In the event that you have not already, probably sometime in your own lifetime you will need to retain the services of an attorney at law. With the help of my consultation with Tampa Attorney Christina Mesa, here's a list of answers to popular and worthwhile questions.

1. QUESTION: Do I have to hire an attorney or lawyer in the county where the issue occurs?
ANSWER: No. Many lawyers practice in other counties and other states, based on their licensure for the latter. Having experience in the county wherein the matter is being litigated is important as that lawyer will have a comfort level with the community courthouse personnel, lawyers (likely opposing counsel) and judges. One matter in retaining a lawyer away from area in which the matter occurs is cost of journey time. Some attorneys do not charge for travel, others give you a lowered rate or preserve a billable rate for all work carried out. Discuss that question with each lawyer consulted.

2. QUESTION: How may I be sure my attorney is working on my case?
ANSWER: Every good lawyer accounts for his time (fees) and expenses (costs). Your retainer arrangement should include a statement of how the lawyer bills his clients - month-to-month, quarterly, etc. You may even track your case in some jurisidictions that offer on-line accessibility to case dockets. If the county has that established, you are wise to routinely review the docket and see what activities have occurred by your attorney and the other party/counsel. It's also advisable to feel at ease contacting your attorney at intervals to ascertain the status of the issue, knowing you will likely be charged for these interactions.

3. QUESTION: How do I select an attorney?
ANSWER: Legal difficulties are as vast as those in other industries, such as medicine, construction, finance, etc. and tend to be just as perplexing. To safeguard your rights and remedies, the best practice would be to study your area of need and research what attorneys are around to work with you. A referral from somebody you know and regard can bring a personal element to the consideration to hire an lawyer but should not be the singular reason counsel is chosen. Look into the lawyer's background of education, practical experience and area(s) of practice. Asking questions should be encouraged in this process. Self-help can be strengthening but may also restrict or negate your recovery. Hiring a lawyer should be contemplated with exactly the same level of thought and consideration as that given to the choice of a medical professional, accountant, financial expert or therapist.

4. QUESTION: How do I know if I need a lawyer?
ANSWER: If you have already been served with a Summons and associated documents (Complaint, Petition, Motion), you should really endeavor to seek legal advice without delay. Documents filed in court that start a lawsuit necessitate responses that involve specific deadlines; missing out on those deadlines could compromise your defense, reduce or avoid your recovery. Some concerns by statute involve a "pre-suit" period that allow you to consider the legal issues and probable resolution before a suit is filed. Similarly, seeking legal counsel at the earliest opportunity is recommended.

5. QUESTION: What exactly is mediation?
ANSWER: Mediation is a course of action whereby the parties to the case present at an agreed site with their counsel (if retained) and a chosen mediator to try and solve all or a number of the problems involved. Mediators are to be unrelated to all participants and the litigation at issue, are to remain impartial amongst the parties and their counsel, and maintain the confidential structure of the conference to recommend settlement and resolution. Usually the parties share the fee of the mediation evenly but other arrangements might be made if all parties are in agreement ahead of the conference. Mediation is usually required in every case filed in court and just before a trial is held.

6. QUESTION: What type of law firm do I need?
ANSWER: Again, like other businesses, lawyers may specialise in a specific or more than one area. Similarly, law offices may specialize, provide general legal needs or offer services in several specific areas of law. Trial attorneys handle cases involving lawsuits; family law lawyers handle divorce cases, child custody/visitation, child support, alimony and related matters; general practitioners handle almost all matters. Some areas of law are very technical, like bankruptcy or taxation; others are delineated by statute, as in worker's compensation. Any attorney can discuss your particular issue, determine if he/she is prepared to take care of such matters or advise you of the need to seek advice from another in a specialised area.

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