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Guide to Finding Idaho Attorneys

Guide to Finding Idaho Attorneys

Idaho Attorneys are lawyers who are barred and  practice law within the State of Idaho.  Idaho Attorneys must be in good standing with the Idaho Bar Association and have either taken, and passed, the Idaho Bar Examination or have been permitted to practice law within the State of Idaho either direct permission, such as pro hoc vice, or through reciprocity with another State.  Idaho attorneys who practice in criminal law represent clients who have been charged with felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, DUIs and other violations against the city, county or the State of Idaho.  Idaho Attorneys who practice in civil litigation will represent clients in matters involving torts, contracts, real estate, landlord/tenant, corporations, and other matters where the plaintiff is looking for damages instead of penalties against the defendant.
How does one become an Idaho Attorney?
In order to practice law within the State of Idaho an Idaho Attorney must meet a number of requirements set out by the Idaho Bar Association. An applicant who wishes to become an Idaho Attorney must have received a bachelors degree from a recognized college or university. In addition, an applicant who wishes to become an Idaho Attorney must also have graduated from an accredited law school within the United States or meet the other options listed in the Idaho Bar Association’s list of acceptable alternatives. Once an individual has been accepted and graduated from an accredited law school then that individual must take and pass the Idaho bar exam.
To be an Idaho Attorney an individual must take, and pass, the Idaho Bar Exam. The Idaho bar exam is a two day exam that gauges a potential Idaho attorneys ability to know both federal and state law as well as write persuasively. The first day of the Idaho bar exam consists of 7 essay questions written and administered by the Idaho Bar Examiners Office that test on Idaho State Law.  The first day also includes 2 Multi-State Performance Tests which are 90 minute questions that gauge an applicants ability to take facts and substantive law together to create a persuasive memorandum or brief.  The second day of the Idaho Bar Exam is the multi-State bar exam which is a multiple choice exam that is administered by the National Board of Bar Examiners. The Idaho Board of Bar Examiners allots 200 points to the MBE and another 200 points to everything else.  A combined score of 280 is considered passing on the Idaho Bar Exam.   The annual pass rate for the Idaho Bar Exam is around 75%.
In addition to passing the Idaho Bar Exam the future Idaho Attorney must also fill out an application for background checks to ensure the Idaho Bar Association that the applicant represents the character and fitness necessary to practice law as an Idaho Attorney. The Idaho Attorney must also pass the Multi-State Performance Exam with a passing score of 85.

The Idaho Court System
The Idaho court system is broken up into three divisions:  trial division, appellate court, and the supreme court of Idaho.  The trial division of the Idaho court system is comprised of the Magistrate courts and the District courts.  The Magistrate courts handle misdemeanor crimes, juvenile crimes, family law, probate, and civil cases below a certain dollar amount.  The District courts hear all felony cases, misdemeanor cases on appeal from the magistrate courts, and civil matters involving more than a specific amount in question.  There are 7 district courts in the State of Idaho.  The Idaho Court of Appeals hears all appeals from the District courts and The Supreme Court hears all cases on appeal from the Idaho Court of Appeals.
Discipline 
If you have had a problem involving an ethical violation by your Idaho Attorney it may be necessary to file a complaint with the Idaho Office of Bar Counsel.   An Idaho Attorney is expected to uphold the Idaho rules of professional conduct on a 24 hour a day basis.  Before you file any kind of complaint against any Idaho attorney you should first discuss the matter with your Idaho attorney.  Filing a formal grievance is a serious matter and should only be filed when it is absolutely necessary.  If you decide that filing a report is necessary then you should download the complaint packet at www.isb.idaho.gov completing all the requested fields and mail the signed packet to:
Idaho State Bar
Office of Bar Counsel
P.O. Box 895
Boise, ID 83701
Finding Idaho Attorneys
If you need to find an Idaho Attorney you may take advantage of an internet search to find an Idaho attorney in your area that practices law in the area that you need representation in.  Idaho attorneys keep web pages in order to solicit clients.  These websites have a wealth of information including the Idaho attorneys’ experience, education, certificates and any other positive attributes of the Idaho attorney.  
You can also take advantage of the Idaho Bar Associations lawyer referral service by calling 208-334-4500.  The Idaho attorney referral service will place you in touch with an Idaho attorney who has had no pending disciplinary complaints and has liability insurance.  The attorney that the Idaho referral service puts you in contact with will charge you a modest fee, no more than $35, for a half hour consultation.  If your matter involves personal injury or workers compensation then the referral service may waive the fee.
One other option is to use the laws.com lawyer referral service at the top of this page.  By clicking on the “find a lawyer” link on the top of this page you will be able to access the laws.com referral page.  By including your name, contact information, and a brief description of your legal problem you will be contacted by a representative from laws.com with information about an Idaho attorney in your area.

