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Difference between revisions of "Know Any Good Lawyers?"
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{{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}By a "good" lawyer, we mean one that knows what he or she is doing, has experience dealing with the relevant areas of law, communicates effectively, is efficient and affordable, and will work hard for his or her client. The [[Resource List]] describes several legal services that provide information and assistance and some limited advice and representation, but you really can't beat full representation by a lawyer or legally supervised advocate. | {{Template:Legal Help Guide TOC}}By a "good" lawyer, we mean one that knows what he or she is doing, has experience dealing with the relevant areas of law, communicates effectively, is efficient and affordable, and <span class="noglossary">will</span> work hard for his or her client. The [[Resource List]] describes several legal services that provide information and assistance and some limited advice and representation, but you really can't beat full representation by a lawyer or legally supervised advocate. | ||
== First steps == | == First steps == | ||
If you do not know a lawyer who can help you: | If you do not know a lawyer who can help you: | ||
# See if you qualify for legal aid representation: people with low incomes who are facing serious criminal, family or immigration issues may qualify for legal aid. If you qualify for legal aid, the Legal Services Society will appoint a lawyer for you. For information on applying for legal aid representation, see [[Legal Aid Representation|legal aid representation]] in the [[Resource List]]. | # See if you qualify for legal aid representation: people with low incomes who are facing serious criminal, family or immigration issues may qualify for legal aid. If you qualify for legal aid, the Legal Services Society <span class="noglossary">will</span> appoint a lawyer for you. For information on applying for legal aid representation, see [[Legal Aid Representation|legal aid representation]] in the [[Resource List]]. | ||
# Speak with friends or helping professionals who have worked with lawyers recently, and see if they can recommend someone. | # Speak with friends or helping professionals who have worked with lawyers recently, and see if they can recommend someone. | ||
# Contact the Lawyer Referral Service and ask for the names of lawyers near you who practice the type of law you need (see [[Lawyer Referral Service]] in the [[Resource List]]). | # Contact the Lawyer Referral Service and ask for the names of lawyers near you who practice the type of law you need (see [[Lawyer Referral Service]] in the [[Resource List]]). | ||
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== What happens next == | == What happens next == | ||
The lawyer will want to meet with you (either in person or by phone) to discuss your case. Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the [[Preparing for Your Interview]] form included in this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case. A meeting with a lawyer is more effective if you are well prepared. | The lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> want to meet with you (either in person or by phone) to discuss your case. Before meeting with a lawyer or advocate, complete the [[Preparing for Your Interview]] form included in this Guide. Make sure you bring copies of all documents relating to your case. A meeting with a lawyer is more effective if you are well prepared. | ||
At the end of the meeting, you can discuss whether the lawyer will do more work for you, and how much that work will cost. | At the end of the meeting, you can discuss whether the lawyer <span class="noglossary">will</span> do more work for you, and how much that work <span class="noglossary">will</span> cost. | ||
== Where to get help == | == Where to get help == | ||
See the [[Resource List]] for a list of legal resources, including lawyers and legally supervised advocates who can provide advice and sometimes representation for little or no cost. | See the [[Resource List for Legal Help for British Columbians|Resource List]] for a list of legal resources, including lawyers and legally supervised advocates who can provide advice and sometimes representation for little or no cost. | ||
Complete the [[Preparing for Your Interview]] form included in this Guide before speaking with an advocate or lawyer. | Complete the [[Preparing for Your Interview]] form included in this Guide before speaking with an advocate or lawyer. | ||
