Why Is the Law Important?
1. The stability of American society depends in large part on our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. The rule of law means that all members of our society are subject to the same set of laws and that these laws are enforced consistently without regard to one’s position in society. Not every dispute needs to be resolved in court, but we should know when and how the law can protect our interests and preserve our rights.

When Should I Use a Lawyer?
2. One’s need for a lawyer depends upon the circumstances and complexities of a particular issue. Most people agree, however, that a lawyer’s help is needed when one encounters major events or changes in one’s life. These include

• being involved in an accident
• experiencing a change in family status such as divorce, adoption, or death
• being arrested for a crime
• experiencing a significant change, for better or worse, in one’s financial status

3. The four most common reasons people use a lawyer are

• real estate transactions
• drawing up a will
• as a party to a lawsuit
• divorce or separation from one’s spouse

How Frequently Do Legal Needs Arise?
4. Approximately seven out of every 10 adults have hired a lawyer, and most would use the same lawyer if they had to make the decision again.

5. Approximately one-half of low and moderate-income households face a legal issue during any given twelve-month period.

Won’t a Lawyer Be Expensive?
6. Your lawyer’s fee will depend on the complexity of your issue and the amount of time needed to resolve it. Ask for an estimate of costs, and remember that involving a lawyer in a legal issue early on may well save money over the long term.

7. If you have limited financial resources, you may be eligible for reduced-cost or free services from a legal aid program in your area.

8. Lawyers are ethically obligated to charge a “reasonable” fee, which is determined by such factors as the amount of time required; what other lawyers charge for similar work; the lawyer’s experience, reputation, and ability; and the total value of your claim or settlement.

9. In some types of cases, lawyers are paid only if they win the case or obtain a settlement. This is known as a contingency fee case, because the fee depends on, or is contingent upon, the lawyer winning. You might still have to pay court costs under this arrangement, but you wouldn’t have to pay fees unless the lawyer succeeded.

What Should I Expect from a Lawyer?
10. A lawyer should communicate with you effectively, provide high-quality work in a timely manner, charge a reasonable fee for the services provided, keep you informed on the progress of your matter and the options available to you, follow the decisions you make, and maintain confidentiality.

11. Remember that the lawyer’s ability to accomplish what you desire is limited by the rule of law; your lawyer can pursue your interests only as far as the law permits.

12. Remember that many lawyers have particular specialties, such as real estate, litigation, wills and estates, or bankruptcy. Ask a potential lawyer if he or she has had experience with issues similar to yours.

If My Legal Issue Involves a Dispute, Should I Expect to Go to Court?
13. Relatively few legal issues, including lawsuits, involve a full hearing in court. Your lawyer may be able to dismiss charges against you or negotiate a settlement before a trial begins, or you may be able to use an alternative dispute resolution mechanism such as mediation or arbitration to settle your dispute.