How to Choose a Lawyer
Search the Article Library: Home

Home | Legal | Lawyers


You may reproduce articles from The SmartNetWorld Article Library on your website, in your opt-in newsletter/ezine or ebook free of charge as long as you abide by the simple but important rules in our Terms of Service (T.O.S)
Your use of this article signifies that you accept and agree to abide by the rules of our T.O.S.

Most Important The article must be reproduced exactly as written by the Author including resource box complete with live hyperlinks.



How to Choose a Lawyer

By: ginfok

When selecting an attorney, there are a number of important factors to consider. This article focuses on one: is the attorney you have contacted a "referral attorney"? Referral attorneys are attorneys who advertise to attract clients, but do not represent clients themselves. Instead, they forward the client on to another attorney. A typical referral attorney takes a fee as a percentage of the total recovery.

Is my attorney a referral attorney?

This is a simple question to answer - just ask them. A referral attorney will always, at some point, have to disclose that they will not be the primary attorney on your case. They will eventually be forwarding you on to another lawyer. Generally, if your attorney is advertising on television or has run ads seeking victims of injuries caused by a specific product (Vioxx cases, asbestos or mesothelioma cases, diet drug cases, or other class action lawsuits), then they are probably a referral attorney.

Will it cost me more money if I have contacted a referral attorney?

Generally, no. The typical agreement between a referral attorney and the actual lawyer working on the case grants the referral attorney a percentage of the actual lawyer's fee. Instead of coming from the client, the money comes from the lawyer who eventually is the attorney on the case. However, you should make sure that this is what your actual agreement is. A typical contingent fee case costs the client one third of the recovery. If you have contacted a referral attorney, ask what the ultimate percentage will be.

Why even bother with a referral attorney if I'm going to someone else anyway?

If you know an attorney who is an expert in the field or who is handling that kind of case, there is generally no reason to. However, many people have absolutely no knowledge of the legal industry. They simply can't find an appropriate attorney on their own. A referral attorney usually only makes money if you win, so he will have an incentive to forward your case to a competent lawyer. Just make sure that you aren't being charged more for a referral - it's not worth paying extra to get it, especially because many other lawyers would be eager to point you to competent counsel for a cut themselves.

Article Source: http://articles-at.smartnetworld.com

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to lawyer do please browse for more information at our websites. www.infozabout.com www.lawyer.infozabout.com

Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Lawyers Articles Via RSS!


Link Exchange | Add URL | My Webring
 

© 2005 - 2008 SmartNetWorld Article Library All Rights Reserved.
Use of our service is protected by our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

****

Powered by Article Dashboard