Guide to Finding West Virginia Attorneys

Guide to Finding West Virginia Attorneys

In West Virginia, there are a variety of different legal issues that are not easily solved without receiving a help from an attorney who is well versed with West Virginia’s laws. West Virginia attorneys can help you with various legal issues that come up, but more importantly, they can also help in preventing any future legal issues.  West Virginia attorneys are trained to practice all fields of law and can help you with various legal issues like being questioned by West Virginia law enforcement officers, filing taxes, personal injury cases, business formation and incorporation, employment law, property damage, family law, estate planning, real estate law and more. 
The best West Virginia attorneys will take every needed action to provide you with the best service and ensure that your legal rights are completely protected. This is done by understanding the law and properly collecting needed information such as records or witness testimony. West Virginia attorneys then utilize the information and create a legal strategy to try to get the best outcome possible for you. They will also examine your case and help you understand your options in pursuing the case while providing their professional opinion about the viability of the case. Receiving an attorney’s opinion can save more time and money for you in the long run if you discover that your case is not worthwhile. 
What Can A West Virginia Attorney Help With?
West Virginia attorneys provide assistance by carefully examining the legal situation you have and then list the different options you have in pursuing your case.  West Virginia attorneys do this and try to keep your best interest. They do this by collecting relevant records and information, creating a legal strategy  for your case, collecting the necessary information, filling out the needed paperwork, communicating with the opposing party’s counsel, and following proper procedure throughout all of this. By doing all this, the attorney helps protect your legal rights while fighting for the best outcome possible for your case.
How to Choose the Right West Virginia Attorney?
If you think you need an attorney for your case, the next step you should do is to find the best one by performing preliminary research on various West Virginia attorneys. While there are many West Virginia attorneys available to choose from, you can eliminate many of them to make it easier to choose between them. The most important thing to remember when looking for an attorney is that you want to find an attorney that is extremely capable, competent, and compatible with you and the case. A great way to begin your search for an attorney is by looking for referrals from family, friends, other attorneys businesses, or online sources. However, you have to remember to rely on referrals for West Virginia attorneys who have successfully handled cases similar to yours. If a family member refers an attorney who was beneficial during a divorce case, he or she will not be as useful in a bankruptcy case as another attorney who has had extensive experience in bankruptcy cases. 
A quick way to narrow down the possible attorneys is by eliminating attorneys based on geographic location. Many online directories that provide attorney searches also have search options to sort through West Virginia attorneys by their geographic location. While you should not eliminate attorneys because they inconveniently located, attorneys who are impossible to get to should not be included in your options.
For West Virginia, you can search through West Virginia cities including Beckley, Bluefield, Charleston, Clarksburg, Dunbar, Elkins, Fairmount, Franklin, Hinton, Huntington, Hurricane, Kingwood, Logan, Madison, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Parsons, Pineville, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Spencer, Sutton, Wayne, Weirton, Welch, Wheeling, and Williamson. You can also sort through various West Virginia counties such as Cabell County, Berkeley County, Kanawha County, Raleigh County, Monongalia County, and Wood County.
Meeting with Prospective West Virginia Attorneys
If you feel that you need an attorney, and you have found enough potential candidates to consider, the next step is to sort through the attorneys in order to find best one. You should verify that the attorney is a member and in good standing with the American Bar Association and the West Virginia State Bar. The attorney should also have a good track record that particularly shows success in the type of law that is involved in your case. You can ask the attorney to provide references that demonstrate this level of success. When you meet each potential attorney individually, this is where you discuss the specific details of your legal case. You should also bring records or documents that provide relevant information about the case, so that the attorney can provide you with more information about your case. 
Best Interview Questions to Ask West Virginia Attorneys
After a consultation with your attorney, you can also ask the attorney some questions to decide if his or her qualifications are suitable for your legal case. The questions can discuss what the attorney feels is the likely outcome of the case, how many similar cases the attorney has had, how long the attorney has practiced law in West Virginia, what area of law he or she usually practices, what education or knowledge makes the attorney appropriate for this case, the attorney’s success rate, how communication works between the attorney and the client, who would personally handle the case, what are the costs of the lawsuit, what sort of clients he or she usually has, and what other legal options may be available. 
West Virginia Attorney Fees and Rates
West Virginia attorneys often charge an hourly rate, but they can also offer flat rates or contingent fees instead. These fees can are usually based on how much time the attorney spends on your case, the reputation and experience of the attorney, the results achieved in the case, other court fees, geographic location, and more.
You should discuss fees with the attorney at the very first interview or consultation. While the attorney will most likely not be able to tell you the exact amount for all the charges, he or she will be able to give an estimate based on previous cases that are similar to yours. It is important to fully discuss fees and charges with the attorney to avoid any misunderstanding about what and how charges are incurred over the case. 

Guide to Finding Virginia Attorneys

Guide to Finding Virginia Attorneys

Virginia attorneys are professionals who are licensed to practice law. These individuals have received an accredited law school degree, passed the bar exam, and are licensed by the State to practice law within Virginia. Virginia attorneys act as advisors as well as advocates for their clients. As advocates, they work to represent parties in civil or criminal trial. They do this by providing evidence and arguing to support their client in court. Virginia attorneys also counsel their clients about their legal obligations and legal rights and offer support regarding the best course of action in both personal and business matters. Regardless of whether an attorney is an advisor or an advocate, all Virginia attorneys must do research on the judicial decisions and the laws and then apply that information to your case. 
What Can Virginia Attorneys Help You With
There are a variety of legal issues that Virginia attorneys can with. They can do this by providing assistance in a legal matter or by looking over a case and preemptively avoiding legal issues that may come up. Virginia attorneys can look at the situation and discuss the options you have in your case. You may consider hiring one of the many Virginia attorneys if you are being questioned or arrested by Virginia law enforcement, if you experience employment harassment or discrimination, if you have been in any kind of accident resulting in property damage or personal injury, if you are drafting a will, trust, or estate plan, if you have tax issues, if you are dealing with family law issues regarding divorce or children, if you plan to buy or sell real estate, if you wish to incorporate or form a business, and more. 
Virginia attorneys can ensure that your best interests and legal rights are protected. Virginia attorneys do this by this by looking up relevant laws and court cases, handling documents and paperwork, finding records, developing a legal strategy, interviewing witnesses, and communicating with insurers and opposing counsel. 
If you do not wish to hire an attorney, you can handle your case pro se, or without any legal representation. However, this is not recommended for any cases that are not routine, like an uncontested marriage, or with cases that involve large sums of money. Attorneys not only have knowledge of the law, but also the procedures involved. This is a huge benefit when bringing a case to court since any deviation from procedure can result in a case being thrown out.
How to Find the Best Virginia Attorneys
When looking for an attorney, you must start filtering through the many Virginia attorneys to find the one that is right for you. The first place to look for Virginia attorneys is through referrals from friends, family, neighbors, associates, business, or other lawyers. Referrals should provide information about the attorney and how he or she may help your case. You want to find Virginia attorneys who have experience in cases that are very similar in nature to yours, so the referrals should reflect that. If you are unable to get referrals from people you know, you can also try by using an online referral service or an online directory of Virginia attorneys. These online attorney directories and services allow you to search through the Virginia Attorneys listed and filter them based on different qualifications. Additionally, many of these services also provide reviews of the attorneys.
For Virginia, you can search through Virginia cities including Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Bedford, Bristol, Chantilly, Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Chester, Danville, Fairfax, Falls Church, Front Royal, Glen Allen, Great Falls, Halifax, Hampton, Hillsville, Lebanon, Lexington, Marion, Martinsville, Newport, Norfolk, Oakton, Orange, Portsmouth, Pulaski, Reston, Richmond, Roanoke, Rocky Mount, Salem, Stafford, Suffolk, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Winchester, Woodstock, and Yorktown. Additionally, search features are usually available for searching based on county, such as Chesterfield County, Fairfax County, Henrico County, Prince William County, and Virginia Beach City County.
Picking Potential Virginia Attorneys
If you have decided to that your case requires an attorney and you wish to hire one in your area, the best way to start going through each one is by sorting through the options and keeping those that have experience in handling cases that have similar legal issue as yours. The Virginia attorneys you consider should also be fully qualified to represent you in your case and should have the qualifications to prove it, such as being a member of Virginia state bar along with the American Bar Association. Additionally, any attorneys you consider should have either extensive experience in the particular legal field or more education in the area of law needed for your case. 
What You Should Ask Virginia Attorneys 
To decide which one of the Virginia attorneys is suitable for your case, you must meet with each potential candidate in a consultation or brief meeting face to face to discuss the case in order to gauge whether the attorney can properly represent the case. You should bring relevant information or records pertaining to the case in order to provide more information for the attorney so he or she can properly examine the facts and tell you his or her opinion of the case, whether the case is worth pursuing, or what legal issues does he or she anticipates. 
After discussing these points with the attorney, you will want to ask him or her question to make sure that his or her qualifications, education, and experience are sufficient for this case. Ask how long the attorney has practice in Virginia and in what field, what similar cases has he or she taken, what relevant continuing education or knowledge does he or she have, who would personally handle the case, how the costs and fees work in the attorney’s practice, are there other legal options for your case, what is the most likely outcome of legal action, how communication is carried out between the attorney and client, and whatever else you want to know. 
Tax Attorney Fees and Rates
When consulting with an attorney, carefully discuss fees and charges to avoid miscommunication and later troubles. The cost will vary individually and rely on different factors such as the lawyer’s policies, reputation, experience, location, and so on. However, fees are usually billed at an hourly rate or as a flat fee, or depending on the case, as a contingency fee. 
When discussing legal fees as well as possible award amounts, you should receive realistic and reasonable estimates. One of the best advantages of meeting with many Virginia attorneys is that you may notice patterns in the attorneys’ opinions. For example, if two attorneys estimate similar amounts but a third attorney claims a much higher amount, you should figure out why that is the case. 

