How to Be a Lawyer

2.  How to Find a Lawyer
 1. Recommendation (best way)
 2. Online or law directory
 Usually give general information

3.  Lawyers weren’t always allowed to advertise
 Forbidden by the American Bar Association
 Supreme Court ruled in 1977 that advertising
was protected by 1st Amendment (freedom of
speech)

4.  Ask how much a lawyer charges up front
 Some give free consultation- meeting to
determine if you have a case
 Per Hour- Can be $50-$1000 or more
 Retainer- Advance payment for future
services
 Contingency Fee- Usually between 30-40%
of settlement

5.  Working with a lawyer
 Trust is very important
 Attorney-Client relationship- Whatever the
client tells his/her lawyer is confidential
 Other privileged relationships by law:
 1. Doctor- Patient
 2. Priest/Pastor- Church Member

6.  Lawyer’s job is to advise/give good legal
advice
 To sue or not
 To accept offer (settlement/plea bargain)

7.  To become a lawyer:
 Undergrad degree, LSAT, then Law School
 Must pass the bar exam
 If a lawyer breaks the code of ethics, they can
be disbarred or sued

8.  Most lawyers are actually not litigators- an
attorney that specializes in court room
proceedings