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Should I hire a lawyer?

This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice. Use of this site and its content does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For more information about hiring an attorney in North Carolina, call The Law Offices of Alesia M. Vick at (919) 217-8425.

When is a lawyer necessary? And, can hiring a lawyer really help? The answer is simply, "It depends..." The initial consultation is one of the most important ways to determine if you need an attorney to handle your legal matter. In some matters such as medical malpractice and personal injury, the initial consultation may be FREE of charge. These matters are what attorneys term "contingency matters". In such cases, the lawyer or law firm collects its fees only if the client receives a settlement or is awarded a judgment. Know what it will cost before you schedule your first appointment. For non-contingency legal matters, consultation fees can range between $150 ~ $500 per hour. These fees are generally determined by several factors - experience, competition, and location. A law firm with its office in Raleigh, North Carolina may charge double the fees of a Knightdale law firm. If finances are an issue, Legal Aid of North Carolina may be able to help locate a lawyer to work pro bono or free of charge.

When trouble arises, some people do not hesitate to contact a local attorney. Others may consider contacting a lawyer, but may have limited resources or information regarding which attorney to contact. The attorney section of any local telephone directory is filled with ads from attorneys who specialize in the numerous areas of legal practice - family law and divorce, personal injury, medical malpractice, criminal defense, business law, employment law, etc. The list goes on and on. The truth is, finding the right attorney in and of itself can be an overwhelming task. Many technology savvy people turn to the internet, where a few keyword searches for "North Carolina legal help" or "NC divorce attorney" may yield thousands of search results.

Locating an attorney with the right expertise is important. When your legal rights are in jeopardy, legal representation can help. An attorney will discuss with you the law in North Carolina as it relates to your issue. Friends and relatives may know some aspects of the law, but unless they are legal professionals, it is doubtful that they will be experts in the law. Besides, laws and statutes change, and attorneys are generally knowledgeable about how those changes may impact your case.

Ahh...the word "case". Be prepared to hear that you may or may not have one. It is an attorneys job to carefully examine your legal matter to see if it has merit and help you weigh your legal options. You might not always like what you hear. If this is the case, you do have the right to seek further legal counsel or go pro se or representing yourself. Do understand that if you choose to represent yourself, you are still subject to the laws, even when you may not fully understand the full ramifications.