Guide to Finding Miami Lawyer

How do I find a Miami Lawyer?

In the state of Florida, many different types of lawyers are available to advise and represent you in any type of legal need to may have. You will need to obtain the services of a qualified Miami lawyer in the following situations:

- If you have been injured in an accident that occurred in the Miami-Dade area or the responsible party resides in that area.

- If you are facing criminal charges in Miami-Dade county.

- If a Florida state agency or Miami local government is involved in your legal case.

When searching for a Miami lawyer, it is important that you select the one that fits your needs and has the proper experience in the field of law in which you need help.

What to tell your lawyer

When you contact your Miami lawyer, it will be important that you discuss your legal matter in great detail in order to allow the lawyer to properly evaluate your case. You should begin by giving some general information about yourself, the events that involve the legal case, and any subsequent legal actions or happenings that have occurred. Your lawyer will need to be up to date on your status, so inform him or her of where your case currently stands or when you would like to begin any potential court actions.

Where to look for an Miami Lawyer

Miami lawyers can be found through advertising, especially on television, radio, and newspapers. While these sources can provide you with the names and locations of lawyers in your area, you should never rely on their claims and promises without further investigating them. A quality lawyer will have had many clients and be known by other lawyers in the area, so consulting with friends and family to find out about a particular lawyer can be one of the best ways to find out about a lawyer's years of experience, reputation, and any other information that can help you make your decision.

The internet can be one of the best sources of information; however it can often be very difficult to sift through the good and bad information. This website can help provide you with a good starting in finding and comparing lawyers in your area.

Do I need a specialist?

It is always highly recommended that you seek the services of a lawyer who is familiar with the local court systems and local legal professionals, as they will best be able to help you in your legal representation. Miami lawyers need to have a strong network and to know the local rules and customs in order to properly represent clients. Lawyers who usually practice outside of this geographic region will often have trouble navigating the local courts and will not have the connections that can help you.

Preparing for an appointment

Always come prepared for any meeting you may have with a Miami lawyer. You should be prepared to discuss your case in depth. Know all specific details, such as names, places, times and dates in order to properly provide the necessary information your lawyer needs to help you. On top of this, bring whatever documents you may have in your possession, as your lawyer will need to review them before working on your case. Such important documents may include police reports, medical records, court documents, or any number of other important papers.

Questions should be prepared in advance of your meeting with Miami lawyers. Ensure that you do not forget to ask your questions by writing them down and bringing them to your lawyers attention.

Evaluating Experience & Education

Every Miami lawyer must have previously graduated from an accredited law school in the United States. They must then pass ethical requirements and finally the Florida State Bar Examination. While these are the very basic requirements in order to practice law in the state of Florida, you should seek a lawyer with proper experience in the field of law that you require help. For example, if you are facing criminal charges, it is very important that you seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer. Likewise, any real estate issues should only be worked on by experienced real estate professionals.

Advertisements may make claims of experience and past success, however you should never rely on these claims unless you can substantiate them through another source.

Personality & Values

Miami lawyers should have a strong knowledge of Florida law as well as the rules and procedures of the local courts. Miami lawyers come in all different personality types, so select one that has a personality that matches yours, especially considering you may need to work with this lawyer for months or even years in some cases.

While most Miami lawyers are trustworthy and hardworking legal professionals, you should always be aware of red flags. Any lawyer that is coercive and tries to get you to go along with things you do not approve of is acting inappropriately. Be wary of any unreasonable rates and fees. Any unethical behavior should be reports to the Florida State bar in order to protect your rights and the rights of other clients.

Rates, Fees & Retainers

Miami lawyers can charge their fees in a number of different ways. The types of fees and their rates will vary greatly depending on the credentials of the lawyer and the type of legal help that you need. Always ensure that you understand all fees and expenses you will incur and question any expenses you do not understand.

A contingency fee is a payment that is made at the end of a case in which the lawyer takes a percentage of the final award. Typically, the lawyer will take anywhere between 30% and 40%. These fees are usually used in personal injury or malpractice cases, in which monetary compensation is the primary goal.

An hourly or flat fee are fees that require an upfront payment for securing the legal services of Miami lawyers. Hourly fees often require a retainer, which is an amount of money that will be deducted on an hourly basis. Flat fees are a one-time fee that will cover all legal work. These fees will vary greatly so check with various lawyers to ensure the fees you are facing are reasonable.

Interviewing your attorney

When speaking with Miami lawyers, ask the following:

What are your rates and fees?

What expenses should I expect to incur?

What services do you provides for those fees?

How long should my case take?

How strong of a case do I have?

When can I contact you?

When will you update me about my case?

Miami has some unique features that may require that help of a specialist lawyer. Miami is a very diverse city, with a large shipping port that has goods and services pass through the ports everyday. Miami is also a tourist destination, known for its beaches and very active nightlife. Because of these unique features, Miami lawyers must adapt in order to properly represent their clients. Often, when people not from the area are injured, the must use the services of a lawyer in Miami to assure that their rights are protected. Likewise, any criminal charges should be handled by an experienced defense lawyer in Miami.

Miami Beach Lawyer

Miami beach lawyers work in the area of Miami that is separated form the downtown area and has miles of coastline on the Atlantic ocean. Miami beach is a vibrant area known for its very active nightlife and diverse community. Miami beach lawyers are available to help with numerous types of legal claims, specifically in regards to personal injury, criminal defense, and real estate. If you are having a legal issue that involve Miami beach, it is highly recommended that you seek a local lawyer, even if you do not reside in Miami or even in the state of Florida. Local Miami beach lawyers will know how to properly state any legal claims you have while protecting your legal rights.

Miami Condo Lawyer

Miami condo lawyers specialize in helping those who seek to purchase or sell condominiums in the Miami area. Many times, these condos are owned by out of state or seasonal residents, so Miami condo lawyers must be able to stay in contact with clients from all over. Condo ownership in Miami has become very expensive, as the real estate market in Miami has been growing. Contact a Miami condo lawyer if you are seeking to buy or sell a condo. Many also specialize in helping condo residents who are having legal issues with other tenants, building maintenance, or other legal issues that may arise with living in a condo.

Ticket Lawyer Miami

When you are given a citation from the Miami police department or Miami-Dade sheriff, it is important that you seek the help of a ticket lawyer. Miami lawyers can help get these tickets reduced or thrown out, depending on your situation. Contacting one of these specialists may help get you reduced fines, avoid insurance increases, or avoiding having a record.