Guide to Finding Vermont Attorneys

Guide to Finding Vermont Attorneys

Who Are Vermont Attorneys?
Vermont attorneys are professionals who act as both advisors and advocates in our society. As advocates, Vermont attorneys represent a party in either a civil or criminal trial by presenting supporting evidence and arguing to support their client in court. As advisors, Vermont attorneys counsel their clients about their legal obligations and rights and suggest the best course of action in personal and business matters. Whether an attorney is acting as an advisor or an advocate, all Vermont attorneys research the judicial decisions and the purpose and intent of laws and apply these laws to the particular circumstances faced by their clients.
The detailed aspects of an attorney’s job rely on his or her field of legal specialization and position. While all attorneys are licensed to represent clients in court, some may appear in court more often than others. For example, trial lawyers spend most of their time outside the courtroom, where they conduct research, interview clients and witnesses, and handle other details that are necessary when preparing for a trial. 
Vermont attorneys can assess the legal issue at hand and discuss all available options a client has in further receiving legal assistance or pursuing a case.  As a client, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney to get a better idea of whether your case is viable. Vermont attorneys will do their job and work in your best interest to ensure that your legal rights are assessed and protected. To do this, attorneys carefully research the law, collect important records, plan legal strategies, interview witnesses and find expert witnesses, discuss the case with expert consultants, deal with necessary paperwork and documents, and communicate with the opposing counsel in order to achieve the greatest outcome for you case.
What Fields Do Vermont Attorneys Work In?
Vermont attorneys can specialize in many different areas of law, such as probate, elder, international, environmental, or bankruptcy law.  Regardless of what field they work in, all Vermont attorneys have received a degree from an accredited law school, taken and passed the bar exam, and is licensed by the state of Vermont to practice law within the state. Regardless of their field, Vermont attorneys can help resolve legal problems or even prevent them from coming up. 
Vermont attorneys can assist you in various situations, such as:
Being questioned or arrested by Vermont state or local law enforcement
Being involved in an accident resulting in personal injury or property damage
Solving tax issues that involve the IRS or the Vermont Department of Taxes
Family law suits such as child support, child custody, or contested divorce cases
Needing estate plans, trusts, or wills drafted
Buying or selling real estate, home, or a business
Forming or incorporating a business
Being harassed or discriminated against at work
Although it is possible to take on legal issues pro se, or without any legal representation, this is not recommended for more complex legal issues. Often, pro se cases get thrown out because of improper procedure. Even if you are aware of the law, you might not fully know the necessary procedure, which can result in you losing the case. 
How to Find Best Vermont Attorneys
If need a good attorney, the next step is to find the right one for your case. This may be difficult because there are many Vermont attorneys, but the best thing to remember is to keep your standards high and find an attorney who is right for you. A great way to start searching is through referrals from friends, family, businesses, other lawyers, or online sources. Referrals should be based on cases that are similar to yours.  You may also want to find Vermont attorneys through online directories, whose purpose is to connect you with the right prospective attorneys. These directories provide search tools to sort through Vermont Attorneys based on different qualifications. They sometimes also include reviews to help see what other people think about these lawyers.
Meeting with Potential Vermont Attorneys
Once meeting potential attorneys for consultations, you can discuss your case and the attorney’s ability to represent it. The attorney should specialize in your type of case and should have enough experience or continuing education to represent it. In order for the attorney to thoroughly examine your case and decide its estimated value, the best thing to do is bring any relevant records that give information about the case. Vermont attorneys should be able to take a look at the case details and explain the specific legal issues as well as his or opinion of what the result of further legal action would be.
Interview Questions for Vermont Attorneys
After discussing the details of the case and hearing the attorney’s opinions, you should also question the attorney regarding his or her qualifications, education, and experience. Example questions that are important to ask include the following:
How long have you been practicing law in Vermont and what cases do you take?
How many cases have you taken on that are similar to mine and how successful have you been?
What education or special knowledge do you have that is applicable to this case?
Would you personally handle the case or would a junior attorney handle it?
How do your costs and fees work and how are they billed?

