If there is one piece of legal advice that almost everyone agrees on, it is that you should not represent yourself. It is hard to articulate just how difficult it is to represent yourself. First of all, lawyers need so much technical information about how to handle a lawsuit, it takes them years of training and study. Even if you have the knowledge, however, it is incredibly hard to present an unbiased argument when you are the one in court. If you initially decided to represent yourself, you probably soon got in over your head and realized you need legal representation. But what should you do if you want to hire an attorney, but have already taken steps independently? This guide will tell you exactly what to do.
Hire an Attorney
It may sound simple, but the most important thing to do is to just go hire an attorney. Research attorneys in your area, find one who you think sounds capable and schedule an appointment. It may seem like there are several steps you need to take to prepare to hire an attorney, but it really is as simple as jumping right in.
However, if your court case has already begun, you will need to get permission from the judge to bring an attorney into the case. If the trial recently began, the judge will almost certainly give you permission. The only time a judge is likely to reject this request is if the case is very nearly finished already. This is a good reason not to delay hiring an attorney.
Other Pieces of Advice
So you have committed to hiring an attorney and scheduled a consultation with a legal professional. What can you do to make the process as smooth as possible? Here are a few tips:
- Have a physical list of questions with you when you meet your new attorney for the first time. You should get all your questions answered right away.
- Bring every scrap of paperwork you have related to the case with you to your attorney. Your attorney needs to review everything from receipts to medical bills to legal papers and forms.
- Do not withhold anything from your attorney. No matter how embarrassing it may seem, answer every question your attorney has for you completely honestly.
- Tell your attorney everything about the case. No matter how small a detail may seem, you should tell your attorney it.
If you follow these tips and speak with a personal injury lawyer in Miami, FL as soon as physically possible, then you will have nothing to worry about.
Thanks to Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. for their insight into personal injury claims and hiring an attorney.