Lawyers

[vis-à-vis]

I need some advice from older men on the topic of lawyers. Because of CCDW I have been growing a bit more aware of legal issues that just surround everyday life. We are a nation of laws. At present I do not need an attorney, but I know in the future I may. Should I try and find a lawyer now when I don't need one, or wait till I actually need one? In my mind I can see it both ways. Is it like asking a doctor to accept new patients and put him as my primary care physician? That's the best analogy I can think of that pertains to my question.

 

[Gifted]

There are pre-paid services that offer lawyers, and also do identity protection and other services. Or, you look through your yellow pages, talk with a few, and find one to keep a card in your wallet.

 

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I would say that as a general rule, it is probably cheaper to consult a lawyer when you think you might need one as opposed to waiting until you know you need one. Nobody likes to spend $200/hour to get advice; but I can think of several circumstances locally where people would have saved themselves some money doing that.

If it were me, I would take some time to find a lawyer I got along well with who could give just general legal advice, handle my will, etc. Somebody you know and trust... he may not be able to handle everything you come across; but he can handle most of it and can recommend someone good for more serious matters.

If you have a business or know you have concerns in a specific legal area, then I'd look for someone who practices mostly in that area.

Let me give you a classic example of "money saved" by waiting. Three guys who have known each other since high school decide they will go into the construction business together. They all agree (verbally, nothing in writing naturally) that they'll put $1,500 each into the business and that if they pull out of the business, they don't get it back. None of them are breaking $30k per year regularly, so none of them want to spend a couple hundred dollars on a lawyer. A few years down the road, one of the three decides he wants to move with his new wife to where her parents live; but he wants his money back. He wants more than his money as a matter of fact. His new wife has convinced him that their little business is worth at least $30,000 and he should get $10,000 as his share. Much legal mayhem ensues before the three buddies finally settle out of court after feeding several lawyers. Suffice it to say that if they had spent $600 up front to have a partnership agreement drafted, it would have saved them all a fair amount of money and heartache.

 

[Frog48]

Always a good idea to be ready, "just in case."

I keep the names and contact info of numerous lawyers handy, for a variety of situations. The one that I've done the most work with is a real estate attorney, due to my purchases and sales of property.

 

[SuperNaut]

I usually hate to do the +1 thing, but Bartholomew Roberts hit the nail on the head.

People usually bring in the lawyers after the situation is a total charlie-foxtrot, by then it is too late and too expensive. It is amazing what even just a little note on a law firm's letterhead can accomplish.

 

[KLDimond]

Lawyers...

Having a constructive relationship with a good lawyer is like have guns or insurance: better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

 

[samtechlan]

I'm a lawyer but I can only help you if your issue is Real Estate.

 

[Henry Bowman]

I know lots of attorneys in Louisville. Are you talking about the possibility of criminal defense if you use a firearm in self defense, or another issue?

http://www.armorer-at-law.com

 

[ZeSpectre]

Gads it just makes me ill to say this but... Everyone needs a lawyer.

I have been fortunate enough to have one whom I hold on retainer. $65 each year keeps me on his client list "just in case". Sadly he's retiring and his son doesn't care for the deal (though so far his dad has made about $650 on me for doing...nothing).

 

[another okie]

Do you have a will or trust? If not, that's a good place to start forming a relationship. The lawyer who knows all about wills may not be a criminal defense expert, but he or she will know who the right person for that is.

 

[Wayne G.]

"What's the difference between a lawyer and a..."

Couldn't resist.

 

[Alphazulu6]

Haha.. Lawyers! OK I agree with the posters. Better to just go ahead and search one out now and build a relationship than to be looking for one when you have to.... HAHA I think I am going to take that medicine myself. Good Luck!

 

[samtechlan]

If you are going to have a "family lawyer" like folks have family doctors please make sure you get someone who is a true General Practioner with expertise and experience in many different areas. As stated before if something comes up that they can't handle he will be able to refer you to someone who specializes in a particular area.

