Who needs a Lawyer?
Sooner or later, almost everyone needs a lawyer. Many people only think of seeing a lawyer after they develop a legal problem, but the best time to consult a lawyer is before, not after, you have a legal problem.

When do you need a Lawyer?
Early consultation with a lawyer can prevent serious problems later on. Common situations when you should have a lawyer include:

• Before signing a contract to buy or sell a home, other real estate or a business.
• Making a will and planning your estate.
• Before signing written contracts with major financial provisions or consequences.
• When business/domestic/marital problems arise.
• When organizing a business. Legal services do not end with the formulation of a business.
• There are ongoing concerns about intellectual property rights, employment law etc.
• When tax problems arise.
• When accidents occur involving personal injury or property damage.
• When you are sued or want to sue someone.

Why shouldn’t you try to handle your own Legal Affairs?
Entrustment of a legal matter may well involve the confidence, reputation, property, finances, freedom or even the life of a client. Therefore, it is important for people to use the services of a lawyer when appropriate. Lawyers are professionals, trained to safeguard the rights of the general public and are bound by the professional codes. They are regulated by the Bar Councils and are subject to the rules of the legal profession, the discipline system of the Courts and continuing legal education requirements.

Ethics rules prohibit lawyer from disclosing any information about your matter without permission from you. Your lawyer’s principal duty is to see that you receive the benefit of all your legal rights.

Before visiting lawyer, write down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all persons involved in your matter and all pertinent facts. By doing this at home, you will reduce the time your lawyer will need to spend gathering the information. Take all papers relating to the matter to the first meeting with your lawyer. Be honest and tell your lawyer all of the facts - good and bad. Your lawyer must keep them in the strictest of confidences and must know everything about your matter in order to represent you to the best of his/her ability. Also, discuss your expectations for the matter with your lawyer. Remember: No lawyer can guarantee the outcome of any matter.   

What is the basis for Legal Fees?
Abraham Lincoln once emphasized the value of a lawyer’s services when he said, “A lawyer’s time and advice are his stock and trade.”

The key elements in any fee charged by a lawyer are the amount of time spent and the overall value of the service rendered on a particular matter. A lawyer’s professional services differ from those of a doctor or dentist in one important way - much of the work is done when the client is not present. The work often involves the time of other people in the lawyer’s office such as legal assistants, the lawyer’s associates and/or legal secretaries. Remember, when you engage the services of a lawyer, you hire an entire law office to work for you.

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