A lawyer is someone who has been trained and approved to provide professional advice on a legal issue. This could apply to criminal charges, a civil lawsuit or drafting a legal document. Lawyers are also referred to as attorneys and there are a number of specialty areas. Lawyers perform a variety of tasks that include representing clients in court, negotiating settlements, defending legal rights, creating legal briefs and much more. Becoming a lawyer requires the completion of law school and the passing of the Bar exam, which differs on a state-to-state basis.

There is no standard fee that applies to all situations. Some lawyers charge clients per hour while others demand a flat fee. There are also lawyers who work on contingency, meaning they do not get paid until you win your case. This is typically a practice of personal injury lawyers. However, the longer a dispute lasts, the more you are likely to pay in attorney fees.

The American Bar Association defines specific responsibilities of a lawyer. These responsibilities include protecting their clients’ rights while always upholding the law. Lawyers are expected to be well-versed in their practice area and maintain ethical practices. A lawyer works for his/her client and is expected to resolve client needs.

Legal advice is feedback from an attorney based on both experience and training. Lawyers have a detailed knowledge of the law and their advice comes from years of schooling and learning about various components of the law. Legal advice also applies to the specific laws that are related to your issue or questions.

There are instances when people can qualify for free legal counsel. This is most common when someone is charged with a criminal offense and cannot afford representation. When this occurs, a court-appointed attorney is provided and that is commonly known as a public defender. In situations where criminal charges are not filed, there is the possibility of gaining legal counsel from a community law center. These centers typically operate on a pro bono basis I which legal services are provided without charge to those who meet specific qualifications.

It is common to be a little uncertain when attempting to hire a lawyer. Most consultations are free, and this will give you the opportunity to ask questions and determine whether an attorney is the right one for you. Here is a look at some commonly asked questions.

• How long have you been practicing?
• What is your specialty are of practice?
• Do I have a legitimate case?
• How much do you charge and what will I be billed for?
• What do I need to do as your client?
• How often will you contact me in regard to my case?
• Can I call you with any questions I may have?