Ultimate Lawyer

About the Author

Betsy Sweetser is a partner in complex non-personal injury civil litigation and appellate work with the law firm Pellettieri, Rabstein and Altman at 100 Nassau Park Blvd., Princeton, NJ. Phone: 609-520-0900; http://www.pralaw.com

Every individual who violates the personal or property rights of another is financially responsible for the damages cause by his or her act. To collect money for this civil wrong there must be damages or injury; without one or both, there can be no recovery of money.

If you have a claim that has a complicated set of circumstances or evidence, one which obviously demands legal advice, than you need a lawyer.

If you hired Attorney I. M. Sharp and he had to burn the midnight oil for you and/or even win your case, there can be no objection to his collecting his fee. But, far too often, in cases of a completely uncontestable claim, one finds themselves handing over a huge percentage of that recover to a lawyer for doing minus-zip!

I’m referring to the average motor vehicle accident case, one where it’s absolutely clear that the other individual, “Fumbling” Fred Fuddle, is clearly at fault. Attorney Sharp sends out his routine Letter Of Representation to Fuddle‘s carrier THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN INSURANCE CORPORATION, secures the Medical Bills and Reports from your “Ole” Doc’ Comfort, and procures a Police Report, if one is available. Then, for less than two dollars worth of stamps and an hour spent on negotiations Sharp depending upon where you live extracts a fee of between 331/3/% to 50% in settlement.

For example, say Attorney Sharp settles a case for $3,000, and then takes a fee of 1/3 of that $3000. It doesn’t take a degree in mathematics to figure out that you’re paying him $1,000 for what is usually - - less than a few hours work.

After you’ve paid Attorney Sharp’s fee, along with your medical bills to Doc Comfort, and after deducting the money recovered from the time lost from work out of that $3000 settlement, the bottom-line monetary compensation to you has been plundered !

IN THEORY, the money you have left, after deducting these expenses, is your Financial Reward for the “Pain and Suffering” you‘ve been forced to endure. But with the naive signing on with a lawyer to settle a claim that’s clearly not your fault you’re left with a feeling of decimation because you’ve definitely not been left with what you deserved for the physical and emotional ordeal you’ve been forced to deal with.

When Attorney Sharp settles your claim he doesn’t deduct your out-of-pocket expenses before he takes his fee. Instead, he takes his fee “Right Off The Top” where the cream floats. Then, with what’s left, your out-of-pocket expenses are paid.

FOR EXAMPLE: The damage to your Motor Vehicle is $1,500, your Medical Bills are $400, and your Lost Wages are $600, for a total of $2,500. Even in a case of Clear Liability, the lawyer not only takes a one-third cut from the “Pain and Suffering” portion of the settlement, he also takes a third of your out-of-pocket expenses !

Now, think it out: Your Property Damage was $1,500, Your Medical Bills $400 and your Lost Wages $600 came to a total of $2,500. Then you’re paid $3000 for your “Pain and Suffering” so the total settlement is $5,500.

In a perfect world, in a case of clear liability, Attorney Sharp’s fee should have been taken from the $3000 you were paid for your “Pain and Suffering”. If he did, his fee would have been 1/3 of $3000 or $1,000. But, without fail, Sharp will take his 1/3 of the grand total of $5,500, bringing his fee to $1,833.33. That’s outrageously unfair because, in a case of clear liability, GRANITE MOUNTAIN would have paid you your out-of-pocket expenses of $2,500, - - whether you had a lawyer representing you or not !

ALWAYS REMEMBER: When you handle your own case should you and GRANITE MOUNTAIN later disagree as to the value of your claim there’s a Time Limit established at which you can break off your negotiations and then proceed to obtain the services of Attorney Sharp. This time limit is called a “STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS“ it’s never less than a year and in most cases it’s two or three; some states provide you with this kind of protection for as long as five or six years. To be sure you must check out how much time you have to fuss with Fuddle’s insurance company before you hand your case to a lawyer to handle for you.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book explains, in simple language, ”How To” handle your motor vehicle property damage and/or personal injury claim so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also contains BASE The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula. THE BASE FORMULA will explain how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your motor vehicle accident injury!

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article "LAWYERS AND THEIR FEES" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Whenever such help is desired it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

Copyright c 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Dan Baldyga is now retired and spends his time writing articles to assist those who are in motor vehicle accident claims so they wont be take advantage of: dbpaw@comcast.net

Marie noticed that Diane seemed to be sailing through her career and receiving “nods” from the firm’s partners. According to Marie, Diane was extremely successful in handling her cases, developing strong relationships with her clients and seemed to be building a successful career on all fronts. As a third year associate, Diane was viewed as a rising star in the firm and was getting several “choice assignments”…many of which Marie had hoped to get. After inviting her to lunch, Marie learned that Diane had been working with a Professional Coach. During lunch, Diane credited her Coach with helping her develop a strategic action plan to help her: 1 improve weak areas in her performance, 2enhance and strengthen her professional image and 3 get on the fast track to partnership. According to Diane, “Hiring my Coach was the wisest career move I could have made.”

One week later, Marie hired her own Coach.

Professional Coaching is for lawyers who are ready to excel, enjoy a better quality of life and gain an edge on the competition.

Let’s face it, the legal profession is all about successful outcomes and lawyers are trained to succeed in achieving favorable outcomes for their clients.

Coaches are trained to help clients achieve powerful results. There are systems of accountability incorporated into the coaching process to move clients forward and deepen insights.

Coaching is a collaborative process that is focused and results oriented. A Professional Coach can help lawyers overcome challenges, increase strategic thinking and improve communication skills. In addition, many lawyers hire Coaches to help them develop a savvy professional image, cultivate ongoing career and personal goals and to achieve greater work-life balance. Unlike a consultant, a Coach doesn’t come in and solve the problem for you. Instead, a Coach partners with you to assess how best to resolve issues and achieve your goals.

A Professional Coach can provide the insight, accountability, resources and strategic planning that a lawyer needs in order to build a successful career and fulfilling personal life.

Below are 10 ways a lawyer can benefit by working with a Professional Coach.

1. Achieve better focus. When the majority of your time is spent juggling cases, keeping track of clients, meeting goals for billables and balancing your personal life, its hard to focus on anything other than making it through the day. A Professional Coach will help you focus your energy so you can achieve your goals with greater ease despite your hectic schedule.

2. Manage and Develop a Successful Legal Career. Developing a successful career depends largely on your ability to structure your career in alignment with your personal and professional goals. Coaching can help you clarify your vision and goals. When was the last time you considered what YOU want in your legal career and in your personal life The practice of law is fast paced and it’s tough to find time to slow down and ask yourself some meaningful questions. Through Coaching, youll have the opportunity to examine what you want, what motivates you, where you get stuck or distracted and much more. The coaching process allows you to learn about what you value, what it will take to build a fulfilling career and how you can design a balanced personal and professional life. When was the last time you had a conversation with someone who was fully committed to you and your success That’s the job of a Professional Coach.

3. Develop a Values-Based Professional Development Plan. Success doesn’t happen by accident. You must PLAN what you want to achieve and determine the best way to go about getting there. Consider your career plan as the roadmap for your career. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now How will you get there What resources will you need A Coach can help you create a plan that is in alignment with your personal and professional values and overall vision for your life and career.

4. Increase Productivity. Productive people have the ability to complete their work on time and in an efficient manner. How many times have you committed to completing a task only to have the needs of someone else get in the way At the core of Professional Coaching is accountability. Knowing that youve made a commitment to yourself AND told someone else about it, makes you more likely to stay on task. Your Coach holds you accountable for what you say you want to accomplish, and then continues to work with you as you achieve your goals and increase productivity.

5. Navigate a Job Change or Career Transition. Too often, lawyers get locked into a job because they lack the tools needed to determine their next steps. Changing jobs, switching to a new practice area or transitioning to a new career can be tough. So tough in fact that many lawyers end up STUCK in an unfulfilling career. A Coach can provide you with the insight, resources and feedback needed to make concrete decisions regarding your career. If it’s time to move up or out…a Coach can help you make that decision faster and with greater ease than you would on your own.

