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Law Firm / Law Office
The law office can be likened to a doctor’s clinic. Though patients meet the doctor, nurses provide constant care. Likewise, in a law firm, attorneys work with their associates – partners and employees on a case. It is important to know the level of involvement of the associates in a case. Finding the right lawyer is well worth the time and effort it takes. The consumer must interview several lawyers, especially those who are specialists in the area of law where the consumer requires advice, before making a decision.
In criminal cases, those who cannot afford a lawyer are guaranteed the appointment of a free lawyer by the constitution of the United States. In civil cases, one does not have the right to a free lawyer. Legal aid and pro bono programs provide legal help to the poor. The elderly, disabled, victims of domestic violence, those enlisted in the military and in other special circumstances may be eligible for free legal help under these programs. These community-based programs may have to many applicants because they run with small budgets and don’t have sufficient resources.
Legal services or legal aid offices are law offices that employ staff lawyers to provide legal help for poor people. Lawyers in private practice may volunteer to take cases free of charge for those who can’t afford a lawyer. Pro bono programs in many communities are sponsored by the respective bar associations.
Most state and local bar associations provide public service based lawyer referral service. They interview clients and provide referrals to lawyers only when required. The American Bar Association (ABA) sets high standards for referral services. Online commercial directories provide information about lawyers and law firms. These for-profit enterprises earn revenue fees charged to clients or lawyers, or by providing books, forms or other information for sale to consumers. Some local courts and non-profit organizations guide those who want to handle simple legal matters themselves.
Legal information is general and not based on a specific set of facts. Legal advice is given by trained lawyers who explain how the law applies to the specific set of facts described by the person. When one gets legal advice, an attorney-client relationship is formed. Since the law is different in each state, consumers must verify legal information available on the Web. Commercial websites too provide useful information. There may be a number of law firms participating with such a provider.
We thank you for visiting our directory, and wish you well in whatever endeavor brought you here. We are constantly adding new information and resources to our site, both general and state specific in nature, so check back often. |
