Lawyers

Some background info

• There are more than 1 million lawyers in the U.S.

• Most lawyers rarely go to court – They give advice,

negotiate settlements, and provide out-of-court legal assistance

• Lawyers who go to trial are called litigators

When do you need a lawyer?

Everyday situations• Buying or selling real estate• Organizing a business• Divorce or adoption• Making a will• Signing an important

contract

When you get into trouble• Handling accidents involving

personal injury or property damage

• Defending a criminal charge• Bringing a civil suit• A bar association – an

organization that licenses lawyers – can help you determine if you need a lawyer

How do you find a lawyer?

• Try to get a recommendation from a friend or family member

• Look in the phone book• Try to find a lawyer who

specializes in the area where you need help if possible

• If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to get assistance from the public defender’s office

Hiring a lawyer

• Interview multiple lawyers before choosing one• Ask for an estimate of the total charge for their

services up front• Retainer – a down payment on the total legal

fee• Contingency fee – client pays a percentage of

the settlement to the lawyer if he wins, but owes him nothing if he loses

Working with your lawyer

• Privilege – whatever you tell your lawyer about the case is confidential– Cannot be disclosed

without your permission

• Attorneys should help you understand what is going on and give you advice, but you have to make the important decisions

• Lawyers must follow a standard of conduct and need to pass a test to become a member of the state bar

• A lawyer can be disbarred if he violates the standard of conduct – he loses his license to practice law

• If a lawyer makes a serious error, he can be sued for legal malpractice