Tax Attorney Fees and Rates
The cost of hiring Vermont attorneys vary individually and are dependent on many factors such as the type of law, attorney’s reputation, location, and so on. Most Vermont attorneys will bill at an hourly rate or as a flat fee. It will vary on the circumstances and the type of law. Vermont attorneys may provide different payment plans to accommodate for your specific financial situation. During your first consultation, carefully go over fees and charges. Make sure to discuss how billing works, what are the attorney’s rates, and what specifically will be billed. 

Guide to Finding New Jersey Attorneys

Guide to Finding New Jersey Attorneys

New Jersey attorneys are licensed legal professional who practice law in the state of New Jersey. Because of the breadth of this term, New Jersey attorneys may specialize in any facet of law including the following areas:
Real estate law
Bankruptcy filings
Business Law
Business transactions
Internet law
Disputes between landlords and tenants
Personal Injury
Traffic/Driving
Wills and Estate Planning
Trusts
All areas of criminal law
New Jersey attorneys exhibit an understanding for the statutes that make-up New Jersey law. This knowledge guarantees the delivery of competent legal aid to New Jersey residents and to those entities/individuals that face legal quandaries within the state’s boundaries. 
New Jersey attorneys expedite the search for a legal remedy in all legal situations that arise in the state. To practice law in New Jersey, an individual must attain a post-graduate degree from a law university or college then subsequently pass the state’s bar exam. Prior to passing the bar examination, prospective lawyers must satisfy all J.D. requirements; candidates must receive a law degree from an accredited Law university or college. 

Do I Need a New Jersey Attorney?
New Jersey attorneys will represent any client who faces legal predicaments in the state’s jurisdictional boundaries. The location of the matter and the laws attached are essential when evaluating your specific need for a New Jersey attorney. 
New Jersey attorneys litigate on behalf of clients for any legal matter. New Jersey attorneys therefore may litigate for clients charged with misdemeanors or felonies. Moreover, these professionals may preside over business contracts, real estate purchases or any other transaction that involves binding contracts. It must be said; however, that New Jersey attorneys specialize in the various aspects of law.
When measuring your need for New Jersey attorneys you must recognize the area of law that your case involves. Hiring a specialist is paramount; the New Jersey attorney must specialize in the type of law that your case revolves around. 
Specialists: Background Information 
New Jersey Attorneys will utilize a specific skill-set; the knowledge and experience a particular lawyer garners throughout his/her schooling and subsequent practice will streamline your search for a legal remedy. 
To find a specialist, you must first isolate the laws surrounding your legal problem. Once you have pinpointed the laws and the objective of your filing, you must search for the specific form of legal aid. If you fail to hire a New Jersey attorney that specializes in your legal matter, the likelihood of constructing a sound claim or defense diminishes.
In addition to revealing the type of lawyer your need, it is fundamental to consider your need for legal representation. If your expected settlement does not outweigh the cost of filing a claim or hiring representation, you should not pursuit legal action. For most civil matters, you should always attempt to settle the case out of court. Hiring New Jersey attorneys is deemed mandatory if you are being charged with a criminal act, you are being sued for an egregious sum or you are called into a court for a serious matter, such as child support or divorce. 

When evaluating your need for representation, evaluate the following questions:
Are the charges against you serious?
Can your problem be settled out of court through an alternative resolution, such as mediation or arbitration?
Can a legal professional help you secure a settlement or mitigate the charges against you?
What is your financial position? Can you fit legal fees into your budget? Does the lawyer’s salary outweigh the expected settlement or the benefit of diminished charges?
Searching for a New Jersey Attorney?
To search for New Jersey attorneys utilize the following resources:
1. After you have figured out the type of lawyer you need to hire, you must conduct Internet searches to locate all of the specialists in your area.  This is the starting point of your search; compile a list of all the specialists in your region. 
2. In addition to conducting Internet searches, you should contact a local lawyer referral service. These databases are provided by the state’s bar association and will organize all lawyers in the state by achievement or practice. Only licensed New Jersey attorneys are listed in this database; if a prospective lawyer is not listed in this database you should not contact the individual for representation. 
3. Once you have compiled a list of prospective attorneys, you should cross-reference each individual by visiting internet forums for client testimonials. These resources will provide first-hand accounts—from the professional’s past clients—documenting how the New Jersey attorney handled a previous case. In addition to these forums, you should take note of the professional’s biographical information (located on their law firm’s website). This information will illuminate the individual’s experience, educational background and case history. 
Evaluating Personality and Experience:
Once you have narrowed your list of New Jersey attorneys, you should contact each professional to schedule consultations or preliminary meetings. The cost and availability of these meetings are elastic to your legal matter and the type of lawyer you are contacting. For example, a civil New Jersey attorney will usually offer free consultations, whereas a criminal New Jersey attorney will not. This contrast is based on the attorney’s different payment schedules—a civil attorney will operate under a contingency platform (they will only take cases that have a strong likelihood of winning). 
Regardless of cost, a consultation will provide you with a preview of how the New Jersey attorney operates. Consultations will illuminate the New Jersey attorney’s legal strategy. During a consultation you should observe the following traits: 
1. Does your prospective New Jersey attorney listen well? Does the individual answer your questions in a lucid manner?
2. Does your prospective New Jersey attorney seem willing and able to handle your case in an efficient manner? Does the individual seem concerned for your well-being?
3. Does the prospective New Jersey attorney elucidate the specifics of your case—including the laws in question– in a coherent manner? 
4. In addition to observing the legal professional, you should observe the individual’s staff—a significant amount of work will be delegated to the individual’s assistants. 
These observations, although important in hiring operative representation, are trumped by one attribute: the New Jersey attorney’s experience. This characteristic represents the legal professional’s grasp of the legal framework in question, the ability to construct a comprehensive defense or claim, and in general, the professional’s reputability.  
Observations aside, it is paramount to hire a New Jersey attorney who you feel comfortable with. You and your New Jersey attorney must have a functional rapport; to build a sound claim or defense, communication between you and your New Jersey attorney must be open and seamless.
What are the Fees Associated with Representation?
Before hiring a New Jersey attorney, you should go over the counsel’s payment schedule. When consulting with the professional, request a copy of the New Jersey attorney’s retainer agreement or payment plan. In general, New Jersey attorneys will function under one of the following schedules: Hourly (the professional will charge per hour for services rendered); contingency platform (the New Jersey attorney will charge a percentage of the settlement if one is secured); or retainer fees (a lump sum is required before the professional litigates, after the delivery of the sum, the professional will charge the full freight). 