My particular area of concentration is Real Estate almost exclusively and while I can certainly analyze a criminal or family law issue you really wouldn't want to rely on my advice 100% in those areas.

See, advice from a lawyer and I won't even bill you for it.

 

[spartacus2002]

whatever you do, make sure the lawyer has experience in the particular area of the law you want advice on. Nothing is worse than an inexperienced lawyer who is too scared to turn away work.

 

[WeThePeople]

I am a lawyer here in Louisville. If you are still interested in obtaining a lawyer, a friend of mine is a fantastic criminal lawyer who CCDWs and who truly supports the 2A. If I ever got into trouble, or even saw some coming, I would be on the horn to this guy post-haste. I would send my mother, brother, father, grandmother, son, etc. to this guy because I believe that he is one of the best.

PM me and I'll set you two up.

 

[W.E.G.]

Since your question is generally aimed at the issue of what might happen if you got involved in a gun-related incident, maybe you should find a lawyer who is a fellow "firearms enthusiast."

 

[TX1911fan]

I echo the statements of other lawyers. You can't find a lawyer who can help you in all circumstances. If you are looking for a lawyer to help in case you get in trouble with your concealed handgun, then look for that type of lawyer now. I would not go with prepaid legal or just looking in the yellow pages. You need personal referrals. There are a LOT of lawyers out there, so you need to have someone refer you. Then you can talk to them and see if they would be willing to represent you should the need arise. Most will say yes, but unless you are an active client, they may not be able to fit you in at the time you need it. Just ask them about it.

Also, remember that what lawyers sell is time and advice, just as an ice cream store sells ice cream. When you go to the ice cream store, they may be willing to give you a few free tastes to see what stuff is like, they'll cut you off if it is clear you are just trying to get a bunch of free tastes and then not buy any ice cream. In other words, don't talk too much and don't try to get free advice. Once you are a client, remember that most attorneys bill by the hour, split into 10 or 15 minute increments, so the more you talk, the more you pay. Don't blab on about your newest gun or your last trip to the range, unless you want to pay for it.

 

[ALHunter]

I am a lawyer. There is a difference between having a lawyer on a retainer for you and having "pre-paid" legal services. Pre-paid legal services or a pre-paid lawyer is a rip off.

Start with the recommendations of Another Okie, Samtechlan, and WeThePeople and go from there.

FWIW, I can help you if you are ever in Alabama and need employment law counsel.

 

[JerryM]

For my part, I have never needed a lawyer for anything except wills, etc. Personally I do not have a lawyer, and do not anticipate needing one. If so, then I will take on the problem.

As far as CCW and self-defense are concerned, the odds are several million to one that I will never have to draw a gun in defense. I don't plan to retain, or whatever, a lawyer.

Jerry

 

[vis-à-vis]

Excellent advice people. I've put it down on my list of things to do. Now, does anyone know a good lawyer in or around the Louisville area? It'd be helpful if he could handle firearms law, as that is currently my biggest risk in life.

Thanks,
Vis

 

[WeThePeople]

See my post above and PM me for more information.

Jim

 

[Kimber1911Fan]

Any Lawyers Here in Southwest VA???

...that do 2A/CHL services?

K1911F

 

[vis-à-vis]

Missed that post. PM sent

 

[wideym]

Network at your local gun club or friends of the nra meetings. I found a few lawyers who shoot and are organizers of the nra benifits. I haven't needed a lawyer yet, but having one you trust is worth his weight in gold.

Everybody hates lawyer, till you need one.

 

[mpmillen]

Find a local attorney in your state that does criminal defense only. Ideally this will be a retired prosecutor or police officer/attorney. Buy one hour of their time to discuss your concerns, in person so your are a real human being to them, and ask some questions, and keep their card on your fridge and in your wallet next to your CCW permit.

Also, spend $250.00 bucks and buy the NRA's self-defense shooting insurance.

Finally, double check the coverage amounts and exclusions on your homeowners policy and verify with your attorney that these amounts and coverages are appropriate for your situation.

Good luck,

Mark