You and your lawyer

Hiring and working with a lawyer can be intimidating and confusing. If you have not used a lawyer before, you're probably not sure what to expect.

Finding the lawyer for you
Not all lawyer accept legal aid work, so if you have a legal aid certificate, you need to find a lawyer who takes legal aid cases. The lawyer you choose should be sensitive to your needs, so make sure you are completely comfortable with the lawyer you choose. Think about the kind of lawyer you would like to work with. Do you prefer a man or a woman? You should try to find a lawyer who has experience with your kind of legal problem. It may also be a good idea to get a lawyer who speaks your language and who will help you understand your choices.
--Ask the legal aid office if there is a legal aid law office available in your city. Legal aid lawyers may be able to take your case and represent you in court.
--Ask the legal aid office to give you a list of lawyers who take legal aid cases. They should have a list of lawyers who deal with cases like yours.
Once you have the names of a few lawyers you would like to interview, call and ask if they will take your case. Spend a few minutes talking to the lawyer or someone in the lawyer's office. Make a list of all the questions you want to ask to help you decide if this lawyer might be right for you. If you are not comfortable, try another lawyer until you find one you feel does understand you.

Making contact
When you call to make an appointment with your lawyer, ask what you should bring with you. Before going to the lawyer's office, write down the details of your case to help you talk about the legal problem more easily. Make a list of questions you want to ask your lawyer. If you are going to be late, phone and let the office know.

The first meeting
Bring all your papers and court documents with you to the lawyer's office, along with your list of questions. Tell your lawyer as much as possible about your legal problem even though you may feel uncomfortable or embarrassed. Your lawyer understands this and is not there to judge you. Lawyers need to know all the facts so they can help you. Answer the lawyer's questions completely and truthfully. Be clear with the lawyer about what you expect. If the lawyer knows exactly what you want, he or she will be able to help you better. Write down the answers to your questions and anything your lawyer wants you to do or to bring with you for your next appointment.

What to expect
Your lawyer should explain the laws that apply to our legal problem. They should tell you what your rights are, what kin of results you might be able to get and how long it might take. Your lawyer should also tell you what's going to happen next and how long it might take.
Your lawyer may not always tell you what you want to hear or be able to fix every problem, but he or she is the best person to advise you about what to do. Even though your friends may have had a problem like your, your case is probably different. Try to understand what's possible and what isn't. Also understand that solving legal problems takes time.

Preparing for your meeting
Your time with your lawyer may be limited and may be costing you money so use your time carefully. Every phone call with your lawyer is using up time. If you are on a legal aid certificate, understand that the lawyer is only allowed to spend o much time on your case. Be prepared for your meetings with your lawyer. Write on you questions before you go. If you are confused or don't understand something, tell your lawyer. Make sure you get the explanation you need.
If you have questions for your lawyer and can't wait until your next appointment, ask your lawyer's assistant or secretary for help. If they can't help you, tell them the best time to reach you and your phone number o the lawyer can call you back.
Don't expect to see your lawyer without an appointment. Your lawyer is very busy and may not be in the office all the time. Call ahead if you can't keep an appointment and don't forget to schedule another one.
Keep a file or envelope with all your papers in it and bring it with you to very meeting with your lawyer. Read all the materials that your lawyer gives you. Bring a notebook with you to each meeting so you can make notes of what your lawyer says.

Your lawyer's job
A lawyer's job is to help you get what you are entitled to according to the law. A lawyer is there to speak for you and represent you in court. It is important to remember that a lawyer can only help you solve your legal problems. Don't expect the same things from your lawyer that you expect from a friend or a counselor. It helps if you like your lawyer, but the most important thing is that you trust our lawyer to do a good job.
If you have a serious legal problem and little or no money, legal id may be able to pay a lawyer for you. You have right to the best service possible, whether you are on legal aid or paying out of your own pocket.