Guide to Finding New Mexico Attorneys

Guide to Finding New Mexico Attorneys

What are New Mexico Attorneys?
New Mexico attorneys are legal professionals who are licensed to reside over legal matters in the state of New Mexico.  Because of the expansiveness associated, New Mexico attorneys may specialize in any scope and may facilitate the search for a legal remedy regarding any legal situation.  
New Mexico attorneys will display a localized knowledge for the state’s particular laws and statutes. This specific knowledge will ensure the delivery of sound legal representation to residents of New Mexico or to those individuals/entities that face legal troubles within the state’s jurisdictional boundary. 
New Mexico attorneys can preside over a number of legal matters, including all civil and criminal substances. Moreover, New Mexico attorneys will facilitate the construction of legal contracts, purchase agreements, issues concerning family law and an assortment of other legal predicaments. 
As stated above, New Mexico attorneys are licensed professionals. To practice law in New Mexico, an individual must obtain a degree from a law university or college. Following completion of post-graduate schooling, the individual must then pass the state’s BAR exam to be deemed eligible to practice law in the state. 
Will I need a New Mexico Attorney?
Because of their state-specific legal knowledge, a New Mexico attorney will preside over matters concerning the state’s laws or statutes. As a result, the location of the predicament, the severity of the matter and the laws attached are necessary when assessing your need for legal counsel. 
New Mexico attorneys represent clients on any legal matter that involves state law or that took place within the state. When evaluating your particular need for a New Mexico attorney you should develop a cost-benefit analysis—the benefits offered by the New Mexico attorney must outweigh the costs of legal fees and representation. If you feel that hiring a New Mexico attorney will prove beneficial, you must then identify the field of law that your case falls under. 
Do I need a Specialist?
All New Mexico Attorneys—given their educational background and experience—will utilize a specific skill-set within a particular field of law. Because of this specialization, you must isolate the law that surrounds your legal problem. Is your case a bankruptcy filing, family matter, civil filing etc.?  After you have pinpointed the laws surrounding your case, you must hire a specialist who has experience in the particular field. Hiring a specialist will streamline your search for a legal remedy. Once you have determined the specialist you need for your particular case, you must employ effective search techniques to secure adequate representation. 
How do I search for a New Mexico Attorney?
To successfully search for New Mexico attorneys, you should utilize the following search techniques:
1. With the knowledge of the particular New Mexico attorney in hand, conduct an Internet search for specialists in your area. For instance, if you are filing a personal injury suit, you must search for “personal injury lawyers” in your area. 
2. In addition to conducting Internet searches, you should also scour lawyer referral services and referral-based databases. These resources, which are provided by the state’s bar association, will organize attorneys by specialty, achievements awarded and disciplinary actions taken against, if applicable. These resources will provide a glimpse of the prospective attorney’s effectiveness. 
3. After you have searched for specialists in your area, you should cross-reference your findings with Internet forums and client testimonials. This information, which is found online, will provide first-hand reviews of the attorney’s previous cases. 
4. In addition to these resources you should visit the prospective attorney’s website (or the firm’s website) and view the individual’s biographical information. This information will illuminate the individual’s effectiveness, by listing the attorney’s experience and educational background. 

Evaluating Personality and Education:
Once you have gathered a list of all specialists in your areas, you must contact each New Mexico attorney to schedule consultations. The availability and cost of preliminary meetings will depend on your case and the lawyer you are contacting; typically a civil attorney will not charge for a consultation, whereas, criminal attorneys will inevitably charge a fee. 
Preliminary interviews provide a glimpse of how the legal professional will build a defense or claim. Consultations illuminate the professional’s legal strategy; they are also essential in gauging the personality of the counsel. During your consultation you must observe the following features and characteristics: 
1. Does the prospective representation listen to you? Does the individual show concern over your situation? 
2. Does the prospective representation instill confidence that your case will be handled in a cost-effective manner?
3. Does the New Mexico attorney explain the specifics and laws of your legal matter in a lucid manner? 
4. Does the professional’s staff and associates work in a professional manner?
5. Do you feel comfortable with this particular individual? Can you express your thoughts and concerns without feeling judged or pressured?
Although these observations are important when evaluating a prospective attorney, you must also evaluate the individual’s experience. A lawyer’s experience symbolizes a number of characteristics:  his/her reputability, knowledge, efficiency and cost are all illuminated by evaluating experience. 
You should also take note of the New Mexico attorney’s educational background. A legitimate educational background denotes a solid understanding of law. That said, scholastic achievements are trumped by the individual’s personality and experience. 
New Mexico Attorneys: Fees
Before making a hiring decision, you should ask—during the consultation—for the New Mexico attorney’s payment schedule. In general, a New Mexico attorney will require one of the following payment methods: Hourly (the attorney will charge per hour for services rendered); contingency (the New Mexico attorney will charge a percentage of the settlement if one is attained); retainer agreements (a lump sum is required before services are rendered and full freight is required after a remedy is secured).

