Free Lawyers

There are many benefits available that allow a person to obtain a free or hire an attorney at a greatly reduced rate. Most union members are eligible through their union for this type of service. United Auto Workers have a plan that allows their members to one free legal consultation for 30 minutes on any particular topic. They are also eligible to have an attorney review documents and send one letter, also at no charge. Many unions avail themselves of the Union Privilege Legal Service Plan. This Plan covers numerous unions that allow their members free consultation with an attorney, and free review of documents. This Plan also allows a member to hire an attorney at 25% off the normal hourly rate.

Another source for an attorney to represent you would be the American Automobile Association [AAA]. They will provide up to $500.00 in attorney’s fees in defending you against any traffic citation other than drunk driving and criminal violations. AAA will also guarantee up to $1000.00 towards an arrest bond for a driving violation other than drunk driving and criminal.

For those who are members of the Armed Forces of the United States, you can receive free legal advice through the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAG). You may also get free legal advice through the Armed Forces for such matters as writing a will, alimony and child support.

If you are involved in automobile accident in which you are at fault, your insurance carrier will provide free legal representation to you in defending any suit covered by your policy. On the other hand, if you are involved in an automobile accident that is not your fault, many lawyers, including myself, will represent you without any advance fee for a one-third fee of whatever is recovered (you are responsible for out of pocket expenses to the attorney, such as photocopying charges, fees for obtaining records, deposition costs and court costs).

The Public Defender will represent you for free or minimum charge if you meet certain low income requirements. Many lawyers, including the author of this article, will provide a free initial consultation on almost any legal matter that they handle.

Try contacting your local Bar Association. Most, for a small fee (usually $35.00 or $40.00) will hook you up to a local attorney who will give you a half hour consultation.

The average person may not even know how to begin looking for a good lawyer. There are many source of information with daunting names like the attorney public records or certified lawyer referral service, but once you get the break down of how everything words together it’s pretty simply.

Referrals from business associated and / or family – It sounds like the simplest place to start, but many people may be embarrassed about asking what legal professional a fellow work associate or family member users, but you don’t have to be. With so many lawyers out there it’s likely you can get a personal referral to someone who can help you without even having to do much a search.

Attorney public records – Once you’ve found a lawyer or attorney you’re thinking about suing, you can checked their official bar membership record which will include their address, phone number, discipline history and other marks on their professional reputation. It’s easier now then ever on the Stat Bar’s website. If you see anything that doesn’t check out, you may want to reconsider your choice.

Certified Lawyer referral services – Do a quick search online or in the Yellow Pages and you’ll be sure to find a State Bar certified lawyer referral service. They can steer you in the right direction if you don’t know where else to look.

Certified Legal Specialists – State Bars maintain lists of attorney who are certified specialists in particular areas of law. For example the California state bar certified specialists in appellate law, workers’ comp, tax law, family law, immigration, estate planning, bankruptcy, and criminal law. They may even have this list directly on the state bar’s website.

Free Legal Aid Agencies – Depending on your financial and personal situation there may be an entire number of agencies devoted to giving you free legal advice and basic legal resources. Many law schools also have free clinics available.

Advertisements and Professional Websites – Take a Google search and you’ll see tons of PPC and professional advertisements for lawyers of all types. Just be sure to thoroughly check them out, but you can shop for a lawyer the same way you would a car.

All in all there are many different viable options for you to begin your search. Just be sure not to settle for the first lawyer you find and be sure you get along with the person. Depending on your needs you may be entering into a long term business relationship with them so be sure you get along and can work together.