Injuries due to accidents at work is a common scenario these days. However, recovering from such accidents can leave a big dent in your finances due to the soaring prices for medical services. If such a situation were to ever occur, then remember that you will require the assistance of a workers’ compensation lawyer. This type of attorneys can help employees claim compensation for their injuries, including healthcare expenses and lost wages.

If your injuries are trivial and if the company is taking full monetary responsibility regarding your medical bills and wages then you do not require a workers’ compensation lawyer. However, if your injuries are serious and you have some disagreements regarding the compensation offered, in order to safeguard your monetary interests, it is best to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Duties of a workers’ compensation lawyer
The primary duty of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to help the claimant by securing their monetary benefits. They can achieve this by –

• Gathering relevant research involving medical records, evidence, depositions of the claimants, physicians, and witnesses.
• Drafting important legal documents like briefs, opinions, pleadings, and findings of fact.
• Representing the client in the court of law.
• Guiding the client through the entire claims process.
• Maintaining communication with all the involved parties.
• Negotiating on the behalf of the client.

Skills required in a workers’ compensation lawyer
The workers’ compensation lawyer you hire should have a certain form of expertise and qualities, including –

• Solid experience in handling similar cases and trials.
• Stronghold on workers’ compensation laws, procedures, and latest developments.
• Brilliant written and oral communication skills.
• Smart negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of multiple working environments and how they can be unsafe for workers.
• Sensitivity toward the client.

Fees charged by workers’ compensation lawyer
Usually, the fees charged by workers’ compensation lawyer are determined according to the settlement amount received. It can be anywhere from 10% to 35% of the entire settlement based on the factors mentioned below –

• Lawyer’s basic fees.
• Type of case and how complex it is, i.e., the severity of the injury caused and the conflicts surrounding it.
• The time it took to settle the case.

Likewise, as every state has its own set of laws and regulations, the attorney fees will vary according to the location.

If you have a lawsuit filed against you or have criminal charges against you, it would be necessary for you to hire a criminal lawyer as soon as possible. In such cases, it is important to take action immediately to get a better understanding of your case and build an effective defense. If you are looking for a criminal lawyer, the following tips may help you find someone suitable for your case.

• A federal lawyer or a state lawyer: Federal criminal lawyers defend cases related to the violation of federal laws. State lawyers fight cases related to the violation of state laws. You will need to hire a federal lawyer if you have been charged with cases related to bankruptcy, copyright violation, patent, or cases related to the violation of the constitution, and so on. In cases of traffic violations, family disputes, contract disputes, and thefts a state lawyer should represent you.
• Pick a local criminal lawyer: A local criminal lawyer regularly works closely with the prosecutors and the courthouse involved in your case. A local lawyer will be familiar with all the local laws, procedures, the workings of the local police, and court rules. The lawyer’s local network and knowledge will make it simpler to handle your case. The lawyer will know how to approach the local District Attorney and what approach to adopt with the prosecutors of your case.
• Choose a lawyer with a specialization: Criminal law is very extensive and there are multiple specializations involved. A criminal lawyer may have a specialization in drunk driving and another lawyer may be an expert in white-collar crimes. Check the specialization of your prospective criminal lawyer before you decide to hire him.
• Pick a lawyer who is approachable and communicative: When it comes to criminal cases, the best defense is solely built on the trust level between the lawyer and the defendant. To ensure this, you have to be very comfortable talking about every detail of your case. Your lawyer should be approachable and must openly communicate with you. The lawyer should show genuine interest in your case.
• Verify the experience of your lawyer: You have to ask your lawyer upfront about their experience in the type of case you have against you. While most lawyers are open about their experience with a particular type of case, some may be reluctant to share their track record. It is not advisable to hire a criminal lawyer who is reluctant to discuss these two factors with a potential client. Experience and track record indicate a lawyer’s credibility and accountability.

Intellectual property (IP) refers to the ownership and possession of the intangible property. The law protects these intangible assets related to products and service from being used or implemented without your consent.

IP law treats certain intangible assets as physical assets to ensure that equal justice and legal recourse is available in case of theft or misuse of any intellectual property. The law is in place to safeguard certain products of human intellect. There are six main sections of intellectual property law, each with its own rules and guidelines for filing IP claims. These include Trademarks, Patents, Copyrights, Trade Secrets, Licensing, and Unfair Competition Law.

