participate in legal events. Attend conferences and other events for lawyers. ...
• Hire internally. When you need a more senior position, look at your current lawyers first. ...
• Post your job online. ...

What are 3 things lawyers do?

Duties of LawyersAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...

What exactly does a lawyer do?

An attorney, also called a lawyer, advises clients and represents them and their legal rights in both criminal and civil cases. This can begin with imparting advice, then proceed with preparing documents and pleadings and sometimes, ultimately, appearing in court to advocate on behalf of clients.

What are 5 things lawyers do?

DutiesAdvise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.More items...•

What are the four responsibilities of lawyers?

It describes the sources and broad definitions of lawyers' four responsibilities: duties to clients and stakeholders; duties to the legal system; duties to one's own institution; and duties to the broader society.

Why do people need a lawyer?

There are many reasons that an individual might consult a lawyer. Some of the most common legal matters taken to lawyers involved: 1 real estate transactions 2 drawing up a will 3 as a party to a lawsuit 4 divorce/separation 5 probate/estate settlement matters 6 child support/custody matter 7 draw up an agreement/contact

What do lawyers do?

In fact, lawyers often help clients in matters that have nothing to do with disputes. For example, people might seek their lawyer’s advice on legal aspects of starting a business or engaging in a partnership, when buying or selling a home, or for information and advice on tax matters or estate planning. Some clients receive regular legal checkups ...

How to resolve a grievance without a lawyer?

There are many ways to solve a grievance without resorting to lawyers. If you believe a business has cheated you , you may get help from a consumer protection agency run by your city, county, state, or federal government. Many businesses, stores, and utility companies have their own departments to help resolve consumer complaints. Some communities have an ombudsman, a government official whose job is to mediate and resolve minor landlord/tenant, consumer, or employment issues. Local television and radio stations may have programs to resolve consumer - related disputes.#N#Most states also have dispute resolution centers. These centers, which may be known as neighborhood justice centers or citizens’ dispute settlement programs, specialize in helping people who have common problems and disputes. Their services are often available for a small fee, or even at no cost.

How much does it cost to represent yourself in small claims court?

Most states have procedures that allow people to represent themselves in small-claims court if the total amount of their claim is under a certain dollar amount—such as $2,500. The cost is minimal, procedures are relatively simple, and there is usually little delay.

Can legal problems be solved?

Yes. Sometimes problems that seem to be “legal” may be solved or prevented by other means . Many groups offer guidance and counseling for personal problems arising in marriage, child rearing, and managing finances. Private counselors or members of the clergy also may provide such help.

Buying a home

Buying a home may not only be the most significant and largest purchase you will make, it also involves the law of real property, which is unique and has special problems. A lawyer is trained to deal with these problems and often has the most experience to deal with them. This applies to people selling a home or buying a home.

1. Dealing with the Broker

A seller without the advice of a lawyer, may sign a brokerage agreement that does not deal with a number of legal problems. The seller may become liable to pay a brokerage commission even if a sale does not occur or to pay more than one brokerage commission.

2. Dealing with tax consequences and other issues

Even though a lawyer may not be needed during the course of negotiations, the buyer and seller each may have to consult with a lawyer to answer important questions, such as the tax consequences of the purchase or sale. To a seller, the tax consequences may be of critical importance.

3. Dealing with the contract of sale

The formal written contract for the sale and purchase of a home is the single most important piece of paper in the transaction. Its importance can not be overestimated.

4. Arranging for financing

Most buyers finance a substantial portion of the purchase price for a one or two family home with a mortgage loan from a bank or other lending institution. The contract should contain a carefully worded provision that it is subject to the buyer’s obtaining a commitment for financing.

5. Searching and insuring title

After the contract is signed it is necessary to establish the state of the seller’s title to the property to the satisfaction of the buyer as spelled out in the contract. Generally, a title search is ordered from an acceptable abstract or title insurance company. However, in some areas of New York State, title insurance is not obtained.

6. Checking out the zoning

The title search does not tell the buyer or seller anything about existing and prospective zoning. Does zoning prohibit a two family home? Does the deck you are planning violate zoning ordinances? There are invariably some questions that will require you to call upon a lawyer for the most direct and efficient response to your inquiry.

Why is it important to have a lawyer on your team?

Having a lawyer on your team can tilt the field to your advantage in the event of a lawsuit. If you are threatened with legal action, having a lawyer already on your team means that he already knows your business, which allows him to hit the ground running. Even more importantly, a savvy business lawyer will have constructed your business ...

What is a business lawyer?

A business lawyer can quickly help you realize when you need additional help – especially with complicated tax matters, or any other specialized assistance. A well-connected business lawyer will be able to quickly refer you to other professionals that can provide the assistance and the guidance that your business needs.

What to do if a client owes you money?

If a client, vendor, partner, or other associate owes you money and is dragging his feet on the matter, by simply asking your lawyer to send a request on your behalf, you can motiva te immediate action. In the event that this alone is not enough to convince the individual to pay, your lawyer will know what your next steps should be in order to collect the money you are owed.

Is it good to have a lawyer for a business?

This proves true for both experienced entrepreneurs and young business owners who are just getting started. A good business lawyer, with specific knowledge of your business, will help you avoid problems that you did not know existed, which can save you huge amounts of money and stress.

Who handles the prosecution of a crime?

The prosecution is handled by lawyers employed by the governmental entity, and the defense is handled by either a publicly appointed defender or a private defense attorney whom the defendant pays. In criminal law, there are misdemeanors (small offenses) and felonies (more serious crimes).

What is civil law?

Civil law also covers legal agreements, real estate transactions, divorces, child custody, and other matters where legal paperwork is necessary to protect all parties involved. Criminal Law: This area of law relates to offenses that break the laws of a local, state, or federal governments.

What happens if you are sued?

Law Suits. If you are being sued and the consequences of a loss may result in the loss of a good deal of money or property, you need a lawyer. Again, the other side has a lawyer, so you need to get one too. Most of these things are settled out of court, but you want an experienced negotiator on your side. 4.

Is it scary to face a criminal charge?

Facing any criminal charge is scary, and you may not even know your rights as an accused person. Get a lawyer immediately for protection of your rights and so that you are defended as well as possible — guilty or not.

Can you contest a lawsuit without an attorney?

Lawsuits That You Do Not Want to Contest. If someone is suing you and you know in advance what they are asking for and are willing to pay the amount, you can simply plead no contest, appear in court without an attorney, or not appear at all. If you don’t appear, a summary judgment will be issued against you.

Is a public defender better than a private attorney?

Defendants who have personally hired attorneys always fare better than those who do not or those who take a public defender. Remember, a public defender is on case overload, and will usually recommend a plea bargain that will be worse than what a private attorney could get you. If you qualify financially for a public defender, still try to find a friend or relative willing to pony up the money for a lawyer.

Can you go to court for DUI?

A good lawyer can meet with the prosecutor and get the charges reduced, especially if this is your first offense. Never go to court on a DUI charge without a lawyer — unless you are willing to accept the maximum penalty.

Dealing with The Broker

Dealing with Tax Consequences and Other Issues

• Even though a lawyer may not be needed during the course of negotiations, the buyer and seller each may have to consult with a lawyer to answer important questions, such as the tax consequences of the purchase or sale. To a seller, the tax consequences may be of critical importance. For example, what are the income tax consequences of a sale, parti...

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Dealing with The Contract of Sale

Arranging For Financing

Searching and Insuring Title

Checking Out The Zoning

Reviewing The Survey

Conducting The Closing

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