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Difference between revisions of "Choosing a Lawyer"
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*[[Lawyers' Fees (Script 438)|438]], called “Lawyers’ Fees” | *[[Lawyers' Fees (Script 438)|438]], called “Lawyers’ Fees” | ||
Also, see the [http://www.lawsociety.bc.ca BC Law Society’s website] | Also, see the [http://www.lawsociety.bc.ca BC Law Society’s website] on [https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/working-with-lawyers/finding-a-lawyer/ finding a lawyer] and what to do at the [https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/working-with-lawyers/your-first-meeting/ first meeting]. | ||
==When do you need a lawyer?== | ==When do you need a lawyer?== | ||
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==Why use a lawyer instead of a notary public?== | ==Why use a lawyer instead of a notary public?== | ||
A lawyer has much more training and expertise in the law and can give you service that is more complete in a wider range of areas. For example, if a will or real estate transaction turns out to be complicated, a notary may need to send you to a lawyer for legal advice. Notaries can give legal advice only in the areas of law that they are entitled to practice, which is | A lawyer has much more training and expertise in the law and can give you service that is more complete in a wider range of areas. For example, if a will or real estate transaction turns out to be complicated, a notary may need to send you to a lawyer for legal advice. Notaries can give legal advice only in the areas of law that they are entitled to practice, which is limited. | ||
Most lawyers get a university degree before they go to law school. At law school, they study law full-time for three years. Then they take 10 weeks of intensive training and must pass a series of bar admission exams. All law students must also apprentice for 10 months with an established lawyer before they can work on their own. | Most lawyers get a university degree before they go to law school. At law school, they study law full-time for three years. Then they take 10 weeks of intensive training and must pass a series of bar admission exams. All law students must also apprentice for 10 months with an established lawyer before they can work on their own. | ||
Most BC notaries were licensed before 2008 and had to take a part-time correspondence course and pass government-regulated examinations to qualify. New notaries | Most BC notaries were licensed before 2008 and had to take a part-time correspondence course and pass government-regulated examinations to qualify. New notaries must complete a master’s degree in Applied Legal Studies at SFU and a training program in addition to the government-regulated examinations. | ||
==Why use a lawyer for simple legal procedures?== | ==Why use a lawyer for simple legal procedures?== | ||
Things that look simple may | Things that look simple may be complex. People sometimes think that because procedures and forms look simple, the legal service is also simple. But legal transactions are often complex. Lawyers analyze how the law applies to your case. They do this groundwork before advising you how the law applies to you and which procedures or forms you need. You face substantial risks and disadvantages if you use the legal system without fully understanding the law and its effects. | ||
==Wills and real estate: two important examples== | ==Wills and real estate: two important examples== | ||
Your will may be the most important legal document you ever make. It | Your will may be the most important legal document you ever make. It must be right because if there’s a mistake, it may be too late to fix it. Buying, selling and mortgaging your home often involve the most important financial contracts you ever sign. Both real estate transactions and wills must be treated with extreme caution and done very carefully. | ||
We always hope things turn out for the best but it's smart to be prepared. Lawyers are trained to find and fix legal problems. They also know of many tax implications associated with your case and can advise you on them. | We always hope things turn out for the best but it's smart to be prepared. Lawyers are trained to find and fix legal problems. They also know of many tax implications associated with your case and can advise you on them. | ||
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If you've never used a lawyer and you can't get a recommendation, try the Lawyer Referral Service. BC lawyers participate in this voluntary service. Even if you aren't sure if you have a legal problem, you can use this program, operated by the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Call 604.687.3221 in the lower mainland and 1.800.663.1919 elsewhere in BC. Briefly explain your problem. The service will give you the name of a lawyer who does that type of law. | If you've never used a lawyer and you can't get a recommendation, try the Lawyer Referral Service. BC lawyers participate in this voluntary service. Even if you aren't sure if you have a legal problem, you can use this program, operated by the BC Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Call 604.687.3221 in the lower mainland and 1.800.663.1919 elsewhere in BC. Briefly explain your problem. The service will give you the name of a lawyer who does that type of law. | ||
Phone the lawyer and make an appointment. Tell the lawyer that Lawyer Referral Service sent you. The lawyer will give you up to a 30-minute appointment for $25 plus tax. At the appointment, the lawyer will tell you if you have a legal problem. Then, if you and the lawyer agree, you can hire that lawyer at their normal rate. You do not have to use that lawyer. You may decide you do not need a lawyer for your | Phone the lawyer and make an appointment. Tell the lawyer that Lawyer Referral Service sent you. The lawyer will give you up to a 30-minute appointment for $25 plus tax. At the appointment, the lawyer will tell you if you have a legal problem. Then, if you and the lawyer agree, you can hire that lawyer at their normal rate. You do not have to use that lawyer. You may decide you do not need a lawyer for your issue, or you may decide to shop around and find another lawyer. | ||
==Prepare for the first interview== | ==Prepare for the first interview== | ||
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[updated | [updated March 2018] | ||
'''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Steven Gjukich and edited by John Blois.''' | '''The above was last reviewed for accuracy by Steven Gjukich and edited by John Blois.''' | ||
