Do you think you need a lawyer? Understand how you can determine whether you should hire a lawyer, how the lawyer/client relationship works, ethical rules that lawyers are bound by, and alternative methods of obtaining legal assistance without having a private lawyer. In addition, learn more about how to find a lawyer, how lawyers commonly charge for their services and questions to ask a lawyer when meeting for the first time.Determining the Need for Legal AssistanceDo you require a lawyer's assistance? Learn about the role of a lawyer and how he or she may be able to assist you with legal issues involving criminal law, family law, personal injury law, disability law and other practice areas. Alternative Options  

Determining the Need for Legal Assistance

Do you require a lawyer's assistance? Learn about the role of a lawyer and how he or she may be able to assist you with legal issues involving criminal law, family law, personal injury law, disability law and other practice areas. 

Alternative Options

Learn about pro bono laws, whether you may qualify for pro bono assistance and other ways that you may be able to take care of legal issues if you are unable to afford a private lawyer.

Lawyers' Ethical Rules

Lawyers have their own set of regulations to follow. Learn more about rules may apply in a certain case and the entities responsible for implementing and regulations such rules. In addition, learn how to check an attorney's credentials and ensure validity. 

Lawyer/Client Relationship

Understand the lawyer/client relationship, as well as privileges and protections in place for clients. Learn about the differences in paralegals and lawyers and how to change lawyers if you are not satisfied. 

Payment for Legal Services

Understand the usual ways that lawyers charge for their services, the use of retainer fee agreements, and the reason why retainer fees are often required. In addition, learn more about how fees are usually determined and how to dispute unnecessary fees.