When should you get an attorney?

Is it worth it to pay for a lawyer?

Is hiring a lawyer worth the cost? Hiring a lawyer can be essential in complex or high-stakes cases. While legal fees can be high, professional guidance often improves outcomes and helps avoid costly errors, making it worthwhile in many situations.

What not to say to your attorney?

You should not tell a lawyer to downplay injuries, admit fault, lie, exaggerate, withhold details, or trash-talk others involved; avoid telling them how to do their job, comparing them to other lawyers, being overly casual (like saying "you guys"), or discussing irrelevant personal info, as honesty is key, but focus on facts and let the lawyer guide strategy, especially regarding admissions or social media posts.
 

Does having an attorney provide a better outcome?

Their expertise might save you from making an expensive mistake, saving you both time and aggravation. When the legal stakes are high, hiring an experienced professional can provide you with peace of mind. It also increases your likelihood of getting a good outcome.

Is Kim Kardashian a lawyer or attorney?

No, Kim Kardashian is not yet a lawyer or attorney; she is still working towards passing the California Bar Exam, having recently failed it again in late 2025, despite completing her legal studies through an apprenticeship program and passing the \"baby bar\" in 2021. She consistently expresses her commitment to becoming a licensed attorney, viewing her setbacks as motivation to keep studying for the full bar exam.
 

Why say attorney instead of lawyer?

People say "attorney" instead of "lawyer" because attorney specifically means someone licensed to practice law and represent clients in court (an "attorney at law"), while "lawyer" can refer broadly to anyone with a law degree, even if they aren't licensed to appear in court, highlighting a key distinction in licensing and authority in the U.S. legal system. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys. 

What are the signs of a weak case?

In that case, it's crucial to consult with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in California to evaluate your options and determine the best course of action.

• Lack of Evidence. ...
• Conflicting Evidence. ...
• Inadmissible Evidence. ...
• Excludable Evidence. ...
• Unreliable Witnesses. ...
• Lack of Motive or Opportunity. ...
• Errors in the Criminal Complaint.

Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?

Yes, $400 an hour is a significant rate for a lawyer, often reflecting experience, specialization, and location, falling at the higher end of average rates ($100-$400+) but can be standard or even considered a "deal" for highly specialized work in major cities, while being quite expensive in other areas or for less complex cases. Factors like the firm's size, location (big city vs. rural), the lawyer's expertise (e.g., corporate, IP vs. family law), and case complexity greatly influence this rate. 

Should I file a claim or get a lawyer first?

It is better to call a lawyer in most cases before making detailed contact with an insurance company. Speaking with a lawyer early can help you gain a clearer understanding of the claims process and protect you from accepting compensation that is less than you are owed.

Has anyone ever won a case without a lawyer?

Yes, people absolutely win cases without lawyers (acting pro se), but it's significantly harder and less common, especially in complex criminal or civil cases, as courts hold self-represented individuals to the same standards as attorneys, requiring deep legal knowledge and courtroom skill. Successful pro se litigants often handle simpler matters like small claims, name changes, or uncontested divorces, though notable cases exist where individuals like Edward Lawson won Supreme Court battles, and others have won murder trials, proving it's possible with extensive preparation and understanding of weak points in the opposing case. 

Should I tell my attorney everything?

This is a difficult question that many people facing criminal charges ask themselves. The short answer is yes, you should tell your lawyer if you are guilty. The more information you provide your attorney, the better they will be able to understand the charges against you and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

What is a reasonable settlement offer?

A reasonable settlement offer is one that fully covers all your economic losses (medical bills, lost wages, future costs) and compensates fairly for non-economic damages (pain, suffering, emotional distress), reflecting the unique strengths and weaknesses of your case, including potential liability and venue. It's generally much higher than an initial offer and requires understanding your full, long-term damages, ideally with legal and financial expert input, to avoid underestimating your true costs. 

How many times did Kim Kardashian fail her law exam?

Before she could apprentice, instead of attending a traditional law school, Kardashian said she failed the required “baby bar” exam three times. The argument goes that this demonstrates she is not temperamentally or intellectually suited to be a lawyer. (She did pass it on her fourth attempt.)

Does passing the baby bar make you a lawyer?

No, passing the California "Baby Bar" (First-Year Law Students' Examination or FYLSE) does not make you a lawyer; it's a hurdle for non-traditional law students to continue their studies, allowing them to sit for the actual California Bar Exam, which, along with character and fitness, is required to become a licensed attorney. You must pass the full California Bar Exam, which tests more subjects, and meet other requirements before you can practice law and call yourself a lawyer. 

Do any of the Kardashians have a degree?

Yes, several Kardashians went to college: Kourtney graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Theater Arts and Spanish, Rob graduated from USC with a business degree, and while Kim didn't finish a traditional bachelor's degree, she recently completed a legal apprenticeship and passed the baby bar. Khloé did not attend college, and Kylie and Kendall focused on their careers after high school. 

What is the hardest case to win in court?

The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, like crimes against children or sexual assault, where jurors struggle with bias; complex, voluminous evidence, such as white-collar fraud; and defenses that challenge societal norms, like an insanity plea, which faces high scrutiny and conflicting expert testimony. Cases with weak physical evidence, uncooperative witnesses (like in sex crimes), or those involving unpopular defendants (e.g., child abusers) are particularly challenging for defense attorneys.
 

Can you make $500,000 as a lawyer?

Yes, a lawyer can absolutely make $500,000 or more annually, especially by specializing in high-value fields like corporate law or personal injury, joining "Big Law" firms, becoming a partner, focusing on complex cases, developing strong client acquisition strategies, and building a successful practice with effective marketing. While most lawyers earn less, top earners leverage experience, strategic growth, and high-paying niches to reach this income level, with some senior Big Law associates and partners earning well over $500k. 

At what point should you get a lawyer?

I understand that going to a lawyer may be unnecessary under certain circumstances. Are there specific cases when I should see a lawyer?

• being arrested for a crime;
• being served with legal papers in a civil lawsuit;
• being involved in a serious accident causing personal injury or property damage;

What makes you look bad in court?

Dress Like You Are Going to Church

No low necklines, shorts, stiletto heels, tight jeans (actually, avoid jeans altogether), or sleeveless shirts. If you are wearing a button-up shirt, make sure it is fully buttoned and wear an undershirt or, if it is cool out, a sweater.

How do you spot a bad lawyer?

Signs of a bad attorney include poor communication (unanswered calls/emails), missed deadlines, unpreparedness, unethical behavior (encouraging lies, mishandling funds), vague or excessive billing, making unilateral decisions, and pressuring you to settle without good reason. A good lawyer should be communicative, ethical, competent, and advocate effectively for your best interests, not just their convenience. 

What is the B word for lawyer?

The "B word" for a lawyer, especially in the UK and Commonwealth countries, is Barrister, which refers to a specialist lawyer who argues cases in higher courts, distinct from a solicitor, though other terms like Attorney, Counsel, or even the pejorative "ambulance chaser" can be used, while "Esquire" (Esq.) is a title for any licensed lawyer in the U.S.