6. Improve Time Management and Practice Management Skills. Lawyers are slaves to time yet few if any law schools provide training on how to successfully manage time. Case files, motions, clients, conference calls, deadlines, e-mails and meetings are simply a fraction of what goes on in a typical lawyer’s day. Too often everything feels like a priority and lawyers report feeling overwhelmed, stressed and ultimately burned out. A Professional Coach can help you to take an honest look at your schedule and how you currently spend your time and manage your practice. Based on this information your Coach can help you create a strategy where you can achieve more in less time…often with more time for a healthy personal life. Goodbye burnout!

7. Develop a Unique Brand for Improved Marketing. The practice of law is competitive and it’s important to create a brand that effectively communicates your value to your employer, colleagues and potential clients. Why should they hire you over another lawyer A Coach can help you create and develop your unique value proposition and help you communicate it to others in a way that helps you develop a successful reputation and career.

8. Discover your Passion in the Law. Have you met lawyers who report feeling disillusioned with the law or report feeling lost These feelings tend to emerge in a career when there is a misalignment between the work the lawyer is involved in and his or her personal and professional values. Sustaining a successful career in the law requires the pursuit and attainment of work in alignment with your passion, interests and strengths. Through Coaching you’ll have the opportunity to gain clarity about your ideal work and work environment and then take the necessary action steps toward designing a successful and gratifying legal career.

9. Create Boundaries. Working with a Professional Coach can help you evaluate what you say "yes" to because you want to and what you need to quit saying "yes" to. A Coach can help you find the cure for the "disease to please" and the inability to delegate effectively. Through coaching you’ll have the opportunity to consider what you need to say "yes "to or "no" to in order to respect your boundaries and function more effectively in your legal career.

10. Achieve Work-Life Balance. Lawyers are required to maintain hectic schedules under incredibly stressful, high pressure situations. After maintaining such a pace many lawyers experience burnout, depression and other stress related illnesses. Like others in high pressure professions, lawyers need to strike a balance between the demands of work and rest and relaxation. A Coach will help you to take charge and create a more balanced life. A Professional Coach can help you find time for family, friends, hobbies AND a successful law career.

About The Author

Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, J.D., CPCC is an Attorney, Certified Professional Coach and the Founder and Director of the Esq Development Institute, an organization committed to helping lawyers excel personally and professionally. The Esq. Development Institute specializes in Executive and Personal Coaching for lawyers and training assessment and processes for law firms in the areas of leadership, communication, diversity/cultural competence and work-life balance. www.EsqDevelopmentInstitute.com, Info@EsqDevelopmentInstitute.com

JBE@EsqDevelopmentInstitute.com

To be able to win a social security disability case can only be obtained through the assistance of a competent social security disability lawyer. Getting one is such a no small matter. What must we really consider when choosing the right representative to handle our disability cases Well, to help you in this process, I created this article hoping that it can help you in any ways regarding the selection of your attorney.

Logical Thinking

Basically, your lawyer evaluates and formulates a winning strategy for your case. After handling various cases, most attorneys already have an excellent perspective whether a case is winnable or not. They analyze carefully what it takes to win a certain case. More importantly, if you decide to hire an attorney, he will make sure that your case file is up-to-date with all medical records. In addition, he will work with your doctors to "translate" your medical problems into work limitations so that social security can evaluate your claim properly.

Reputable Image

A company must have a good image so that their clients will not feel awkward in asking for help from their lawyers. One more thing – lawyers must be competent and knowledgeable enough in their chosen field for them to gain the trust of their clients that they’ll win their claims. After all, clients are always on the look for dedicated and exceptional attorneys when dealing with their social security disability cases.

Experience

While an attorneys opinion is not a determination of how your case will end up, he can offer you the benefit of experience. An experienced lawyer can be very helpful to you in many ways. Your lawyer can make sure that you have applied for all disability programs for which you are eligible. Having several years of work experience in their respective areas of practice and always utilizing their resources, commitment and professional judgment is necessary in order to make sure that your cases are thoroughly prepared and ready for trial.

Indeed, getting an efficient, effective and responsive counsel for your social security disability case is a challenging task. Before making the decision to hire an attorney, you need to know first about the lawyer’s knowledge, identity and experience. Also, you must ask the lawyer to tell you about how he has represented clients in cases similar to yours. Ask the lawyer to go over the fee arrangement in detail with you and be sure you understand what the lawyer plans to do to represent you on your claim.

After all, you really have to take your claim seriously and make every effort to listen to and follow your lawyers advice because as you can see, you and your lawyer are a team when it comes to winning your social security disability cases.

About The Author

Nash Ville Well, I must say that I am not a born writer. I didn’t acquire this gift hereditarily either. However, I’m an adventure book lover and used to read everything that I come across in the Internet that sounds interesting. I think, I only developed it through constant practice and exposure to numerous writing stuff. I was chosen to compete in press conferences that showcased my need-so-well-developed writing skills. I became part of our school publication staff. I started as a news writer and photojournalist of the school paper. Soon, I was appointed editor-in-chief. It was during this time when I realized that I needed to be more efficient in writing because duty called for it. I should say that this event in my life opened me wholly to the wonderful world of writing.

For questions, comments and additional info about the articles visit http://www.socialsecuritylawattorney.com

inquiries@socialsecuritylawattorney.com

The history of the Personal Injury Lawyer is littered with interesting facts about the U.S. legal system and contingent fee based practices http://www.glofin.com. While many critics accuse trial lawyers of bringing frivolous lawsuits into the American legal system, nothing is farther from the truth. Personal Injury Lawyers advance their clients services and cash for case costs while funding companies like Global Financial 866-709-1100 advance cash to Plaintiffs against their pending settlements. Personal Injury Lawyers provide a valuable service to the American Justice system by working for a contingent fee which is only payable if there is recovery for their client. If there is no recovery for their client then the Personal Injury Lawyer will receive nothing and therefore these lawyers will only take cases that have merit. There is no advantage to the lawyer accepting a “frivolous lawsuit” because there is a high likelihood of no recovery and therefore no fee to the lawyer.

Personal Injury Attorneys began advertising for the first time in 1980 when firms like Jacoby & Meyers began to advertise on television and radio to solicit clients. Before this, no law firm in the United States had attempted advertising other than in the Yellow Pages. Jacoby & Meyers television advertising decision was a success and since that, thousands of Law Firms have decided to join in. At first there was a real concern from the American Bar Association that advertising for personal injury cases would tarnish the image of lawyers in general and bring about more frivolous lawsuits. In 1996 the ABA released a comprehensive advertising study of member law firms. In the report the study concluded that television advertising brought legal services to the poor that were not previously known or accessible and that the images of personal injury lawyers were not tarnished.

Frivolous personal injury lawsuits

Frivolous lawsuits are often misunderstood by the public at large. A Frivolous lawsuit is by definition: A lawsuit is termed frivolous if it is brought in spite of the fact that both the plaintiff and his lawyer knew that it had no merit and it did not argue for a reasonable extension or reinterpretation of the law or no underlying justification in fact based upon the lawyers due diligence investigation of the case before filing i.e. the well known U.S. Federal Rule 11. Since it wastes the courts and the other peoples time, resources and legal fees, it may result in sanctions being levied by the court upon the party or the lawyer who brings the action. Source: http://www.wikipedia.org. Frivolous lawsuits are misunderstood because many people do not understand the actual legal process.

The term Frivolous Lawsuits is most often used when referring to medical malpractice cases. Again, the argument that too many frivolous lawsuits are costing Doctors, Insurance Companies and their policy holders billions of dollars every year is simply not true. In most states a Medical Malpractice case cannot be brought unless a panel of three doctors review the claim in detail and agree that there was “gross medical malpractice”. These Doctors are peers to the same Doctor that they are accusing and it is human nature to be nice to your peers. In addition to the fact that it is very difficult for a panel of three doctors to unanimously agree that there was gross medical malpractice, it is extremely costly for a Personal Injury Lawyer to pay for expert witnesses & related case costs that are required to build a case against the defendant.

