When should you talk to a lawyer?

What not to tell the 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.
 

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. 

Is it better to have an attorney or a lawyer?

Neither is inherently "better"; they describe different qualifications, with an attorney being a specific type of lawyer who is licensed to represent clients in court, while a lawyer is a broader term for someone with a law degree who can offer general advice but not necessarily practice in court. For courtroom representation, you need an attorney; for basic legal guidance or document prep, a lawyer suffices. 

What are 5 things a lawyer does?

Duties

• Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters.
• Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case.
• Conduct research and analysis of legal issues.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.

How do I know if I need a lawyer or not?

If there are disagreements over assets or children, if there are allegations of domestic violence, or if you have a sufficiently complex financial situation so that the division of retirement benefits or serious tax considerations come into play, you will certainly need legal assistance.

What are the hardest cases to win?

Three of The Most Difficult Charges to Defend

• Crimes Against Minors. It can be challenging to defend clients who have been accused of crimes against minors. ...
• Murder, First Degree. The most severe criminal charge that anybody may face is first-degree murder. ...
• White Collar Crimes.

How to tell when a person is guilty?

What Are the Signs of a Guilty Person?

1. One of the most common signs of guilt is panic and fear. ...
2. Another sign to look for is a desire to deflect blame. ...
3. A third sign of guilt is an attempt to conceal evidence. ...
4. Evasion and refusal to cooperate with any efforts to investigate the situation is another common sign of guilt.

What is the most common complaint brought against lawyers?

The most common complaints against lawyers center on neglect, lack of communication (unreturned calls/emails, no updates), and fee issues (excessive, unclear, or improper billing), often stemming from poor client management and unmet expectations. Clients frequently feel uninformed, ignored, or surprised by costs, leading to formal grievances about missed deadlines, lack of transparency, or attorneys failing to act in the client's best interest, says Lalegalethics.org and ABA Journal. 

What is the hardest question to ask a lawyer?

The hardest questions for a lawyer aren't about legal facts, but about deeply personal situations, like "How can I protect my children from abusive relatives if something happens to me?" or asking for a brutally honest "What is the likely worst-case outcome for my case, and what are my real chances of winning?", pushing beyond generic advice to uncover hidden challenges, their true battlefield experience, and if they're just sugarcoating the difficult realities of your specific legal problem.
 

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.

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.
 

What does a lawyer help you with?

A lawyer helps people navigate the legal system by offering advice, drafting legal documents (contracts, wills, lawsuits), negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court for criminal or civil matters like divorce, personal injury, or business disputes, protecting their rights and interests. They interpret laws, conduct research, and advocate for clients in various settings, from real estate transactions to criminal defense. 

What is the main difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

A lawyer has studied law and earned a law degree, while an attorney is a lawyer who has passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law, meaning they can represent clients in court and offer legal advice, making all attorneys lawyers, but not all lawyers attorneys. The key distinction is licensing: a lawyer has the education, but an attorney has the official authorization to act as a legal representative. 

Do lawyers actually make a difference?

BECOMING A LAWYER IS A POWERFUL WAY TO HAVE REAL IMPACT.

You can create change and right the wrongs you see in your community. You can help people who need a passionate and effective advocate.

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.
 

What questions should I ask a lawyer?

What are your rates and how often will you bill me? What is a ballpark figure for the total bill, including fees and expenses? How will you keep me informed of progress? What kind of approach will you take to resolve the matter - aggressive and unyielding, or will you be more inclined to reach a reasonable settlement?

How much of a 25k settlement will I get?

From a $25,000 settlement, you'll likely get significantly less than the full amount, often around $8,000 to $12,000, after attorney fees (typically 33-40%), case costs (filing fees, records), and medical bills/liens are paid, with the exact amount depending on how much your lawyer charges and the total medical expenses you owe. 

Is $10,000 a lot for a lawyer?

Lawyers typically charge retainer fees ranging from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on their experience, location, and case complexity. For more complex cases, retainers can exceed $10,000. The specifics are outlined in a retainer agreement, which may be refundable or non-refundable.

Are there hidden costs when hiring a lawyer?

Contingency fees.

A contingent fee arrangement means that your lawyer gets a percentage of whatever money you receive as resolution of your case. If you receive no money, then your lawyer collects no fees. However, you may owe charges for court fees, copying, and hiring expert witnesses.