Posts Tagged ‘Trial Lawyers’

When You Need an Attorney, Use an Online Lawyer Directory to Find Law Firms and Attorney Listings

November 14th, 2009



For many of the major circumstances of life, you will need the help of a competent lawyer.  However, it can be challenging to find a lawyer for your particular situation in your geographical locale.  An attorney search can be time consuming, but one quick and easy way to obtain a useful list of firms and names is to conduct an attorney search by using an online attorney directory.

How Lawyers Work

Attorneys are licensed to practice law in each specific state.  Lawyers have many responsibilities when it comes to the particular branch of law that they practice.  Attorneys have to be able to understand their client’s case so well that they can argue it in front of a judge or jury.  These types of lawyers are called trial lawyers, who try cases in court.  In order to be prepared for court, lawyers must do extensive research into the laws pertaining to the case, as well as put in writing all of the issues surrounding the specific case for their documents called briefs.  A case might be a criminal case where criminal charges have been filed against a suspect and is tried at court in front of a jury.

Working With Your Lawyer

Once you find a lawyer or law firms through an onlineattorney listingsr

, your lawyer will get to know you and learn what the facts are about in your case.  Your lawyer will also want to find out from you what you wish to accomplish in court, and he or she will then take some time to explain to you what can actually be accomplished in the legal setting.  You will need to find an attorney with excellent listening skills, and this is why using  an attorney search website that offers a lawyer referral is so helpful.  When past clients give feedback on their experience with a particular lawyer, you can rest assured that your lawyer comes recommended, and you can avoid lawyers that do not receive good recommendations as well.  Law firms will not necessarily offer new clients this type of information, but it is vital to know if you are selecting a lawyer.

Barrister or Solicitor? 

Sometimes you will need a lawyer to help you with a legal matter outside of the realm of those typically held in a courtroom. (In the U.K., such a lawyer is known as a solicitor, whereas courtroom attorneys are called barristers.) Lawyers can help you register your patent or trademark, or they can negotiate and write up business contracts.  If you are ready to buy a home or business, an attorney can prepare all of the necessary paperwork for you.  Attorneys also are well-versed in preparing wills and trusts.  An online attorney directory can provide you with a list of law firms and offer a lawyer directory to make the process of finding a great lawyer in the particular area you need much easier for you.



By: Jonathan Blocker

11 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Criminal Law Attorney

November 11th, 2009



Mistake #1: Hiring an attorney without extensive experience in the field of criminal law.

Mistake #2: Hiring an attorney who is not licensed to practice law before all state and federal courts in your state, as well as before the United States Court of Appeals and

the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mistake #3: Hiring an attorney who is not a member of professional associations such as the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Bar Association and Association of Trial Lawyers of America, as well as the trial lawyers and bar associations from your state.

Mistake #4: Hiring an attorney who isn’t honest in explaining his fees and what’s included upfront.

Mistake #5: Hiring an attorney without knowing who will represent you in court.

Mistake #6: Hiring an attorney who you don’t feel comfortable with or someone who you don’t feel confident in his abilities to assist you.

Mistake #7: Hiring an attorney you don’t trust.

Mistake #8: Hiring the lowest priced attorney.

Mistake #9: Hiring an attorney who isn’t upfront about the merits of your case.

Mistake #10: Hiring an attorney who doesn’t have an excellent reputation with his clients and the entire legal community.

Mistake #11: Hiring an attorney who doesn’t take the time to listen carefully to your needs.



By: Frederick D. Paoletti, Jr.

6 Crucial Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Criminal Law Lawyer

November 4th, 2009



Question #1: How much experience do you have specifically in the field of criminal law?

Some lawyers accept just about any case that comes their way, and then they find another attorney to handle it in return for some of the money recovered. You’ll get better results with an attorney whose only focus is on criminal law.

A criminal lawyer with extensive experience will understand how to aggressively represent you in and out of state and federal court rooms. In addition, you’ll likely get an accurate estimate for the length of your case and its strong and weak points.

Question #2: What are your qualifications?

You’ll want to find a criminal law lawyer who is licensed to practice before state and federal courts within your state, as well as the United States Court of Appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Question #3: What professional associations do you belong to?

Involvement with professional associations helps demonstrate a lawyer’s commitment to the legal system. Some favorable associations include the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Bar Association and Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Also, look for attorneys who are members of the trial lawyers and bar associations from your state.

You may also want to seek out lawyers who are members of the Million Dollar Advocate Forum, an organization whose membership is limited to attorneys who have obtained settlements or judgments of $1 million or more.

Question #4: Will you handle my case or will you assign the case to an assistant?

Some law firms use senior lawyers to bring in cases and then assign the cases to assistants. You want an experienced criminal law lawyer handling your case.

Question #5: What are the fees for using your services?

Your attorney should be upfront about the merits of your case and fee. During your initial consultation, you should find out what your case will cost. A flat fee agreement will ensure there are no hidden charges.

Question #6: (Ask yourself this final question.): Do you trust the lawyer?

Find out what reputation your lawyer has with clients and the legal community. In addition, make sure your lawyer takes significant time to listen to you carefully, take notes and read your file thoroughly. Let your lawyer show you that he truly cares about the outcome of your case.

Resource Box

 

Frederick D. Paoletti, Jr. is the founding principal of Paoletti & Gusmano Attorneys at Law, a criminal defense and personal injury firm located in Bridgeport, Connecticut. For more articles related to protecting yourself during personal injury and criminal situations, please visit http://www.paolettilaw.net.

 



By: Frederick D. Paoletti, Jr.