Don’t be afraid to ask a lawyer because you are afraid of the price.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | August 3, 2008

Posted by Cliff Tuttle

If you need legal assistance, especially in an emergency, don’t assume that you cannot afford it.

Most lawyers have performed services without charge from time to time, when they can and feel it is the proper thing to do. Others may accept reduced fees or liberal payment plans. Most are willing to talk to you about your problem without charging a fee.

Lawyers, even sole practitioners, have become increasingly specialized. The first thing you need to find out is whether the lawyer you are speaking to is knowledgeable in the area of the law involved in your problem. If not, he or she probably knows someone who is. You might even wish to begin the conversation by saying, “Do you know a lawyer whose work you would recommend who has a specialty in _______?”

There is no time as critical as when you have just been sued. The clock is running and if you postpone deciding what to do for too long, you may lose without firing a shot. While it is possible to open a default judgment under some circumstances, the odds are heavily against success at that point. Make the call. Don’t give up before you start. You may be pleasantly surprised.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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