Frivolous lawsuits have also been associated with personal injury cases in which the client has only minor injuries. Sustaining minor injuries in a car accident or other personal injury accident and making a claim is not frivolous, it is a persons right. It should be agreed that the claim will be small and the monetary award should reflect this but it should not be considered a frivolous lawsuit. In addition, if a personal injury lawyer takes a case on a contingent payment basis then it would not be wise to take a case unless the legal claim is valid. Jacoby & Meyers was one of the first law firms to establish the fact that a contingent fee arrangement between lawyer and client is the framework necessary to level the playing field among defendants & plaintiffs in the pursuit of justice.

Personal Injury Lawyer’s incentive to bring valid cases to trial

The final reason that a Personal Injury Lawyer brings value and credibility to our legal systems relates to the time our justice systems takes to play out each lawsuit. In most jurisdictions it can take up to 2 years to obtain a trial date and so the Defendant has a clear advantage in delaying or even offering a fair settlement offer to the Plaintiff. Personal Injury Lawyers advance case cost money from their own funds when building a claim for their client. The are not only risking their time but their hard earned money when they fight a personal injury case for a plaintiff. This financial structure of a pending legal claim is the right framework to allow those personal injury claims with good merit make it to trial regardless of the financial strength the plaintiff. Many valid personal injury claims would be given up for financial reasons if the personal injury lawyer was not able to fund case costs. Even Defendants that have admitted liability are not inclined to make a fair settlement offer until a trial date is near. A Personal Injury Law Firm like that of Jacoby & Meyers realizes that a weak case will most likely be sent to trial and therefore be inclined to take strong cases that have a far better chance of settling prior to trial or even the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases a Plaintiff may obtain a Lawsuit Loan from a company to help pay bills until a fair settlement is reached.

Legal System needs change

The legal system in America does need some change and of course it will never be perfect. One change that would help avoid unnecessary claims and lawsuits is to have a panel of three experts in the field that the suit is being brought to filter out those claims that have no merit. This has been done rather successfully in the Medical Malpractice area and different forms of this approach may be successfully used in other parts of personal injury law.

In Conclusion

The Personal Injury Lawyer brings a very valuable legal service to the citizens of the United States, regardless of the economic standing. A contingent fee arrangement with their client is a structure that was formed around the time Jacoby & Meyers began advertising on television and has created a section of our legal system that works smoothly for all parties involved. Many plaintiffs that would not otherwise be able to receive legal services are now being serviced while the same lawyers screen for only the valid personal injury claims as not to waste their own time. It is time we recognize that the Personal Injury Lawyers provide a very valuable and necessary service to the citizens of our society. William Gladstone said “Justice delayed is Justice denied” and I couldn’t agree more. Our legal system in the United States may have some flaws but it is the Personal Injury Lawyer that improves the system. It is time we recognize that the Personal Injury Lawyers provide a very valuable and necessary service to the citizens of our society.

About The Author

Wensley McKenney is a graduate of Tulane University and has 15 years of legal and financial experience. He has consulted some Law Firms in 23 states about marketing their practices.

wensley@glofin.com

Given the monstrous size and profitability of drug companies, some plaintiff lawyers are considering focusing more of their practice on drug litigation. In fact, shortly after Mercks announcement of the Vioxx recall, some large plaintiff firms started aggressive media campaigns aimed at bringing in prescription drug injury victims. The media blitz has been non stop. Billboards, TV, web marketing, radio, and direct mail are just some of the marketing vehicles that attorneys have used to try and find new cases for them to work on. Many plaintiff law firms are no longer focusing on chasing run of the mill car accidents. Some of them have gone so far as to reposition themselves as “drug recall lawyers,” seeing that the future of their practice may be shaped by the initial outcome of these new pharmaceutical cases.

When Merck chose to withdraw Vioxx, the CEO stated that a voluntary recall was the responsible course of action. Prior to pulling Vioxx from the market, Merck was spending $500 Million per year on advertising Vioxx. Vioxx is classified as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID. However, Vioxx belongs to a new family of NSAIDs called “COX-2 inhibitors.” There are not many COX-2 inhibitors on the market in the US: Bextra and Celebrex may be the only other two.

Both the number of potential Vioxx plaintiffs and award amounts of the lawsuits are projected to be extremely large. The investment bank S.G. Cowan recently estimated that eventually more than 600,000 plaintiffs could file suit in the Vioxx case. Furthermore, some investment banks think that plaintiffs may file for more than $10Billion in damages in years to come. Even the national TV networks have covered the Vioxx withdrawal. A November 2004 story on the Vioxx withdrawal appeared on CBS News 60 Minutes. The CBS story implied that the US Justice Department is conducting an investigation and the Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into Mercks conduct. Given the media coverage of the Vioxx withdrawal and the number of people who were prescribed Vioxx, there may be many new “Drug Recall Firms” founded in years to come.

About The Author

Richard Martin is a contributing writer at http://www.legalclips.com. LegalClips.com is a collection of lawyer articles and other resources.

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When do you need to hire a family law attorney and when is it okay to just use an online divorce form website to save a little money This article will provide a few pointers to help you decide whether to do it yourself or retain a divorce lawyer.

What Does it Mean to Use an Online Divorce Form Website

Essentially, using an online form website in your divorce case means that you will represent yourself and act as your own lawyer. All of the online divorce form sites have disclaimers making it clear that they are not your lawyer and are just preparing documents on your behalf. While it is your constitutional right to act as your own lawyer, there are some significant risks involved that should be evaluated before you take the online route.

Additionally, you have to evaluate the particular website you are dealing with. Most are national sites that offer forms that they claim will work in any state. However, every state has different laws. In other words, a California Divorce Decree will not be identical to a Texas Divorce Decree because the laws of the two states are not identical. So with an online divorce you are basically getting a generic form that may or may not work in your jurisdiction.

What if You Have Children

While many of the divorce form sites claim to offer forms that address the necessary provisions regarding children conservatorship, support, visitation, etc., it is very risky to use these generic forms when you have children. You must remember that your divorce forms are being prepared using online software that simply fills in the blanks with your answers to very simplistic yes/no or multiple choice questions. These answers may not necessarily fit your situation or you may not fully understand the question.

This is where a competent lawyer can make a big difference. A lawyer will learn more about your situation and find out exactly what your documents need to say, instead of just the boilerplate language that the divorce websites software spits out. If you have children, you should take the safe route and hire an experienced divorce lawyer.

What if You Own Property

Many of the divorce form sites also claim to offer forms that will deal with the most complex of property divisions. But when it comes to dividing any property beyond personal effects clothes, furniture, etc., it is risky to rely solely on generic divorce forms. If you or your spouse own real estate, vehicles, 401k accounts or other retirement accounts, or have any other financial assets or liabilities, an online divorce form will not necessarily protect your interests.

A competent divorce lawyer would be able to, first, analyze your situation and determine what property division is in your best interest, and second, ensure that all the assets awarded to you were properly transferred and the titles correctly recorded on your behalf.

Conclusion

Using an online divorce form always carries a certain amount of risk. If there are no children from the marriage and no property to divide, then saving a few hundred dollars may be worth the risk and the extra work you will have to do. But for most people, especially those with children or property, it is essential to hire an experienced divorce lawyer to handle their case.

About The Author

Scott Morgan has been a Houston divorce lawyer since 1994. His practice focuses exclusivley on divorce and family law cases. You can find out more about Mr. Morgan on his website, http://www.houstondivorce.com

Adjuster Henry Hustle from GiveAwayNothing Insurance tried to take advantage of you so you’ve decided to obtain the services of an attorney. Here are some insights you should consider:

SMALL LAW FIRM VS. LARGE LAW FIRM: The size of the law firm has absolutely nothing to do with how well that office will represent you and/or handle your case. A large law firm 10 or more names on their letterhead will not impress an insurance adjuster into giving you a better settlement. On the contrary, adjuster’s who’ve been around, know that huge law offices have multi-million dollar clients with mind-boggling legal problems. Because of this those types of law firms often do not put the time nor concern into a several thousand dollar personal injury case that a small office would. The bottom line You’ll receive more and better attention from a small law office. Many of the best personal injury lawyers operate within the confines of a law firm with only two, three or, at the very most, four associates.