Intellectual property lawyers specialize and practice the rules that involve securing and enforcing the legal rights to creative work. These include inventions, designs, and different artwork with patents, trademarks, and copyrights. The laws also award incentives for legal use and reproductions of creative work to the original creator. You may hire an intellectual property lawyer for the following representations:

• An intellectual property lawyer will represent you in due diligence for all intangible assets files and claims.
• The lawyer will establish and protect your intellectual capital for filing under the law.
• An intellectual property lawyer will help you license your inventions.
• Facilitating the draft of licensing agreements is also one of the services offered.
• Negotiating settlements for incentives is one of the main reasons for you to hire an intellectual property lawyer.

There is a growing need for intellectual property lawyers to represent innovations and inventions in the field of science and technology. More and more products and services are being introduced creating an intangible pool of assets that demand the expertise and experience of intellectual property lawyers.

A steady rise in intellectual property crimes is also forcing businesses and individuals to consider hiring legal counsel to protect their rights. Cyber intellectual property theft is one of the major problems with piracy and cybersquatting.

Infringement is another reason for you to hire an intellectual property lawyer to safeguard your patents and copyrights that are pending approval. In such cases, the intellectual property lawyer will advise you to use the patent number to identify the assets to gain leverage over infringers.

A legal contract is an essential piece of paperwork for securing the interests of two or more parties. It is common to witness their use in businesses, however, they can be used for personal reasons as well. It is critical to ensure that the contract is drafted impeccably to avoid confusion or problems in the future. Therefore, if you need a contract, consider hiring a contract attorney.

How can a contract lawyer help you?
The format, language, and wording in a contractual document has to be precise enough to be legally binding. A contract lawyer will make sure that your documents are admissible in court and void of any concerning loopholes. On the other hand, if you have decided to draft a contract all by yourself then it is advisable for an attorney to review it. If there are any errors or possible loopholes, the contract lawyer can help you revise your clauses. However, it is sensible to hire a contract attorney in scenarios where there lies a strong possibility of court’s involvement.

Apart from drafting and managing contracts, a contract lawyer also handles contract disputes that include duties like advocating a case in the court of law, communicating with the involved parties, and mediation on behalf of their client.

How much a contract lawyer charges?
Typically, contract lawyers charge on an hourly basis to consult, review, or draft legal documents. At times, some attorneys may use flat rate costs for legal matters that are not complex. The fees for every contract lawyer can vary based on the type of requirement, the nature of the matter you are dealing with, where you live, and their professional experience.

How to choose the best contract lawyer?
Drafting a contract requires a person to have a high attention to detail and ability to read between the lines. Therefore, ensure that the contract lawyer you are considering has a solid skill set and reputation for handling such type of intricate paperwork. Likewise, they should have strong interpersonal skills to handle any possible court proceedings, conflicts, and arbitration. Lastly, your contract lawyer should be approachable so that you can share all your issues without feeling apprehensive or unsure.

Whom do you contact to review your important documents such as a living will, the power of attorney of your company, a trust, or a lease? Where do you look for a lawyer to represent you in the court case involving estate planning, personal injury, or a divorce? Legal matters that do not require specialized study of law is known as general practice law and the attorney working in the said field is known as a general practice lawyer. From cases involving bankruptcy, family law, litigation, and criminal law a general practice lawyer will be well versed in each of these areas of law practice. Read on to know more about the educational qualifications, fee arrangements, and where to find a general practice lawyer.

Educational qualifications of a general practice lawyer

A total of seven years is required to complete the study of law. This includes four years of undergraduate study followed by three years of law school.

Once an aspiring lawyer earns a bachelor’s degree, the next step is to earn the Juris Doctor (JD) degree. To practice as a licensed attorney in the country, one must attend a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Moreover, one must pass the state’s bar examination to legally practice law in a state. To be able to practice law in multiple states, attorneys need to pass the bar examinations in respective states as well.

