Research Basics

In criminal proceedings, the right to an attorney is so important the government must provide an attorney to any defendant who cannot afford one. While defendants can waive this right, the r ... Read more

Before you meet with a lawyer, it helps to have a framework for the costs of representation, and an understanding of how the fee agreement might work. ... Read more

An initial meeting with your attorney is important, not just for exchanging information about your case, but also for building rapport and trust. Commonly, you will first have a short phone ... Read more

Are you seeking legal help, perhaps because you're involved in litigation as a plaintiff or defendant? If so, you're likely to spend some time in your lawyer's office. Law offices vary in si ... Read more

You're entitled to have an impartial judge preside over your case, but how do you know when the circumstances make recusal or disqualification of the judge a legal possibility? ... Read more

To sue or not to sue. It's a big decision. Here's what to consider before heading down the long and winding road of civil litigation. ... Read more

You and your lawyer no longer see eye to eye on your case strategy, but will the judge allow you to change lawyers in the middle of your case? ... Read more

You have the right to fire your attorney in the middle of your case, but the attorney can't simply quit without a good reason. ... Read more

It usually begins with a lack of communication. Your calls go unanswered and you hear nothing about your case for weeks or months. How do you know when it's time to change lawyers? ... Read more

When a party or witness offers sworn testimony in an affidavit or at deposition, the element of surprise may not be part of their trial testimony. ... Read more

Clients put a great deal of faith in their lawyers. As with doctors, clients come to attorneys for serious problems—problems that they cannot solve on their own, which puts them in a poten ... Read more

The lawyer-client relationship does not always work out. Sometimes this is the fault of the lawyer, who fails to communicate or fails to act with diligence on the client’s legal behalf. So ... Read more

When you give your attorney money -- or when your attorney obtains money on your behalf -- that transaction comes with legal and ethical obligations. ... Read more

When you're thinking about switching attorneys, don't forget about the financial side of your case. ... Read more

Where your lawyer went to law school is not as important as the answers to twelve simple questions, which every potential client should ask. ... Read more