BEWARE OF LAWYERS WHO REPRESENT “DEFENDANTS”:The practice of law has become incredibly specialized. Find a lawyer who has experience representing claimant’scalled “Plaintiffs” in legalese in personal injury cases.You’re a “Plaintiff”. Be careful not to be represented by someone who is primarily an attorney for “Defendants’. These lawyers way of thinking are usually too closely tied to the values, attitudes and mental outlook of their cold and calculating insurance company clients.More often than not they’ll not extend themselves nor battle as hard - - consciously or unconsciously - - to obtain top dollar for your claim.To you four or five hundred dollars more is a lot of money.To them it’s a drop in the bucket!

COMPARISON SHOP: Talk to friends, acquaintances and/or co-workers who may have been represented by a lawyer on their own personal injury claim. Personal Injury lawyers normally don’t charge for an initial consultation.But, before you meet with them, find out if they do.If the answer to that is “yes”, go somewhere else.

While chatting with the lawyer, getting to know him and generally speaking what your case is all about, you should find out:

1 How long have they been in practice10 years - plus - that’s good. 6 to 8 years is just okay. 3 to 4 years is highly questionable. 2 years or less is totally unacceptable.

2 Roughly what percentage of his practice involves personal injury cases If it’s less than 75% say “goodbye”.

3 Does he often represent corporations and/or insurance companies If he does than forge it, excuse yourself and take a walk.He’s not a Plaintiff’s attorney you’re a “Plaintiff” he’s a Defendant’s attorney the insurance company is a “Defendant”. He’s not for you!

PAYING THE LAWYER - THE WRITTEN FEE AGREEMENT”: After you’ve discussed the fact’s of your case you may be able to get some sense from the attorney how much he thinks your case is worth, and how difficult it may be to get the insurance company to pay that amount.He probably won’t commit himself. He’ll do a song and dance that would put Madonna to shame. Once you’ve grappled with that ask him exactly how much he’s going to charge you for handling your case

If you’re at fault for the accident and it’s only your damaged ego that demands legal action he’s going to charge you for every move he makes - - and there can be a ton of them - - at hundreds of dollars an hour.If you have a case in which the other driver is clearly at fault and your damages are substantial his heart will be pounding with glee and he’ll be salivating furiously to have you hire him. In that instance he’ll be quite willing to waive all potential charges.

Usually, in the majority of cases, it should be a straight “Contingency Fee” with no costs assessed to you. Once your financial deal has been agreed upon ask him to put that into writing, in his “Written Fee Agreement”.If he balks at a Written Fee Agreement you should begin to hum that old tune “I’ll See Ya’ Later Alligator”, get up, thank him for his time, and exit that office

Copyright c 2003 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this insurance claim tip FINDING THE RIGHT LAWYER is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyg nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM How To Evaluate And Settle Your Losscan be found on the internet at http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you wont be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evalation Formula. BASE explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury.

Copyright c By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About The Author

For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager and also a trial assisstant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of. Mail to: dbpaw@attbi.com

Selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your family law case is a very important decision. The following are a few important criteria to help in finding the right divorce lawyer.

Experience and Focus

Any divorce lawyer you consider should have substantial experience in handling divorce cases in your location. An experienced divorce lawyer will know the tendencies of the various judges in your jurisdiction and should be able to use this knowledge to your advantage. Additionally, that lawyer should practice primarily in the field of divorce law. Often people will hire a lawyer who practices primarily in some other area, thinking that any lawyer will do. However, divorce law is a very specialized field that requires particular skills and experience in order to have a likelihood of reaching a successful conclusion.

Past Client Testimonials

Perhaps the best way to decide which divorce lawyer to use for your divorce case is to find out what former clients have to say about that lawyer. While divorce is never an enjoyable process, some divorce lawyers have more success at satisfying their clients than others. If you do not know someone who has been a client of that particular divorce lawyer, you should consider asking the lawyer for a list of clients that you can contact who can describe their experience with the lawyer. While client confidentiality is important, any good experienced divorce lawyer should have at least a few former clients who are willing to vouch for him or her.

Accessible

When a client becomes dissatisfied with a divorce lawyer, one of the most common complaints is that they were unable to communicate with the lawyer. It is very important that your divorce lawyer be accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails, and requests for meetings. While you can ask the divorce lawyer about their office policy, this is another area where you can best evaluate the divorce lawyer by hearing what former clients have to say.

If a former client of the lawyer tells you that they found it very difficult to contact the attorney, or that the lawyer either did not return calls or respond to emails or would take several days to do so, you should definitely avoid that lawyer. Divorce is an unpleasant and frustrating process under the best of circumstances. If you are unable to reach your divorce attorney, or at least someone on his or her staff, the frustration level can increase exponentially.

Fees

When you make your initial appointment with the divorce attorney, you should inquire about a consultation fee. Some lawyers do brief initial consultations for free, although most experienced divorce lawyers will charge between $100.00 and $200.00 as a consultation fee, or will charge their normal hourly rate.

For example, I charge a flat $100.00 consultation fee with no additional hourly charges, regardless of the length of the meeting. Essentially, the consultation fee is to "weed out" those people who are not serious about the possibility of hiring me. Given that my normal hourly rate is $200.00/hour and the usual typical consultation takes about 90 minutes, the charge for my consultation is significantly discounted. Therefore, you shouldnt let a consultation fee scare you away from interviewing a particular lawyer.

During the consultation it is vitally important that you have a candid discussion with the prospective divorce lawyer about fees and what you can expect. Typically, an experienced divorce lawyer will require the payment of a substantial retainer up front, against which that lawyers hourly rate and expenses will be charged. You should find out what that lawyers hourly rate is, what the up front retainer will be, whether any portion of the retainer is refundable if it is not exhausted, and how often you can expect to receive invoices that detail their hourly charges and expenses. You also will want to know how detailed the invoices are. Once again, this is another area where you can get excellent information from those people who have been clients of that divorce lawyer.

Comfortable

While all the above issues are important, there is one final question you should ask yourself before hiring a divorce lawyer. Are you comfortable with that lawyer and are you confident in his or her abilities If the answer is anything other than a resounding "yes," you should keep looking. Your case is too important to entrust to someone who does not inspire your confidence.

For more information go to http://www.houstondivorce.com

About The Author

Scott Morgan is a Houston attorney who practices exclusively in the field of divorce and family law. For more information go to http://www.houstondivorce.com.

smorgan@houstondivorce.com

Its that time of year where we all feel enormous pressure to make resolutions for personal and professional improvement. Lawyers are no exception! The problem is too often we set the new goals without a real plan of how were going to avoid reverting to our old habits!

Habits can be a friend or foe. Think of a habit as a pattern of behavior. Successful habits...help us to achieve success...other habits undermine our efforts to achieve.

Here is a great exercise for getting rid of old habits and replacing them with habits designed to help you to more effectively achieve your objectives.

STEP ONE:

List 3 or more habits that are currently holding you back from achieving your goals and describe how these habits negatively impact your life.

EXAMPLE:

Habit: No savings/investments for the future

Impact: Unable to achieve financial and retirement goals

STEP TWO

List successful habits you will choose to adopt in place of the "bad" habits and the benefits of adopting the new habit

EXAMPLE:

Successful New Habit: Begin investing with the help of a financial planner.

Benefits: Debt free, financial freedom, comfy retirement.

STEP THREE

Create a 3 step action plan to jumpstart each new habit. Be specific, pick a start date, a completion date and get started!

EXAMPLE:

Action Plan

1 Find an excellent financial planner

2 Set up s monthly savings and investment plan

3 Create a realistic spending plan and look for ways to trim unnecessary spending.

Start Date: January 7

Completion date: January 17th

Implementing new habits, new patterns of behavior, will take time. Stay committed to the process and you’ll soon achieve your desired results.