Guide to Finding Rhode Island Attorneys

Guide to Finding Rhode Island Attorneys

Rhode Island attorneys, or lawyers, are professionals who have completed law school, taken and passed the bar exam, and is licensed by the state of Rhode Island to practice law within the state. There are many different legal issues that Rhode Island attorneys may be able to assist in. Not only can Rhode Island attorneys help with many various legal problems after they come up, but they can also help prevent the issues in the first place. 
Rhode Island attorneys have the ability to assess the legal issue at hand and discuss the available options regarding further pursing the case or receiving legal assistance.  It is a good decision to get some advice about your case from various Rhode Island attorneys because if many of them feel that the case will not hold up in court or that the case is not worth pursuing, you can reconsider whether it your case is worth further action. 
Rhode Island attorneys also take all needed steps to make sure that they are working in your best interest and that your legal rights are completely assessed and protected. These attorneys do this  by carefully researching the law, collecting important records, planning a winning legal strategy, interviewing witnesses and finding expert witnesses, discussing the case with expert consultants, dealing with necessary paperwork and documents, and communicating with the opposing counsel  as well as any insurers to guarantee the best outcome possible for your case.
While you can handle legal issues pro se, or without any legal representation, this is usually not recommended for complicated legal issues. Even if you are intelligent and aware of the law, you may not be as knowledgeable about procedure, which may result in you losing the case. Rhode Island attorneys can help in many different situations including the following:
Arrest or questioning by Rhode Island state or local law enforcement
Accidents involving personal injury and/or property damage
Tax issues , for example fraud, that involves the IRS or the Rhode Island Division of Taxation
Family law cases involving contested divorce or child custody
Drafting estate plans, trusts, or wills
Buying or selling a home, business, or other real estate
Forming or incorporating a business
Employment harassment and discrimination
Finding the Best Rhode Island Attorneys
If you feel your case requires a good attorney, the next step you must take is finding the right one for your case. This may seem difficult because there are so many Rhode Island attorneys, but there are ways to filter your search. 
There is more than one way to sort through Rhode Island attorneys, but the important thing to remember is to keep your standards high. A great way to start your search is by asking for any referrals from businesses, friends, family, other lawyers, or online sources. When relying on referrals, you should make sure that the recommendations are based on cases that are similar to yours.  Alternatively, you can try to find the best Rhode Island attorneys by through the use of online directories, whose purpose is to connect the right prospective attorneys to you. These directories provide search tools to sort through Rhode Island Attorneys based on different qualifications.
For Rhode Island, you can search through Rhode Island cities including Cranston, East Providence, Newport, Bristol, Cumberland, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Lincoln, Middleton, North Kingston, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Riverside, Tiverton, Rumford, Warren, Westerly, and more. Alternatively, you can search through different counties in Rhode Island such as Bristol County, Kent County, Newport County, Providence County, and Washington County. While it is not idea to eliminate potential attorneys only because of their location, it is helpful to eliminate Rhode Island Attorneys that are so far that you know it would be impossible to work with.
Meeting with Prospective Rhode Island Attorneys
When you have a legal issue that requires the help of an attorney, the best way to look for an attorney is to sort through them based on who has plenty of experience in handling similar cases like yours. You should also make sure that the individual is in fact a qualified attorney for your case. This means that the attorney should be a member of both the Rhode Island state bar and the American Bar Association. Additionally, the attorney should have a record for success and should be able to provide references that will verify this.
To make a decision regarding who is the best out of all the Rhode Island attorneys for your case, you should make sure to meet each potential attorney in person to discuss your case as well as the attorney’s ability to represent it. In order for the attorney to thoroughly examine your case and decide its estimated value, the most helpful thing you can do is bring along any relevant records or documents that provide relevant information about the case. For example, for a car accident, you would want to bring the accident report, police report, hospital records, and so on. All capable Rhode Island attorneys should be able to take a look at the details of you case and explain the specific legal issues as well as his or opinion of what the result of further legal action would be.
Interview Questions for Rhode Island Attorneys
After discussing the details of the case and hearing the attorney’s opinions, you should also question the attorney regarding his or her qualifications, education, and experience. Example questions that are important to ask include the following:
How long have you practiced law in Rhode Island?
What area of law do you typically practice? 
How many cases have you taken on that are similar to mine?
What is your success rate in these cases?
Typically, what sort of clients do you have?
What education or special knowledge do you have that is applicable to this case?
Would you personally handle the case or would a junior attorney handle it?
How do your costs and fees work and how are they billed?
Are there any other legal options available for solving this problem?
How often will I receive updates regarding my case and what form of communication will we use?
What is the most probable outcome of the case?
Tax Attorney Fees and Rates
The cost of hiring Rhode Island attorneys vary individually and are dependent on many factors such as:
Geographic location
Reputation
Experience
Track record of success
Type of law
Many times, Rhode Island attorneys will bill you either at an hourly rate or as a flat fee. Depending on the circumstances and the type of law, attorneys can provide various payment plans to accommodate for your financial situation and any charges that may occur throughout the legal process. During your consultation with a lawyer, you should make sure to go over fees and charges carefully in order to avoid any miscommunication or misunderstanding. This includes how billing works, what are the rates for certain activities, and what specifically will be billed. If you notice a discrepancy between billing rates between attorneys, feel free to ask for the reasoning behind this from the specific attorney.

