Before choosing an attorney and signing a retainer, it is important that you make a list of questions for a lawyer.The answers to these questions will help you determine who is the best attorney to handle your specific case. An experienced attorney who has the means and resources to commit to you and your needs is crucial for resolving any legal matter. Every case is unique so the answers to these questions for a lawyer will vary depending on the legal matter. Know before you interview a prospective lawyer what your needs are and what you require from your attorney.

Questions for a Lawyer

The following are some of the top questions for a lawyer that you should ask before you put him or her on retainer:

1. What is your experience in this field? There are many types of lawyers and it is important that you chose one with extensive experience in the field in which you require legal advice.
2. Have you handled matters like mine? Ask for specific examples of cases your attorney has handled in the past so that you can be sure this lawyer will know how to handle your case.
3. What are the possible outcomes of my case? It is important that you and your lawyer are on the same page when it comes to the outcome of your case. Make sure your attorney believes that you can get the best possible outcome.
4. What are my alternatives in resolving the matter? Ask a lawyer how he or she plants to resolve your case. There are many ways your legal matter can be handled and it is important that you understand all your options.
5. Approximately how long will it take to resolve? Legal matters can take a long time to resolve, which can be quite expensive. Get an approximate timeline, so you are not unprepared for a long legal process and so that you can prepare for the costs.
6. What are your rates and how will you bill me? It is important that you know what your attorney charges, not only so that you can make sure you can afford his or her services, but also so that you are not surprised by any hidden fees. Legal services can be expensive and many attorneys charge differently. You don’t need the added stress of worrying whether or not you will be able to afford your lawyer fees so ask upfront what the rates will be.
7. How will you keep me informed of progress? Some lawyers are very involved with their clients and others tend to work on their own and only update their client when they feel it is necessary. Decide how involved you want to be in the case and talk to your lawyer about how they typically work with a client.
8. Who else in the office will be working on my case? If you are considering hiring a lawyer who works in a large firm, there may be several people working on your case. Find out who specifically is handling your legal matter. If you chose to go with a lawyer who works for a smaller firm or has their own practice, there may only be one or two people handling the case. Make sure you are comfortable with who will be handling your case on a day to day basis.

Joshua Just, a former attorney in New York City, has over 20 years of experience as a lawyer, which gives him unique insight to many legal matters.

TASC Supports New Mandates on Debt Restructuring Firms

Lawyers for the FTC have succeeded in arguing for several new restrictions on debt settlement companies, culminating in a new policy making legislation coming from the government.

Starting on October 27, 2010, for-profit companies that sell debt relief services over the telephone may no longer charge a fee before they settle or reduce a customer’s credit card or other unsecured debt.

In addition, the lawyers have successfully argued for mandated enhanced disclosure requirements. These are modeled on current and proposed standards from the industry’s leading trade association, TASC (The Association of Settlement Companies). TASC already offered guidance and regulations for debt restructuring companies, something I talked about in my earlier post: What to Look for in a Trustworthy Debt Settlement Company. before FTC lawyers and legislators got involved.

TASC originally opposed one key part of the proposed legislation: the prohibition of debt settlement companies from accepting fees from a consumer for debt settlement services prior to the actual settlement of the consumer’s debt.

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For lawyers, the mystification regarding the laws surrounding lawyer referral fees can be a common complaint.  As I mentioned in an earlier article, only lawyers can receive referral fees.  Many attorneys think this is an outdated practice, as it completely goes against how most other businesses operate. Giving someone an incentive to help you bring in new business should not be considered a crime. And yet, referral fees to non-lawyers is considered attorney misconduct. Today I ask you – should it be?

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With universal health care bringing health insurance to the public’s attention in more ways than ever before, people are looking to medical discount card programs to help ease the burden of expensive health insurance costs.

A Medical Discount Card Program is similar to a dental or vision or prescription discount card, but promise discounts on a broader array of health care needs. A medical discount card program can be used for doctor visits, hospitalizations, laboratory testing, and other health care services.

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Whether you are a renter, a first time buyer or an empty nester searching for your retirement home, green real estate – an increasing trend in the real estate market – can save you money in the long run. While green real estate might cost you more upfront, you will certainly see a return on your investment with your reduced monthly bills. From community gardens to solar chimneys to geothermal heat and cooling systems, there are many ways in which your green real estate will help save the environment and your wallet.

Three Ways Green Real Estate Can Cut Down on Your Monthly Bills

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Approximately 46 million people are uninsured in the United States and are greatly in need of affordable comprehensive medical care. The new health bill that was passed into legislation by the Obama Administration in March of 2010 is the most far-reaching health regulation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid. Of the 46 million who are uninsured in the United States, five groups could benefit the most from affordable health insurance. By 2019, the new health bill aims to expand health insurance to these five groups of Americans and to nearly 32 million people.

Five Groups of Americans who could Benefit the Most from Affordable Comprehensive Medical Care

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Photo By UmjaneDoan

The decision on what kind of law to specialize is likely causing a great deal of stress to those students on the verge of entering law school. While the majority will decide to be the kinds of lawyers that work on standard law specialties like construction or will and trusts, others will choose to take a bit braver route. These kinds of lawyers – those who choose to take part in newer and innovative fields – are the kinds of lawyers that are the ones will become leaders as they advance in their fields. What kind of fields offers countless opportunities to set precedence and assist in changing the way we function? Fields like health care, energy solutions, and insurance offer this and so much more.

Emerging Kinds of Lawyers: Insurance

With the law changing so rapidly, countless new kinds of law are coming into existence and evolving so much, that most law firms can’t keep up.

A recent article in The Washington Post highlighted one law firm that is able to though. DC law firm Arent Fox has successfully positioned itself as a leader in the insurance market by expanding their insurance and reinsurance unit in New York.

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Photo By Andres Ruedas

It’s no secret that Better Businesses Bureau are not fans of debt settlements companies. According to the Better Businesses Bureau, most debt settlements companies do not do what they’re supposed to do, which is ensure that creditors are getting paid as agreed to by the consumer.  This would be a serious problem if it were true in most cases.

According to The Association of Settlement Companies, the Better Businesses Bureau “felt that the creditors had a right to get paid and that debt settlement obstructed that right. Included in this general line of thought was that debt settlement companies tell consumers not to pay their debts or that the business model ‘educates’ consumers not to pay their debts.”

Unfortunately for the Better Businesses Bureau, this could not be less true of most of the debt settlements companies out there today.

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Pick wisely! (photo: www.sxc.hu)

The decision on what kind of law to specialize is likely causing a great deal of stress to those students on the verge of entering law school. While the majority will decide to be the kinds of lawyers that work on standard law specialties like construction or will and trusts, others will choose to take a bit braver route. These kinds of lawyers – those who choose to take part in newer and innovative fields – are the kinds of lawyers that are the ones will become leaders as they advance in their fields. What kind of fields offers countless opportunities to set precedence and assist in changing the way we function? Fields like health care, energy solutions, and insurance offer this and so much more.

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Okay, you already know that filing for bankruptcy is a very serious decision and not one you should make without studying up on and considering alternatives for. When doing so, it’s important to remember that there is no quick fix to bankruptcy as there are countless hidden bankruptcy fees, lawyer’s fee structures, court costs and all around annoyances that are associated with this “simple” way of relieving your debt. Here’s an idea of some of the bankruptcy fees you should expect when filing for bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy Fees #1 – Lawyers’ Fee Structures

Attorney Billing Still Applies to Bankruptcy!

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