About The Author

Jatrine Bentsi-Enchill, J.D., CPCC is an attorney and the founder and director of the Esq. Development Institute, an organization committed to helping lawyers excel personally and professionally. The Esq. Development Institute specializes in Executive and Personal Coaching for lawyers and training and assessment processes for law firms in the areas of leadership, communication, diversity and cultural competence, management development and work-life balance

EsqDevelopmentInstitute.com

jbe@EsqDevelopmentInstitute.com

If you have more questions, contact a car accident lawyer or read car accident news at http://www.hugesettlements.com.

About the Author

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Every individual who violates the personal or property rights of another is financially responsible for the damages cause by his or her act. To collect money for this civil wrong there must be damages or injury; without one or both, there can be no recovery of money.

If you have a claim that has a complicated set of circumstances or evidence, one which obviously demands legal advice, than you need a lawyer.

If you hired Attorney I. M. Sharp and he had to burn the midnight oil for you and/or even win your case, there can be no objection to his collecting his fee. But, far too often, in cases of a completely uncontestable claim, one finds themselves handing over a huge percentage of that recover to a lawyer for doing minus-zip!

I’m referring to the average motor vehicle accident case, one where it’s absolutely clear that the other individual, “Fumbling” Fred Fuddle, is clearly at fault. Attorney Sharp sends out his routine Letter Of Representation to Fuddle‘s carrier THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN INSURANCE CORPORATION, secures the Medical Bills and Reports from your “Ole” Doc’ Comfort, and procures a Police Report, if one is available. Then, for less than two dollars worth of stamps and an hour spent on negotiations Sharp (depending upon where you live) extracts a fee of between 331/3/% to 50% in settlement.

For example, say Attorney Sharp settles a case for $3,000, and then takes a fee of 1/3 of that $3000. It doesn’t take a degree in mathematics to figure out that you’re paying him $1,000 for what is usually - - less than a few hours work.

After you’ve paid Attorney Sharp’s fee, along with your medical bills to Doc Comfort, and after deducting the money recovered from the time lost from work out of that $3000 settlement, the bottom-line monetary compensation to you has been plundered !

IN THEORY, the money you have left, after deducting these expenses, is your Financial Reward for the “Pain and Suffering” you‘ve been forced to endure. But with the naive signing on with a lawyer (to settle a claim that’s clearly not your fault) you’re left with a feeling of decimation because you’ve definitely not been left with what you deserved for the physical and emotional ordeal you’ve been forced to deal with.

When Attorney Sharp settles your claim he doesn’t deduct your out-of-pocket expenses before he takes his fee. Instead, he takes his fee “Right Off The Top” where the cream floats. Then, with what’s left, your out-of-pocket expenses are paid.

FOR EXAMPLE: The damage to your Motor Vehicle is $1,500, your Medical Bills are $400, and your Lost Wages are $600, for a total of $2,500. Even in a case of Clear Liability, the lawyer not only takes a one-third cut from the “Pain and Suffering” portion of the settlement, he also takes a third of your out-of-pocket expenses !

Now, think it out: Your Property Damage was $1,500, Your Medical Bills $400 and your Lost Wages $600 came to a total of $2,500. Then you’re paid $3000 for your “Pain and Suffering” so the total settlement is $5,500.

In a perfect world, in a case of clear liability, Attorney Sharp’s fee should have been taken from the $3000 you were paid for your “Pain and Suffering”. If he did, his fee would have been 1/3 of $3000 or $1,000. But, without fail, Sharp will take his 1/3 of the grand total of $5,500, bringing his fee to $1,833.33. That’s outrageously unfair because, in a case of clear liability, GRANITE MOUNTAIN would have paid you your out-of-pocket expenses of $2,500, - - whether you had a lawyer representing you or not !

ALWAYS REMEMBER: When you handle your own case (should you and GRANITE MOUNTAIN later disagree as to the value of your claim) there’s a Time Limit established at which you can break off your negotiations and then proceed to obtain the services of Attorney Sharp. This time limit is called a “STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS“ it’s never less than a year and in most cases it’s two or three; some states provide you with this kind of protection for as long as five or six years. To be sure you must check out how much time you have to fuss with Fuddle’s insurance company before you hand your case to a lawyer to handle for you.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://www.caraccidentclaims.com or http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book explains, in simple language, ”How To” handle your motor vehicle property damage and/or personal injury claim so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also contains BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA will explain how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your motor vehicle accident injury!

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article "LAWYERS AND THEIR FEES" is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Whenever such help is desired it is THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

Copyright (c) 2005 By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Dan Baldyga is now retired and spends his time writing articles to assist those who are in motor vehicle accident claims so they won't be take advantage of: dbpaw@comcast.net

Contact a Toyota recall lawyer right away to discuss problems with your Toyota Tacoma or any other recalled Toyota model. Find out about a different auto recall or contact a Toyota recall lawyer today at hugesettlements.com!

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Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Asbestos was used as a building material years ago because it was not flammable and did not conduct electricity. However, later studies have shown it can cause some forms of cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the chest, is one of those forms of cancer. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.

Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer. Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:

Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.

Want to learn more about Mesothelioma Lawyers and other types of lawyers? Research Lawyers is a collection of free articles related to law and lawyers.

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Adjuster Henry Hustle from GiveAwayNothing Insurance tried to take advantage of you so you’ve decided to obtain the services of an attorney. Here are some insights you should consider:

SMALL LAW FIRM VS. LARGE LAW FIRM: The size of the law firm has absolutely nothing to do with how well that office will represent you and/or handle your case. A large law firm (10 or more names on their letterhead) will not impress an insurance adjuster into giving you a better settlement. On the contrary, adjuster’s who’ve been around, know that huge law offices have multi-million dollar clients with mind-boggling legal problems. Because of this those types of law firms often do not put the time (nor concern) into a several thousand dollar personal injury case that a small office would. The bottom line? You’ll receive more and better attention from a small law office. Many of the best personal injury lawyers operate within the confines of a law firm with only two, three or, at the very most, four associates.

BEWARE OF LAWYERS WHO REPRESENT “DEFENDANTS”:The practice of law has become incredibly specialized. Find a lawyer who has experience representing claimant’s(called “Plaintiffs” in legalese) in personal injury cases.(You’re a “Plaintiff”). Be careful not to be represented by someone who is primarily an attorney for “Defendants’. These lawyers way of thinking are usually too closely tied to the values, attitudes and mental outlook of their cold and calculating insurance company clients.More often than not they’ll not extend themselves nor battle as hard - - consciously or unconsciously - - to obtain top dollar for your claim.(To you four or five hundred dollars more is a lot of money.To them it’s a drop in the bucket)!

COMPARISON SHOP: Talk to friends, acquaintances and/or co-workers who may have been represented by a lawyer on their own personal injury claim. Personal Injury lawyers normally don’t charge for an initial consultation.But, before you meet with them, find out if they do.If the answer to that is “yes”, go somewhere else.

While chatting with the lawyer, getting to know him and (generally speaking) what your case is all about, you should find out:

(1) How long have they been in practice?(10 years - plus - that’s good. 6 to 8 years is just okay. 3 to 4 years is highly questionable. 2 years or less is totally unacceptable).

(2) Roughly what percentage of his practice involves personal injury cases? If it’s less than 75% say “goodbye”.

(3) Does he often represent corporations and/or insurance companies? If he does than forge it, excuse yourself and take a walk.He’s not a Plaintiff’s attorney (you’re a “Plaintiff”) he’s a Defendant’s attorney (the insurance company is a “Defendant”). He’s not for you!

PAYING THE LAWYER - THE WRITTEN FEE AGREEMENT”: After you’ve discussed the fact’s of your case you may be able to get some sense from the attorney how much he thinks your case is worth, and how difficult it may be to get the insurance company to pay that amount.(He probably won’t commit himself. He’ll do a song and dance that would put Madonna to shame). Once you’ve grappled with that ask him exactly how much he’s going to charge you for handling your case?

If you’re at fault for the accident and it’s only your damaged ego that demands legal action he’s going to charge you for every move he makes - - and there can be a ton of them - - at hundreds of dollars an hour.If you have a case in which the other driver is clearly at fault (and your damages are substantial) his heart will be pounding with glee and he’ll be salivating furiously to have you hire him. In that instance he’ll be quite willing to waive all potential charges.

