The Civilian's Guide to Lawyers has the inside scoop on hiring and managing lawyers. Volume 1 covers hiring a competent, cost-effective lawyer. One key is to select the lawyer carefully. If you can find the right lawyer and get a reasonable fee agreement in place, you'll have fewer problems. (44,000 words)
Volume 1: How to Hire a Lawyer starts with identifying your legal problem, explaining how to search for potential lawyers in your area, and helping you to prepare for your first meeting, then select the best choice. In all, there are seven steps to selecting an experienced, cost-effective lawyer you can afford who's a good "fit" for your case. The last step is to negotiate a fair fee agreement, watching out for signs of overreaching by the lawyer.
If you have problems with your lawyer, there are still ways to salvage the situation or limit the damage (Volume 2: How to Fire a Lawyer). And, if you can't find a good lawyer you can afford, we'll give you an idea how to help yourself. (Volume 3: How to Live Without a Lawyer) The Civilian's Guide is designed to help regular people like you -- we call them civilians -- deal with the legal system, especially with lawyers.
The foundation for a fair relationship with a lawyer is described in The Client's Bill of Rights, available as a separate publication.
The author is John Toothman, an experienced lawyer, author, and founder of The Devil's Advocate, a legal fee management firm.
Volume 1: How to Hire a Lawyer starts with identifying your legal problem, explaining how to search for potential lawyers in your area, and helping you to prepare for your first meeting, then select the best choice. In all, there are seven steps to selecting an experienced, cost-effective lawyer you can afford who's a good "fit" for your case. The last step is to negotiate a fair fee agreement, watching out for signs of overreaching by the lawyer.
If you have problems with your lawyer, there are still ways to salvage the situation or limit the damage (Volume 2: How to Fire a Lawyer). And, if you can't find a good lawyer you can afford, we'll give you an idea how to help yourself. (Volume 3: How to Live Without a Lawyer) The Civilian's Guide is designed to help regular people like you -- we call them civilians -- deal with the legal system, especially with lawyers.
The foundation for a fair relationship with a lawyer is described in The Client's Bill of Rights, available as a separate publication.
The author is John Toothman, an experienced lawyer, author, and founder of The Devil's Advocate, a legal fee management firm.