Guide to Finding Orlando Attorneys

Guide to Finding Orlando Attorneys

If you live in the Orlando area or in another part of Orange County Florida and you need legal help then you may want to get in touch with an Orlando Attorney who handles cases like yours.  Orlando Attorneys should be in good standing with the Florida Bar Association, have had little, or no, disciplinary action taken against them by the Florida Bar Association, or any other bar association, and be familiar with, not only Florida law, but the substantive and procedural laws of the Orange County and the city of Orlando.
Discipline
If you have a problem with your Orlando Attorney or you feel that another Orlando Attorney is not representing the legal profession properly than you may want to notify the Florida Bar Association.  The legal profession is one that polices its own members.  Orlando Attorneys and the Florida Bar Association hold the practice of law in high regard and an Orlando Attorney is expected to uphold the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the practice on a 24/7 basis.  If you know of an Orland Attorney who is in violation of the rules of professional conduct then you should contact the Attorney Consumer Assistance Program at 866-352-0707.  You should also fill out a Florida Bar Inquiry/Complaint Form found at www.floridabar.org.  The Florida Bar Association also keeps a list of all disciplinary actions taken against any Orlando, or Florida, attorney within the past 10 years.  You can get that information by calling 1-800-342-8060 ext. 5839.  
If you have an issue with your Orlando Attorney that involves an argument over fees then it is not a matter for the Disciplinary Committee.  The Florida Bar Association operates a fee dispute mediation/arbitration program to help you and your Orlando Attorney come to an amicable solution.  This service can be reached at 866-352-0707.
How do I find an Orlando Attorney
Orlando Attorneys can be found by a number of means.  There are numerous amounts of Orlando Attorneys that practice all kinds of law within the city of Orlando and the surrounding Orange County.  One way to find Orlando Attorneys is to simply ask others including friends, relatives, and co-workers who you believe may know of a good Orlando Attorney for your specific problem.  You can also do a basic internet search to find Orlando Attorneys.  Almost every Orlando Attorney operates a webpage that outlines their practice, experience, education and any favorable results they have received through their legal practice.  Although this is a lot of helpful information it should be taken with a grain of salt for this information is designed to portray that attorney in the best way possible and may not show the full story.
Another way to find an Orlando Attorney is by taking advantage of the lawyer referral service operated by the Orange County Bar Association.  The Orange County Bar Association keeps a directory of all Orlando Attorneys currently practicing who are in good standing with the Florida Bar Association.  By calling the referral service at 407-422-4537 you will be put in touch with a representative who will put you in touch with an Orlando Attorney who fits your needs.  The fee for the use of this service is $50.  The fee pays for a 30 minute consultation meeting with the referred Orlando Attorney to discuss your legal problem.  After the consultation meeting it is up to you and the Orlando Attorney to come up with future arrangements.  You are under no obligation to retain the Orlando Attorney and the Orlando Attorney is under no obligation to take you on as a client.  Always remember that, even if you do not hire the Orlando Attorney, anything that is communicated during the consultation meeting is confidential and may not be disclosed by that Orlando Attorney.
Legal Aid
If you cannot afford an Orlando Attorney then you may have some options.  If you are a defendant in a criminal matter then you may be entitled to representation from the State under the 5th Amendment.  The 5th Amendment stipulates that when an individual is facing any amount of incarceration he, or she, is entitled to an attorney and will be appointed one if he, or she, cannot afford one.  
If you are involved in a civil matter and cannot afford representation then you may want to contact Orange County Legal Aide.  The Orange County Legal Aide is comprised of 18 attorneys who represent clients for little or no charge.  If you feel that you qualify for the services then you should call 407-841-8310 or e-mail at info@legalaidocba.org.  The service helps clients with matters concerning Family law, Consumer law, Immigration law, Employment Law, and Guardian Ad Litem.  
Where is the Orlando Courthouse?
Orlando Attorneys who practice in Orange County must know the court system, where to file, who the judges, prosecutors, and court staff are.  Cases that involve Orlando Attorneys are heard in the Orlando Circuit & County Courts located at:
425 N. Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
The County court is the court of limited jurisdiction in Orlando.  It hears civil matters where the amount in question is less than $15,000 and landlord/tenant disputes.  The criminal division of the County court hears criminal traffic violations and misdemeanors.
The Circuit court is the court of general jurisdiction in Orlando.  It hears civil matters where the amount in question is greater than $15,000 and appeals from the County courts.  The criminal division of the Circuit court hears all felony matters and appeals from the County courts.
The Orlando courthouse also has divisions for: collections court, domestic relations, drug court, juvenile court, traffic court, and probate court.

Guide to Finding Philadelphia Attorneys

Guide to Finding Philadelphia Attorneys

A Philadelphia Attorney is a lawyer who represents all types of clients in the city of Philadelphia and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  If you are looking for a Philadelphia attorney you should be sure that the Philadelphia Attorney is in good standing with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, has a relatively clean disciplinary record, and has the requisite experience in the field of law where you need representation.  Philadelphia attorneys practice in all aspects of the law.  Philadelphia attorneys who focus on criminal law represent defendants accused of felonies, misdemeanors, DUI, and even traffic violations.  Philadelphia attorneys may also practice in a number of areas of civil law in which the plaintiff is seeking money damages or equitable relief for a wrong committed by the defendant.  These cases include torts, contracts, landlord/tenant, real estate, corporate law, etc.
What qualifications does a Philadelphia Attorney need?
In order to become a Philadelphia Attorney an individual must meet a number of requirements with both educational and ethical aspects to them.  First, a Philadelphia attorney must have graduated from a 4 year accredited university or college with at least a bachelor’s degree.  In addition a Philadelphia attorney must also have graduated from a law school that is recognized by the American Bar Association.  Once this is achieved an individual is able to sit for the Pennsylvania Bar Exam.  Graduating from law school is not the only way to be permitted to sit for the bar exam.  For other information about that you should contact the Pennsylvania Bar Examiners Office.
To be a Philadelphia attorney an individual must sit for, and pass, the Pennsylvania Bar Exam.  The Pennsylvania Bar Exam is a 2 day exam that is administered twice a year, once in July and again in February.  The first day of the exam consists of 6 essay questions based on Pennsylvania law and a Multi-State Performance Test.  The Multi-State Performance Test is a 90 minute exam that gauges an applicants ability to take substantive law and evidence and use that information to write a concise, persuasive memo or brie.  The second day of the exam is the MBE.  The Multi-State Bar Exam is a 200 question multiple choice exam that tests on the general laws concerning contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and evidence.  The Pennsylvania Bar Exam is graded by giving 45% to the MBE and 55% weight to the first days portion of the exam.
In addition to the Bar Exam a Philadelphia attorney must also take the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam which tests an applicants knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct.  A passing score for the State of Pennsylvania is a 75.  In addition, a Philadelphia Attorney must also complete the character and fitness portion of the application.  This application will involve collecting data on an applicants previous addresses, criminal history, employers, education, etc. to ensure the Pennsylvania Bar Association that you have the ability to represent yourself as an upstanding member of the Bar Association.
Where do I find a Philadelphia Attorney?
You can find a Philadelphia Attorney in one of many different ways.  The simplest is by doing an internet search for Philadelphia attorneys who practice in the specific area of law that you require representation in.  Almost all Philadelphia attorneys maintain websites that inform the public about the attorneys education, experience, qualifications, certifications and other positive attributes.  Even though this is a good source of information the data is skewed and remember that this is advertising designed to bring in clients.
You can also take advantage of the Philadelphia Bar Associations Lawyer Referral Service.  The Philadelphia Bar Association, at www.philabar.org, maintains a lawyer referral service at www.philadelphiabarlawyers.com.  By clicking on the link on the right side of the page you may fill in the information requested such as your name, contact information, and a brief description of your legal problem.  You may also wish to talk to a representative at 215-238-6333.  After doing one of these two things a representative will take your information and give you the contact information of a Philadelphia attorney near you who is qualified and able to help.  The referral service is free but the attorney that you are referred to may charge up to $30 for an initial 30 minute consultation meeting.  After the consultation it is up to you and the referred Philadelphia Attorney to discuss future representation and fees.  You are under no obligation to retain the appointed Philadelphia Attorney and the Philadelphia Attorney is not obligated to represent you.  However, any information communicated by you to the Philadelphia attorney during the consultation is considered privileged and may not be divulged by the Philadelphia Attorney whether you continue representation or not.
Discipline
It is the obligation of the Philadelphia Attorney to conduct him, or herself, in a professional, ethical, and legal matter at all times, even when at home.  Violations of the rules of professional conduct are serious matters and the Pennsylvania Bar Association takes these matters with the utmost importance.  If you feel that you, or any, Philadelphia Attorney has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct, has committed a crime, or neglected his, or her, duties then you should contact the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.  There are 4 divisions in the State and the Division that controls misconduct by Philadelphia Attorneys is at:
16th Floor, Seven Penn Center
1635 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
You may download the complaint form from www.padisciplinaryboard.org and mail the completed, and signed form to that address so that the disciplinary board may look into the matter and decide what actions, if any, should be taken.