Usually, in the majority of cases, it should be a straight “Contingency Fee” with no costs assessed to you. Once your financial deal has been agreed upon ask him to put that into writing, in his “Written Fee Agreement”.(If he balks at a Written Fee Agreement you should begin to hum that old tune “I’ll See Ya’ Later Alligator”, get up, thank him for his time, and exit that office)

Copyright (c) 2003 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this insurance claim tip FINDING THE RIGHT LAWYER is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyg nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)can be found on the internet at http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evalation Formula). BASE explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury.

Copyright (c) By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About the Author

For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager and also a trial assisstant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of. Mail to: dbpaw@attbi.com

About the Author

Robert Linebaugh is interested in medical topics, especially mesothelioma.

About the Author

This article by Mesriani Law was created for the sole purpose of propagating information that may be related to PI Los Angeles Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms and other industries to which it may be of interest.

About the Author

Find more information and tips about asbestos lawyers by visiting http://www.dailyasbestosnews.info

To find out why you need an Ativan lawyer and read articles about dangerous drugs and Ativan side effects, visit our website at hugesettlements.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about filing an Ativan lawsuit, please contact a professional Ativan attorney right away!

About the Author

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About the Author

Looking for tips and suggestions about legal matters, visit http://www.personalinjurylawyersinc.com

Contact an experienced Aviation Lawyer today.

Find an Aviation Lawyer associated with a major Aviation Law Firm today at hugesettlements

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To find out why you need a Baycol lawyer and read articles about dangerous drugs and Baycol side effects, visit our website at hugesettlements.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about filing a Baycol lawsuit, please contact a professional Baycol attorney right away!

About the Author

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About the Author

This composition was provided by a very reliable Ask Accident Lawyers Company. This article was composed to serve the interests of Los Angeles Accident Lawyers, Attorneys and Law Firms who are looking for reviews, suggestions, tips and more in the industry.

If you have more questions, contact a car accident lawyer or read car accident news at http://www.hugesettlements.com

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If you have any questions and suggestions about this article, please feel free to visit http://www.askaccidentlawyers.com

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This article may be freely reprinted as long as all links stay in-tact and this resource box is included.

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The practice of Family Law requires a firm that is familiar with both the complexities of family law and the family courts in which your family law issue will be addressed. Even the best family lawyer is at a disadvantage when dealing with a court that he or she is unfamiliar with. FamilyLawyerInHouston is the web home of The Selesky Law Firm, LLP. We specialize in family law matters in Houston.

Our goal at the Selesky Law Firm is to provide legal guidance and representation to establish and maintain strong, lasting client relationships. Service to clients is the basis for our practice of law and communication is the focus.

My website has been designed to provide you with enough information to determine if my practice can be of service to you. On my Family Law page, you will find helpful information regarding some of the key issues in family law. On the Resouces page you will find links to many federal, state, and county resources related to family law in addition to some links to site with general information regarding family law. Or simply call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation.

Family cases in Houston, like many family cases in Texas, usually start when a divorce petition is filed by the family lawyer representing the party bringing the divorce. The petition for divorce is a formal legal document that contains background information (such as when the marriage and separation occurred and the names, ages, and social security number of any minor children), states the reason a divorce is desired, and requests relief (including child custody, property division, and other matters). Typically, the information contained in the petition is obtained by the family lawyer when the lawyer and client meet to discuss the background facts of the marriage and the reasons for divorce.

Call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation.

In the divorce decree, the court must divide all the parties' community property. The court cannot give the separate property of one spouse to the other spouse, except with the owner's agreement. Therefore, the divorce lawyers must present evidence to help a court decide whether each item owned by the parties is community or separate property.

Call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation.

There is no doubt divorce affects the lives of scores of children in Houston, and throughout Texas. With very few exceptions, divorcing couples with the help of their Family lawyers, can and should agree on the issues of custody and visitation. The agreement should ensure that the child or children maintain close and continuing contact with both parties after the divorce is final. If an agreement is reached, the child or children will be spared the unnecessary and destructive fighting between the parents. Most Family Lawyers in Houston will tell you that most parents rank the priority of their children ahead of all the other issues typically involved in a divorce.

Call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation.

The Federal government, as well as the various states, have recognized the dangers and tragedy of parental kidnapping. Texas adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, which is designed to discourage one state from changing another state's custody order.

Call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation.

The Selesky Law Firm provides a Family Law Newsletter, updated periodically, with articles on a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, child care issues, bankruptcy, alimony, seperations, and many more topics. If you have questions concerninf a fmily law issue, don't hesitate to contact us to reach Carl Selesky, an experienced Houston family lawyer.

www.FamilyLawyerInHouston.com The Selesky Law Firm, LLP Carl Selesky Call (713) 780-9595 for a free initial consultation!

About The Author

The Selesky Law Firm, L.L.P. 6303 Beverly Hill, Suite 1000 Houston, Texas 77057

Affiliation: Woodfill & Pressler, L.L.P. Maintain active trial docket in State and Federal Court. Lead attorney in over 130 active cases and files. Currently engaged in litigation against national companies for clients including State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, USAA, Union Standard Insurance, Royce Homes, Sun Beam and Toyota, among many. Maintain independent clientele with over 250 individual and business clients. Service to clients is the basis for the practice of law and communication is the focus. Areas: Personal Injury, Insurance Disputes, Consumer Law, Family Law, Business Litigation and Criminal Law. Licensed and extensive trial experience in Federal and Texas State courts including: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Liberty, Jefferson, Orange, Travis, Dallas, Williamson, Bell and Hayes. Appointed and serve as Attorney and Guardian Ad Litem for minor children in custody disputes in Harris CountyFamily District Courts. 1993 - 2003 Houston, Texas

Law Offices of John C. Osborne Lead and assist an active docket in boutique civil firm. Develop independent clientele and caseload. Responsible for drafting writs and briefs to various Texas State and Federal Courts. Areas: Personal Injury, Consumer law, Family law, Criminal Law and Business litigation. Education 1991-1994 Houston, Texas

South Texas College of Law Juris Doctorate Lead attorney in over 130 active cases and files. Extensive employment throughout law school. Scholarship recipient, intramural mock trial winner, President, Florida Law Student Association and member, Board of Advocates and Director Intramural Sports 1986-1990 Chicago, Illinois

North Central College B. A. Communications, Minor: English Literature Maintained employment throughout college Participated in NCAA Division III Football

inquiries@carlselesky.com

About the Author

S A Baker is staff writer at http://www.thesmartattorneys.com

About the Author

For comments and questions about the article, you may visit http://www.mesrianilaw.com

To find out why you need a Fen-Phen lawyer and read articles about dangerous drugs and Fen-Phen side effects, visit our website at hugesettlements.com.

If you have any questions or concerns about filing a Fen-Phen lawsuit, please contact a professional Fen-Phen attorney right away!

About the Author

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Looking for tips and suggestions about legal matters, visit http://www.personalinjurylawyersinc.com

Adjuster Henry Hustle from GiveAwayNothing Insurance tried to take advantage of you so you’ve decided to obtain the services of an attorney. Here are some insights you should consider:

SMALL LAW FIRM VS. LARGE LAW FIRM: The size of the law firm has absolutely nothing to do with how well that office will represent you and/or handle your case. A large law firm (10 or more names on their letterhead) will not impress an insurance adjuster into giving you a better settlement. On the contrary, adjuster’s who’ve been around, know that huge law offices have multi-million dollar clients with mind-boggling legal problems. Because of this those types of law firms often do not put the time (nor concern) into a several thousand dollar personal injury case that a small office would. The bottom line? You’ll receive more and better attention from a small law office. Many of the best personal injury lawyers operate within the confines of a law firm with only two, three or, at the very most, four associates.

