The use of the labels ‘attorney at law’ and ‘lawyer’ have been thrown about time and time again as though they are synonyms.
However this is not the case.
While an attorney at Law can be a lawyer, a lawyer, on the other hand, cannot be an attorney.
A lawyer is someone who has knowledge and background in the legal professions.
They may not offer any legal instruction to a client.
An attorney is one step higher on the ladder.
They are able to provide legal representation to others both through offering guidance and representing a client in court.
Legal Aid versus hiring a Lawyer
Legal Aid allows people to try to litigate a situation who normally could not afford to do so.
Without Legal Aid people with money and resources can find it easier to run roughshod over people without the resources they do.
People who cannot stop you from taking what isn’t yours and doing what you should not.
What makes an Attorney at Law
In the United States, in order for a lawyer to become an attorney they must first pass the bar examination.
It is in fact the attorney that we think of standing up in front of a jury.
As an attorney, one plays a crucial role in society, aiding those in need and setting the standards for our behaviour.
Yet why is it that lawyers and attorney’s across the globe have become venomously despised?
Reputation is extremely important for attorneys.
This may be one of the main reasons it is considered a difficult task to find and retain an honest lawyer to help you with your case.
There is no matter on how big or small the task may be, whether it be writing a will, starting a business or defending oneself against a criminal accusation.
Finding an appropriate lawyer is crucial.
What to Consider
The first thing to consider is the free consultation that many attorneys will offer before settling on a charge.
Think of this as an attorney test drive, you wouldn’t buy the first car you see in the lot, so why do the same with your legal aid?
Consult with a few attorney’s over a period of time.
Use the meetings in order to guide and familiarize yourself with what exactly it is you are looking for.
As well, there is no shame in taking notes of the crumbs of advice they will offer free of charge.
Be aware and keep your mind open to any drastically opposing opinions.
Be aware of their behaviors and attention they will seem to pay to you during the consultation.
Anyone that is not showing any investment in your case will surely not go out of their way to produce their best quality of work.
All the while you’re be left paying their formal fees for a sloppy job.
Ensure that they are detail oriented and thorough.
You must feel comforted by their responsiveness throughout the duration of their case to any questions or concerns you may have.
