When you require free legal help, you may be wary of resorting to the use of legal aid organizations. Perhaps you are concerned that you may not receive help from a diligent lawyer or that your case will not turn out the way you want. Here are some tips that you should consider for assessing the quality of your legal representation and finding a professional lawyer who can help you with your case at little to no cost.
Finding the Lawyer You Need
Legal aid service exists for those who have a low income and require legal assistance in a variety of matters. Legal Aid attorneys handle civil and criminal disputes. Each office has its own specialty areas of law. When you apply for services from a legal aid provider, the organization will consider whether it has programs that currently meet your needs. You may require an attorney to file for bankruptcy, but that particular aid branch may not have funding for a bankruptcy unit. During the intake process, the organization will determine whether you qualify for services from that particular institution.
Assignment of a Lawyer
If you qualify for Legal Aid services, the intake specialist will then review your application with the attorneys in the firm. An attorney may take your case according to the specialized law practice associated in dealing with your legal issues. Otherwise, the intake specialist may refer your case to an attorney who does not have a significant caseload. Each branch has its own mode of operation. You may try to request a particular attorney for handling your legal issues, but there is no guarantee that you will ultimately work with that attorney. The managing attorney at a legal aid organization may make the ultimate determination as to your application.
Changing Your Lawyer
Every client always has the right to change lawyers at any time. You should defer to the Rules of Professional Conduct for your particular state to assess whether you may change lawyers at a specific stage in your case. If the case has already been closed by the court, you likely will be unable to request a lawyer change.
Changing your lawyer may be a good idea if your current attorney fails to return your phone calls, emails, or other requests for contact. If the attorney does not maintain your file or provide the court with the documents necessary for your case, you may then also want to request a change or review of your lawyer’s effectiveness.
Assessing the Quality of Your Representation
Throughout the course of your case, you should be aware of the work ethic of the attorney. You have every right to ask the attorney about the status of your case. Every attorney has a duty under the Rules of Professional Conduct to "zealously advocate" for the interests of a client. If you feel that a lawyer is not dedicating the appropriate amount of time to your case, then you should inquire with the affiliated organization about changing your representation.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you will have the quality representation you need for your legal issues. Your attorney should always strive to produce the best outcome in your case.
