Guide to Finding Newark Lawyer

If you are looking for Newark lawyers, you may be worried about an upcoming legal battle. Taking the stress out of finding a Newark lawyer is important so that you can get back to your life. Understanding New Jersey's bar and court system, as well as knowing the kinds of Newark lawyers you can contact, will make it easier for you to find a Newark lawyer to represent you and make your case in a court of law.

Can I Hire a Lawyer In Another State?

Because of its location close to New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, you may be considering whether you can look out of state to find a Newark lawyer. However, it is important to remember that each state has its own set of state laws, and in each state, a lawyer has to pass a separate bar examination.

While some lawyers in other states may have passed the New Jersey Bar Examination, according to New Jersey state law, a Newark lawyer or other New Jersey lawyer would need to have done more than this. Lawyers representing clients in the state of New Jersey are required by the state not only to pass the examination but also to have a bona fide office space in the state of New Jersey. When you are looking for Newark lawyers, it is important to investigate whether the lawyer has the right to practice within the state, even if he or she has passed the state's bar examination.

State Laws Regulating Lawyers

The State of New Jersey has written a number of judiciary rules pertaining to practicing Newark lawyers and all other attorneys throughout the state. These rules are designed to protect clients and ensure that high standards of professionalism are found throughout the state of New Jersey. According to the state judiciary rules, here are some things your Newark lawyer is expected to do:

 Newark lawyers must listen to their clients' wishes. If you wish to, for example, plead guilty in a criminal proceeding, your lawyer cannot defy your wishes and issue a not-guilty plea. If you have received a settlement offer and want to settle out of court, your Newark lawyer must respect your wishes for settlement rather than taking the case to trial.

 Your Newark lawyer is expected to communicate with you. That communication takes several forms: lawyers are required to explain complex legal topics to you so that you can make an informed decision, keep you informed about your case, and keep you informed about how to contact your lawyer.

 Your lawyer's fees ust be reasonable, taking into account the complexity of the case and the time involved. Some lawyers are allowed to take cases on a “contingency fee” basis, in which you pay only if you win, but your Newark lawyer is not allowed to operate on a contingency fee basis in divorce or criminal cases.

 Attorneys are required to keep your information confidential. Unless your Newark lawyer believes you are about to commit a crime, they can keep your information confidential.

 Your Newark lawyer will be unable to represent two people on opposite sides of the case, or otherwise demonstrate a conflict of interest.

What Kind of Newark Lawyer do I need?

When you are searching for Newark lawyers, one of the most important things you can do is narrow your search based on the kind of legal matter you wish to be represented in. Newark lawyers specialize in a broad range of legal fields, and you may prefer to have a Newark lawyer that is a specialist with experience in cases just like yours. Alternately, you may be hoping for continuing representation on a wide variety of legal issues, and in that case, a Newark lawyer who is more of a generalist may be the right lawyer for you.

Specialists work in several different areas of law, and for some areas, a specialist is more useful than others. Newark lawyers specializing in divorce will be substantially more experienced in divorce cases than a general practitioner of law who sometimes takes on a divorce case. Since there is a division between civil and criminal cases in United States courts, if you have been charged in a criminal court, it may be important for you to look for Newark lawyers trained in criminal defense to give yourself the best chance of a good outcome.

Another time when you want to make sure you find a specialist Newark lawyer is if your case involves any specialized knowledge, like medical malpractice. Newark lawyers specializing in malpractice will understand the nuances of medicine and be able to better serve you by utilizing expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf. If a Newark lawyer has been practicing in personal injury or medical malpractice law, they are likely to have pre-existing relationships with expert witnesses who can help you to win your case.

Your First Visit with a Newark Lawyer

During your initial consultation with Newark lawyers, you are not yet considered a client, but a “prospective client.” Many Newark lawyers will allow you to have an initial consultation free of charge, in order to see what your legal issues are and decide whether the case is one they wish to represent. Meeting with a prospective Newark lawyer is a good way to decide if you are comfortable with your lawyer's demeanor and personality.

You should bring a pen and paper to your initial consultation, to jot down any notes that may be relevant to your case or your representation. Your Newark lawyer will also discuss fee structures during the consultation, including whether a contingency fee basis can be negotiated.

While you are a prospective client of a Newark lawyer, you may reveal information pertaining to your legal case. If there is a conflict of interest and the Newark lawyer you consult is working on the other side of the case, they will not be allowed to represent you and must disclose their conflict of interest. However, you may be relieved to know that lawyers are not allowed to use the information they gained in your consultation against you, or even to disclose the information to anyone else unless you are about to commit a crime.