Attorney On Your Side

attorney labor lawyer An Attorney is simply one who can act on your behalf. He or she is trained and legally permitted, to "stand-in" for you, protect your interests, and defend your rights.

American attorneys use the term "lawyering" to refer to the art of practicing law. Most academic legal training is directed to identifying legal issues, how to research facts and law, and how to argue both the facts and law in favor of either side in any case.

Once accepted by the bar association of a state, an American lawyer may file legal pleadings and argue cases in any court in that state (except federal courts, which usually require a separate admission), provide legal advice to clients, and draft important legal documents (such as wills, trusts, deeds, and contracts).

In some states, real estate closings may only be performed by a lawyer, even though his role in a closing mostly involves notarization of documents and disbursement of settlement funds through an escrow account.

Practicing law can be broadly generalized as:
* Interviewing the client and identifying what is their legal matter or dispute
* Identifying the discrete legal and factual issues embedded within the client's larger problem
* Researching systematically each issue
* Deriving a solution that resolves some, if not all of the issues
* Executing it through specific tasks like drafting a contract or filing a motion with a court

Remember the most expensive lawyer is not necessarily the best one for you. Nor is a "bargain" rate always a great deal.

Look for the best balance of experience and cost. You may want to ask your lawyer if a junior lawyer or paralegal can perform some of the work to lower your costs.

Lawyers are subject to state ethics rules and are required to charge reasonable fees; if you think your lawyer didn't treat you fairly, represent you adequately, or charged you too much, communicate with him and try to work out some resolution.

If trying to resolve the matter directly with your attorney is unsuccessful, consider filing a complaint with your state or local bar association.