CASTELON, LAURENT, & SCHLESINGER

There are several ways to find a lawyer in Miami. You may ask friends, family members, or coworkers if they can recommend attorneys they have previously used. Review websites such as Avvo, Martindale.com, and Google Reviews provide client ratings and feedback on lawyers. Additionally, you can contact the Florida Bar Association's Miami-Dade County lawyer referral service to obtain names of pre-screened attorneys that may meet your legal needs.

The type of attorney you may need depends on the specific legal matter you are facing. Common practice areas include personal injury law for injuries resulting from accidents, criminal defense for individuals charged with crimes, family law for matters such as divorce and child custody, estate planning for wills and trusts, business law for company formations and contracts, and real estate law for property transactions.

Both large law firms and solo practitioners offer legal services. Large firms generally have more resources, including multiple attorneys, paralegals, and larger budgets. Solo practitioners often provide direct communication with the attorney and may have different fee structures due to varying overhead costs.

Attorneys may use various billing methods including hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, and contingency fees, where the attorney receives an agreed-upon percentage of any settlement or award related to your case. It is important that the fee arrangement is clearly explained before any representation begins.

Key questions to consider include: How many years of experience do you have handling cases similar to mine? What are your fees and billing policies? How will you provide updates about my case? How accessible will you be by phone or email? Are there any expenses I might incur in addition to attorney fees?

While there is no legal requirement to hire a local Miami lawyer, doing so may provide familiarity with local court procedures, judges, and state laws. Miami attorneys may also have a better understanding of the local legal environment. An out-of-town lawyer might need additional time to become familiar with these local aspects.

Clients have the right to terminate their lawyer's representation and engage new counsel at any time. However, clients are typically responsible for paying any outstanding fees for work completed and reimbursing expenses incurred by the previous lawyer prior to termination.

Gather all documentation, correspondence, and background information related to your legal matter ahead of time. Prepare a chronological summary of key events. Make a list of specific questions you want answered. Provide a complete account of your situation so the attorney has the necessary information to evaluate your case.

A lawyer should listen to understand your goals, respond to your calls and emails in a timely manner, explain legal matters in clear terms, provide objective advice on the potential risks and benefits of your case, and represent your interests ethically throughout each stage. Maintaining open communication is important.

Communicate openly and provide all relevant information and documentation as requested. If you need clarification, do not hesitate to ask questions. Be mindful of your lawyer's time and carefully consider the legal strategies and options presented to you.