BEWARE OF LAWYERS WHO REPRESENT “DEFENDANTS”:The practice of law has become incredibly specialized. Find a lawyer who has experience representing claimant’s(called “Plaintiffs” in legalese) in personal injury cases.(You’re a “Plaintiff”). Be careful not to be represented by someone who is primarily an attorney for “Defendants’. These lawyers way of thinking are usually too closely tied to the values, attitudes and mental outlook of their cold and calculating insurance company clients.More often than not they’ll not extend themselves nor battle as hard - - consciously or unconsciously - - to obtain top dollar for your claim.(To you four or five hundred dollars more is a lot of money.To them it’s a drop in the bucket)!

COMPARISON SHOP: Talk to friends, acquaintances and/or co-workers who may have been represented by a lawyer on their own personal injury claim. Personal Injury lawyers normally don’t charge for an initial consultation.But, before you meet with them, find out if they do.If the answer to that is “yes”, go somewhere else.

While chatting with the lawyer, getting to know him and (generally speaking) what your case is all about, you should find out:

(1) How long have they been in practice?(10 years - plus - that’s good. 6 to 8 years is just okay. 3 to 4 years is highly questionable. 2 years or less is totally unacceptable).

(2) Roughly what percentage of his practice involves personal injury cases? If it’s less than 75% say “goodbye”.

(3) Does he often represent corporations and/or insurance companies? If he does than forge it, excuse yourself and take a walk.He’s not a Plaintiff’s attorney (you’re a “Plaintiff”) he’s a Defendant’s attorney (the insurance company is a “Defendant”). He’s not for you!

PAYING THE LAWYER - THE WRITTEN FEE AGREEMENT”: After you’ve discussed the fact’s of your case you may be able to get some sense from the attorney how much he thinks your case is worth, and how difficult it may be to get the insurance company to pay that amount.(He probably won’t commit himself. He’ll do a song and dance that would put Madonna to shame). Once you’ve grappled with that ask him exactly how much he’s going to charge you for handling your case?

If you’re at fault for the accident and it’s only your damaged ego that demands legal action he’s going to charge you for every move he makes - - and there can be a ton of them - - at hundreds of dollars an hour.If you have a case in which the other driver is clearly at fault (and your damages are substantial) his heart will be pounding with glee and he’ll be salivating furiously to have you hire him. In that instance he’ll be quite willing to waive all potential charges.

Usually, in the majority of cases, it should be a straight “Contingency Fee” with no costs assessed to you. Once your financial deal has been agreed upon ask him to put that into writing, in his “Written Fee Agreement”.(If he balks at a Written Fee Agreement you should begin to hum that old tune “I’ll See Ya’ Later Alligator”, get up, thank him for his time, and exit that office)

Copyright (c) 2003 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this insurance claim tip FINDING THE RIGHT LAWYER is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyg nor ARTICLE CITY make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)can be found on the internet at http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evalation Formula). BASE explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury.

Copyright (c) By Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

For over 30 years Dan Baldyga was a claims adjuster, supervisor, manager and also a trial assisstant. He is now retired and spends his time attempting to assist those involved in motor vehicle accident claims so they will not be taken advantage of. Mail to:

dbpaw@attbi.com

About the Author

This composition was provided by a very reliable Ask Accident Lawyers Company. This article was composed to serve the interests of Los Angeles Accident Lawyers, Attorneys and Law Firms who are looking for reviews, suggestions, tips and more in the industry.

About the Author

For questions, comments and additional info about the articles visit http://www.socialsecuritylawattorney.com

About the Author

This article by Mesriani Law was created for the sole purpose of propagating information that may be related to PI Los Angeles Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms and other industries to which it may be of interest.

About the Author

This article by Mesriani Law was created for the sole purpose of propagating information that may be related to PI Los Angeles Attorneys, Lawyers and Law Firms and other industries to which it may be of interest.

About the Author

Ryan Fyfe is the owner and operator of Lawyer Area. Which is a great web directory and information center on Lawyers and other legal issues.

If you are reading this, then you are probably either thinking of filing for divorce -- or have a feeling that your spouse may be filing for divorce -- whether you want to separate or not.

One of the common questions that an individual going through the divorce process asks is "What is a Divorce Mediation?"

Mediation is a process which allows both you and your spouse to maintain control over your destiny and the terms of your divorce settlement. Both parties and attorneys attend either a four-hour or eight-hour mediation, depending on the complexity of your case.

Is the Mediator a Lawyer?

Although some mediators are social workers, most commonly the mediator is a lawyer who acts as a neutral person to help you settle your case.

How is the Mediator Chosen?

The mediator is chosen and agreed upon by the attorneys. Every Family Law attorney has a "short list" of competent mediators who specialize in family law with whom we are familiar, whose style we are comfortable with, and who we have found to be effective, particularly considering the individual aspects of your specific case.

What is the Role of the Mediator?

The role of the mediator is to facilitate an agreement between the parties to prevent the necessity for a trial.

Can What I Say Be Used Against Me Later?

Everything said during mediation is confidential. The mediator cannot be made to testify in court if a settlement is not reached. The mediator will only report one of two things: "settlement": or "no settlement".

Further, you and your attorney will advise the mediator what you do or do not want shared with your spouse and your spouse’s attorney!

How Does This Work Exactly?

Procedurally, you and your attorney will remain in one room, while your spouse and his or her attorney stays in a separate room. The mediator travels from room to room conveying each side’s offer and/or counteroffer.

Sometimes, the parties mediate by all being in the same room together. This is common if your mediation is taking place at a county dispute resolution center.

About The Author

Law Office of Marilyn Gale Vilyus Attorney/ Mediator 16151 Cairnway Drive Ste. 210 Houston, TX 77084 281-550-6650 http://www.westhoustonattorney.com

Not certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

This article is designed for general information only. This information is not intended to be legal advice. Consult an attorney for before making any legal decisions based on your individual circumstances.

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For additional legal information and inquiries about the article log on to http://www.attorneyservicesetc.com

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Scott Morgan has been a Houston divorce lawyer for over ten years. His practice focuses exclusivley on divorce and family law cases. You can find out more about Mr. Morgan on his website http://www.houstondivorce.com

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John Lee is a freelance writer who has written articles for websites such as Attorney Help (http://attorney.eguidepro.com).

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Selecting a divorce lawyer to handle your family law case is a very important decision. The following are a few important criteria to help in finding the right divorce lawyer.

Experience and Focus

Any divorce lawyer you consider should have substantial experience in handling divorce cases in your location. An experienced divorce lawyer will know the tendencies of the various judges in your jurisdiction and should be able to use this knowledge to your advantage. Additionally, that lawyer should practice primarily in the field of divorce law. Often people will hire a lawyer who practices primarily in some other area, thinking that any lawyer will do. However, divorce law is a very specialized field that requires particular skills and experience in order to have a likelihood of reaching a successful conclusion.

Past Client Testimonials

Perhaps the best way to decide which divorce lawyer to use for your divorce case is to find out what former clients have to say about that lawyer. While divorce is never an enjoyable process, some divorce lawyers have more success at satisfying their clients than others. If you do not know someone who has been a client of that particular divorce lawyer, you should consider asking the lawyer for a list of clients that you can contact who can describe their experience with the lawyer. While client confidentiality is important, any good experienced divorce lawyer should have at least a few former clients who are willing to vouch for him or her.

Accessible

When a client becomes dissatisfied with a divorce lawyer, one of the most common complaints is that they were unable to communicate with the lawyer. It is very important that your divorce lawyer be accessible and prompt in responding to your phone calls, emails, and requests for meetings. While you can ask the divorce lawyer about their office policy, this is another area where you can best evaluate the divorce lawyer by hearing what former clients have to say.

If a former client of the lawyer tells you that they found it very difficult to contact the attorney, or that the lawyer either did not return calls or respond to emails or would take several days to do so, you should definitely avoid that lawyer. Divorce is an unpleasant and frustrating process under the best of circumstances. If you are unable to reach your divorce attorney, or at least someone on his or her staff, the frustration level can increase exponentially.

Fees

When you make your initial appointment with the divorce attorney, you should inquire about a consultation fee. Some lawyers do brief initial consultations for free, although most experienced divorce lawyers will charge between $100.00 and $200.00 as a consultation fee, or will charge their normal hourly rate.

