legal help
- Thread Starter kna0002
- Start date
Many attorneys offer a short, free initial consultation. Call the California Bar Association for referrals.
Tax Counsel
Well-Known Member
It depends on a lot on what it is you want to talk to the lawyer about. If you experienced a personal injury or violation of your civil rights and wish to sue for money damages or you are charged with a crime and need a lawyer to defend you most lawyers handling those kinds of cases typically give free initial consultations.
If your issue is something else then it will matter exactly what kind of issue you wish to talk to the lawyer about.
If your issue is something else then it will matter exactly what kind of issue you wish to talk to the lawyer about.
adjusterjack
Super Moderator
There is. Just call an attorney's office and ask for a free consultation. You'll probably be asked a few questions about your legal issue and then you'll find out if a free consultation is available.
I wonder how many of the members who recommend a free consultation with a lawyer, have ever tried to get a free consultation with a lawyer. I have (several years back) and it is not a consultation at all. It's a mining operation looking for potential lucrative cases and you will never speak to an attorney if it is not. You will never get any legal advice one way or the other. I'm sure there are some exceptions, but I never found one.
From my own experience, you call, message, chat, zoom, email, whatever method you use to contact the office it is an interview. Certainly not a consultation with an attorney. You are speaking to someone that screens the calls and your questions. You may hear back but, in my experience, it goes into a blackhole because it doesn't meet the criterial of a winning or lucrative case if you hear back at all. You may hear back with a retainer agreement attached with ridiculous fees even on simple matters like a mortgage default or a foreclosure.
Most recently, I tried to hire an attorney to protect my 80-year-old brother from a mortgage default in Palm Beach County, FL. I contacted 4 attorneys in that county for a free consultation that advertised doing defaults and foreclosures. Of the four, I never heard from 2 of them and the other 2, sent retainer agreements. Never got to speak to any of them.
In my opinion, the country was better off when attorneys could not advertise. That was before the Bates v. State Bar of Arizona decision paved the way for modern legal marketing in the U.S. in 1977. It allowed for more transparent communication between lawyers and the public. In my opinion, it also set up some of the more legal scams on the public at large.
adjusterjack
Super Moderator
You're right, of course.
But "Get a free consultation" is a lot less typing than what you have explained. LOL.
But "Get a free consultation" is a lot less typing than what you have explained. LOL.
I actually did get a free consult some years ago... well, the first 30 mins was free, and I paid for the second 30 minutes. Very helpful and informative. It was a family law matter, and the attorney knew I wasn't going to hire them and just needed some advice and guidance.
Zigner
Well-Known Member
Earlier this year, a close family member had several free consults when searching for a divorce attorney.
Also, since this is posted in the Constitutional Law & Civil Rights forum, it might be possible to get free consultations from activist organizations in that arena. Of course, the OP didn't give us much to go on, but a review of the other thread started by the OP might be in order: very anxious
Also, since this is posted in the Constitutional Law & Civil Rights forum, it might be possible to get free consultations from activist organizations in that arena. Of course, the OP didn't give us much to go on, but a review of the other thread started by the OP might be in order: very anxious
army judge
Super Moderator
California Attorney Referral
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List of Lawyer Referral Services (LRS) in California certified by The State Bar of California. Managed by county, local and regional bar associations.
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Initial FREE Attorney Consultation in CALIFORNIA
Before your first meeting with a lawyer:
- Jot down the key points in your case to share with them.
- Bring the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of everyone connected with the case.
- Bring all papers related to the case. Some lawyers may want to review the papers before your meeting.
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally. If the lawyer intends to have another member of the law firm handle any part of the case, you might want to talk to the second lawyer as well.
Be wary of any lawyer who guarantees results. Most lawsuits and other legal work are not "sure things." However, a lawyer should be able to point out the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Find out how long the lawyer expects your case to take, what steps will be involved, and what you should expect about fees and billing. If you don't understand something, ask for a simpler explanation.
After your first meeting, ask yourself a few questions:
- Will you be comfortable working closely with the lawyer?
- Do you think the lawyer has the experience and skill to handle your case?
- Do you understand the lawyer's explanation of what your case involves?
- Does the fee seem reasonable?
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