Guide to Finding San Francisco Attorneys

Guide to Finding San Francisco Attorneys

San Francisco Attorneys are lawyers who are barred in the State of California and practice law in the City and County of San Francisco. In order to be a San Francisco attorney an individual must be in good standing with the California Bar Association, uphold the ethical and professional standards of the Rules of Professional Responsibility, have little, to no, adverse disciplinary action taken against them be admitted to practice in the San Francisco courts.  
San Francisco attorneys should become members of the San Francisco Bar Association.  The San Francisco Bar Association can be found at www.sfbar.org and helps both the public and lawyers with legal matters having to do with a San Francisco attorneys practice, ethical questions, etc.
How to become a San Francisco Attorney
In order to practice law within the city and county of San Francisco an individual who wishes to become a San Francisco Attorney must meet the educational, as well as ethical requirements of the California Bar Association.  First, and foremost, an individual must be a graduate, with at least a bachelor’s degree, from an accredited college or university.  In addition the San Francisco Attorney applicant must have graduated from a 3 year law school program that is approved by the American Bar Association.  There are alternatives to graduating from law school and these matters should be discussed with the American Bar Association or the California Bar Association.
A San Francisco Attorney must take, and pass, the California Bar Exam.  The California Bar Exam, often considered the hardest in the country, is a 3 day exam that is administered twice a year, once in February and again in July.  Day one and three of the California Bar Exam consist of two morning sessions with 3 essay questions and an afternoon session consisting of performance tests.  All questions on the first and third day are based on the substantive and procedural laws of California.  The second day is the Multi-State Bar Exam which is a 200 question multiple choice exam that is administered on a national scale by the National Board of Bar Examiners that tests on the general laws in evidence, criminal law, torts, contracts and constitutional law.  The exam is graded by weighing the first and third day as 65% of the overall score with the MBE comprising 35%.  The passing rate for the July exam is roughly 57% with the February exam at 38%.  
In addition an individual who wishes to become a San Francisco attorney must also take and pass the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam with the 86, the highest requirement in the country.  The San Francisco attorney applicant must also complete a character and fitness application that includes information about previous employers, education, addresses, criminal history, etc., in order to gauge whether the applicant for San Francisco lawyer meets the high standards of a San Francisco attorney.
San Francisco Courthouse
The City and County of San Francisco has its courthouse at the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.  The court is located in two locations within the city that handle different matters.
The Civic Center located at 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102 is where all civil, probate, family, and small claims cases are heard that arise out of the city and county of San Francisco.  The Civic Center may be contacted at 415-551-4000
The Hall of Justice, located at 850 Bryant St., San Francisco, CA 94103 handles all criminal matters within the city and county of San Francisco.  The Hall of Justice may be contacted at 415-551-0651.
Other divisions of the Superior Court of California for the County of San Francisco include the probate division, traffic division and the family court.  
Finding a San Francisco attorney
If you are trying to find a San Francisco attorney you can begin your search by asking other people including your friends, family and co-workers who you know have used legal representation through San Francisco attorneys in the past. You can also find San Francisco attorneys through an internet search. Almost all San Francisco attorneys maintain websites that can inform you of the attorneys education, experience, specialization and any victories that that San Francisco attorney may have accomplished. Although this is a good resource these websites are used to promote the San Francisco attorney and the positive information should not be taken at its word.
You can take advantage of the San Francisco Bar Association’s referral source at www.sfbar.org  or by calling 415-989-1616.  By answering some basic questions including your contact information, and a brief description of your legal problem a representative will put you in touch with a San Francisco attorney who can help you with your legal issue. The service will charge you $35 for an initial 30 minute consultation with a San Francisco attorney.  If your matter is a personal injury where you are the plaintiff then the consultation fee will be waived.  After the initial consultation it is up to you and your San Francisco attorney to make arrangements for future representation. You are under no obligation to take on the services of the San Francisco Attorney who is appointed to you through the referral service and the San Francisco attorney is under no obligation to represent you. However, any conversation you have with that San Francisco attorney, whether there is future representation or not.
If you cannot afford a San Francisco attorney then you may be able to qualify for free legal aid through the San Francisco Bar Association.  If your matter involves family court, eviction, tort defense, consumer law, tax or business law then you may qualify for free legal help if you meet the poverty standards of the San Francisco Bar Association.  Call 415-989-1616 to see if you qualify.  In addition the Free Legal Advice & Referral Clinic (LARC) is a free legal service that meets twice a month at different locations in San Francisco.  This service supplies San Francisco Attorneys who can meet with individuals seeking brief legal advice.  The San Francisco attorney at the LARC meeting will be able to give you brief advice or even help refer you to some other attorney or organization that may be able to help you.  To find out when the next meeting and locations are please call 415-989-1616 and ask for an LARC representative.