Fee arrangements of general practice lawyers

Although the billing approach is similar to that of any other lawyer, the fees of a general practice lawyer would depend on several factors like the location and the complexity of the case. It is, therefore, crucial to negotiate and understand the ongoing fees of a general practice lawyer to avoid any surprises on the bill. Moreover, the fees of an attorney will be paid depending on one or more of the following conditions:

• flat fee ($300 to $1,200)
• hourly rate
• contingency fee
• retainer fee

Find a general practice lawyer

One of the best ways to find a general practice lawyer is to contact the top-rated law firms. Also, there are numerous websites where you can find information about various lawyers practicing the general areas of law.

Estate planning requires you to be careful and meticulous while hiring an estate planning lawyer. After all, your property and estate are at stake. A good estate planning lawyer will ensure that there is a smooth transition in your will without any hassles caused to your family. To ensure this, you need to keep a few factors in mind. Here are a few useful tips to hire an estate planning lawyer.

The lawyer should have a legal malpractice insurance
A legal malpractice insurance indicates accountability. Having a legal malpractice insurance or a professional liability insurance is not mandatory across all states. However, if your estate planning lawyer has this insurance, you will be protected against any mistakes made by the lawyer or his associates working on your case. When you hire an estate planning lawyer who has a malpractice insurance, you and your heir will not be at the risk of losing anything.

The lawyer should have certifications and degrees from known law schools
The best lawyers come out from the best law schools. Law schools across the country are ranked according to a four-tier ranking system. When you are looking for estate planning lawyers, ask them from which law school did they get their law degree. Also, ask whether they have a specialization in wills and probate or trusts and estates.

The lawyer should be a member of a professional association
Ask whether your estate planning lawyer is a member of any professional associations, such as the National Association of Estate Planning Councils’ WealthCounsel. When your lawyer is a part of such an association, he is aware of all the latest developments and updates of estate planning. You will be assured that your lawyer has an extensive network that will be useful for your case.

The lawyer should give a clear disclosure of fees charged for services provided
Usually, lawyers do not clearly state the fees they will charge before they get to know the specifics of your case. However, you can ask them about an estimation of the fees they will charge. On the other hand, there are lawyers who straight out state a fixed fee, irrespective of the kind of case they have. Mostly, known as trust-mill law firms, be wary of such lawyers who may not be able to meet your or your family’s specific estate planning needs.

Bankruptcy refers to the inability to repay outstanding debts by a business or a person. In such cases, a bankruptcy petition is filed by the person who owes the money (debtor). Generally, a portion of the assets owned by the debtor is then sold to pay off outstanding debts. However, filing for bankruptcy indicates that the concerned party is in no position to pay off debts and needs a fresh start to stabilize financials.

The federal court will issue a discharge order that will validate the proceeding to waive off an outstanding debt. After a discharge, no creditor will be in a position to recover their debt, as the debtor is absolved of all personal liability. A bankruptcy lawyer is more than qualified to handle the proceedings to ensure a positive verdict and a fair claim made on behalf of the client.

You must consider the following points before hiring a bankruptcy lawyer:

• The legal representative must be well qualified, experienced, and must have experience in handling bankruptcy cases.
• Determine if you are comfortable sharing sensitive information relevant to the filing.
• What are the costs involved from the first filing to the final discharge?
• Compare legal services online, do not just settle with the first listed representative.

In case you cannot afford bankruptcy lawyers, free legal representation is available. You can contact lawyers listed in the American Bar Association (ABA) or find someone to represent your case from the Legal Services Corporation. Many bankruptcy lawyers offer their assistance pro bono to give low-income clients a fair and equal representation in the court of law.

The ABA is a union of 400,000 members of the bar spread across 3500 entities in the country. The ABA directory is one of the best resources to find legal representation online. You can search for bankruptcy lawyers state-wise and narrow down search results to local representation in your city, county, and area.

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC), on the other hand, is a non-profit entity established by the Congress in 1974. The main objectives of the LSC include providing legal aid at a low cost, ensuring fairness in the justice system, and providing critical constituent services apart from financial assistance to low-income Americans.

The courts also allow individuals to file for bankruptcy without a lawyer. Filing personal bankruptcy is beneficial only when you have a good understanding of bankruptcy laws and the legal jargons that govern the same. However, this is an alternative you can consider only after consulting with a bankruptcy lawyer.