For example, I charge a flat $100.00 consultation fee with no additional hourly charges, regardless of the length of the meeting. Essentially, the consultation fee is to "weed out" those people who are not serious about the possibility of hiring me. Given that my normal hourly rate is $200.00/hour and the usual typical consultation takes about 90 minutes, the charge for my consultation is significantly discounted. Therefore, you shouldn't let a consultation fee scare you away from interviewing a particular lawyer.

During the consultation it is vitally important that you have a candid discussion with the prospective divorce lawyer about fees and what you can expect. Typically, an experienced divorce lawyer will require the payment of a substantial retainer up front, against which that lawyer's hourly rate and expenses will be charged. You should find out what that lawyer's hourly rate is, what the up front retainer will be, whether any portion of the retainer is refundable if it is not exhausted, and how often you can expect to receive invoices that detail their hourly charges and expenses. You also will want to know how detailed the invoices are. Once again, this is another area where you can get excellent information from those people who have been clients of that divorce lawyer.

Comfortable

While all the above issues are important, there is one final question you should ask yourself before hiring a divorce lawyer. Are you comfortable with that lawyer and are you confident in his or her abilities? If the answer is anything other than a resounding "yes," you should keep looking. Your case is too important to entrust to someone who does not inspire your confidence.

For more information go to http://www.houstondivorce.com

Scott Morgan is a Houston attorney who practices exclusively in the field of divorce and family law. For more information go to http://www.houstondivorce.com.

smorgan@houstondivorce.com

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Justin Koh is a freelance writer whose articles have appear in most major ezines. You can find more of these at: http://www.lawyerscenter.infoYou have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

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The history of the Personal Injury Lawyer is littered with interesting facts about the U.S. legal system and contingent fee based practices (http://www.glofin.com). While many critics accuse trial lawyers of bringing frivolous lawsuits into the American legal system, nothing is farther from the truth. Personal Injury Lawyers advance their clients services and cash for case costs while funding companies like Global Financial (866-709-1100) advance cash to Plaintiffs against their pending settlements. Personal Injury Lawyers provide a valuable service to the American Justice system by working for a contingent fee which is only payable if there is recovery for their client. If there is no recovery for their client then the Personal Injury Lawyer will receive nothing and therefore these lawyers will only take cases that have merit. There is no advantage to the lawyer accepting a “frivolous lawsuit” because there is a high likelihood of no recovery and therefore no fee to the lawyer.

Personal Injury Attorneys began advertising for the first time in 1980 when firms like Jacoby & Meyers began to advertise on television and radio to solicit clients. Before this, no law firm in the United States had attempted advertising other than in the Yellow Pages. Jacoby & Meyers television advertising decision was a success and since that, thousands of Law Firms have decided to join in. At first there was a real concern from the American Bar Association that advertising for personal injury cases would tarnish the image of lawyers in general and bring about more frivolous lawsuits. In 1996 the ABA released a comprehensive advertising study of member law firms. In the report the study concluded that television advertising brought legal services to the poor that were not previously known or accessible and that the images of personal injury lawyers were not tarnished.

Frivolous personal injury lawsuits?

Frivolous lawsuits are often misunderstood by the public at large. A Frivolous lawsuit is by definition: A lawsuit is termed frivolous if it is brought in spite of the fact that both the plaintiff and his lawyer knew that it had no merit and it did not argue for a reasonable extension or reinterpretation of the law or no underlying justification in fact based upon the lawyer's due diligence investigation of the case before filing (i.e. the well known U.S. Federal Rule 11). Since it wastes the court's and the other people's time, resources and legal fees, it may result in sanctions being levied by the court upon the party or the lawyer who brings the action. (Source: http://www.wikipedia.org). Frivolous lawsuits are misunderstood because many people do not understand the actual legal process.

The term Frivolous Lawsuits is most often used when referring to medical malpractice cases. Again, the argument that too many frivolous lawsuits are costing Doctors, Insurance Companies and their policy holders billions of dollars every year is simply not true. In most states a Medical Malpractice case cannot be brought unless a panel of three doctors review the claim in detail and agree that there was “gross medical malpractice”. These Doctors are peers to the same Doctor that they are accusing and it is human nature to be nice to your peers. In addition to the fact that it is very difficult for a panel of three doctors to unanimously agree that there was gross medical malpractice, it is extremely costly for a Personal Injury Lawyer to pay for expert witnesses & related case costs that are required to build a case against the defendant.

Frivolous lawsuits have also been associated with personal injury cases in which the client has only minor injuries. Sustaining minor injuries in a car accident or other personal injury accident and making a claim is not frivolous, it is a persons right. It should be agreed that the claim will be small and the monetary award should reflect this but it should not be considered a frivolous lawsuit. In addition, if a personal injury lawyer takes a case on a contingent payment basis then it would not be wise to take a case unless the legal claim is valid. Jacoby & Meyers was one of the first law firms to establish the fact that a contingent fee arrangement between lawyer and client is the framework necessary to level the playing field among defendants & plaintiffs in the pursuit of justice.

Personal Injury Lawyer’s incentive to bring valid cases to trial

The final reason that a Personal Injury Lawyer brings value and credibility to our legal systems relates to the time our justice systems takes to play out each lawsuit. In most jurisdictions it can take up to 2 years to obtain a trial date and so the Defendant has a clear advantage in delaying or even offering a fair settlement offer to the Plaintiff. Personal Injury Lawyers advance case cost money from their own funds when building a claim for their client. The are not only risking their time but their hard earned money when they fight a personal injury case for a plaintiff. This financial structure of a pending legal claim is the right framework to allow those personal injury claims with good merit make it to trial regardless of the financial strength the plaintiff. Many valid personal injury claims would be given up for financial reasons if the personal injury lawyer was not able to fund case costs. Even Defendants that have admitted liability are not inclined to make a fair settlement offer until a trial date is near. A Personal Injury Law Firm like that of Jacoby & Meyers realizes that a weak case will most likely be sent to trial and therefore be inclined to take strong cases that have a far better chance of settling prior to trial or even the filing of a lawsuit. In some cases a Plaintiff may obtain a Lawsuit Loan from a company to help pay bills until a fair settlement is reached.

Legal System needs change

The legal system in America does need some change and of course it will never be perfect. One change that would help avoid unnecessary claims and lawsuits is to have a panel of three experts in the field that the suit is being brought to filter out those claims that have no merit. This has been done rather successfully in the Medical Malpractice area and different forms of this approach may be successfully used in other parts of personal injury law.

In Conclusion

The Personal Injury Lawyer brings a very valuable legal service to the citizens of the United States, regardless of the economic standing. A contingent fee arrangement with their client is a structure that was formed around the time Jacoby & Meyers began advertising on television and has created a section of our legal system that works smoothly for all parties involved. Many plaintiffs that would not otherwise be able to receive legal services are now being serviced while the same lawyers screen for only the valid personal injury claims as not to waste their own time. It is time we recognize that the Personal Injury Lawyers provide a very valuable and necessary service to the citizens of our society. William Gladstone said “Justice delayed is Justice denied” and I couldn’t agree more. Our legal system in the United States may have some flaws but it is the Personal Injury Lawyer that improves the system. It is time we recognize that the Personal Injury Lawyers provide a very valuable and necessary service to the citizens of our society.

About The Author

Wensley McKenney is a graduate of Tulane University and has 15 years of legal and financial experience. He has consulted some Law Firms in 23 states about marketing their practices.

wensley@glofin.com

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Karen Nodalo came across writing when she was about 11. The whole craze for writing started when she first wrote her diary during elementary years. After school, she would write in it first before doing homework. She finds it cool and until now she still keeps one.

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Looking for tips and suggestions about legal matters, visit http://www.personalinjurylawyersinc.com

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Looking for tips and suggestions about legal matters, visit http://www.personalinjurylawyersinc.com

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Steve Gargin operates http://www.pph-help.com which is a website dedicated to describing aspects of PPH, better known as Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Steve Gargin is not a lawyer or a doctor, so please seek professional help concerning PPH.