South Carolina Law Firm

Choosing a South Carolina law firm is simple with the appropriate prior knowledge and the use of this website. it is important to be diligent when working with any attorney, as you will need to make sure that your interests are addressed and that you are able to pursue the legal matter to satisfaction, with regards to the time and financial restraints that are no doubt placed on you by lengthy legal matters. South Carolina law firms are reliable partners for most legal issues in South Carolina. This is due to familiarity with state and local laws, as well as adherence to standards for professional and ethical behavior, as set by the state.

Things to consider before seeking legal action

Most legal issues, with the exception of litigation, can be cost prohibitive, which should give the average individual some pause to consider the costs of legal action, most short and long term. Even litigation, which typically costs nothing in fees but is time consuming, is never a guaranteed outcome if the claim has less than average merit. Take this into consideration, as well as tort reform laws that significantly limit the rights of persons to file litigation for a number of legal wrongs. You need to consult with a South Carolina law firm prior to making any decision to commit to legal action. You also need to make note of the fee arrangement you make with the South Carolina law firm, ensuring you can afford to pursue this legal matter to its natural stopping point.

If you cannot afford legal action, either work with the law firm prior to receiving legal services to structure a payment plan that is more affordable or contact your local legal aid society. You may also go to fee law clinics offered by law schools and legal societies to receive non-confidential advice on possible legal action and what to do prior to seeking consultations with law firms.

Importance of honesty and objectivity

The most important step one can take to prepare adequately for a consultation with a South Carolina law firm is to be able to state the circumstances related to their legal action without bias, in a clear and objective manner. The explanation of events with the most amount of clarity is important, as it will ensure that the South Carolina law firm has the best understand and can provide you with the best direction to take. On the part of the South Carolina law firm, they must also be honest and objective with clients, tempering expectation and carefully evaluating their claims. This is in no small part to ensure that it will hold up to determined scrutiny.

Importance of the South Carolina Bar Association

The SC Bar is the mandatory membership bar association for South Carolina law firms and will be responsible for attorney discipline, continuing legal education and assuring the quality of the practice of law in South Carolina. Member benefits include a lawyer assistance program, a young lawyers mentoring section and ethics advisory opinions to deal with possible dilemmas lawyers may deal with through working with clients. Interested lawyers may join practice sections or committees to set policy and be informed on changes to the practice of law in the State, either by way of custom, court decision or state law.

The SC Bar offers a limited pro bono program, which is complimented by volunteer services, all of which increase outreach to low income and other indigent South Carolina residents. Pro bono arrangements are made through South Carolina Legal Services.

Lawyer referrals

Lawyer referrals are the fastest and most reliable way to find a lawyer that meets your need and is conveniently located. There are both private and public lawyer referral services, which can cover counties, states and even regions. The South Carolina Bar lawyer referral service can help furnish you with a referral, as long as you are willing to pay a $50 referral fee to the lawyer when you go for the initial consultation. You may use the system online, entering personal information and then specifying the county and area of law related to the legal matter. You will also provide a brief explanation of the legal matter, which is sent in advance to the lawyer. This is helpful to maximizing the initial consultation, as you will have expressed much of what would have been said in the initial consultation. The referral is conducted by email if the application is submitted online, but you may also call for a lawyer referral for a faster response and the ability to know the name of the lawyer before notification of a referral is sent to that lawyer. Lawyers pay a fee of $50 per county to receive referrals from this system.

Be aware of the pitfalls of using private referral services. You will not know the standards used to vet the lawyers participating in the service and indeed the only criteria may be the payment of a fee. In addition, you need to ensure there are no obligations attached to using the service, as you should have the right to refuse a referral or commit to legal representation after that initial consultation.

Payment options.

Establishing the payment options through a fee agreement is necessary to prevent billing disputes and other complications. This is especially important when using a retainer account for billing. Knowing how you are billed, at what intervals and at what amount will need to be established in the initial consultation. Hourly rates are especially accumulated quickly, but that is in no small part due to the value of the lawyer’s time, which could have been used working with other clients. If you are seeking short term legal services, expect to pay flat fees for those services, in addition to the possibility of hourly fees.

Contingency fees are less risky but you will need to know the percentage collected from your jury award or settlement before agreeing to terms. Know that the contingency arrangement may or may not be reviewed fly the court in the interests of the client.