Why an Attorney?

Most daily activities, such as buying a car or closing business deals, are in some way affected by law in one way or the other. A common question is: "when do I need an attorney to assist me in my dealings?". Many people seek out legal guidance in the following instances:

• When buying / selling / transferring real estate
• When creating a will or during estate planning
• When they are sued, or involved in a lawsuit
• When seeking a divorce / separation
• When entering into a business agreement

Issues related to personal injury, property, employment, taxation and criminal activity are often thought of as reasons to need an attorney. Having someone that accurately assesses your legal issue can prove invaluable. The legal system can be complex, difficult to navigate and hard to interpret. Most legal dealings leave no margin for error, which can be a great cause for concern for those needing professional advice. Attorneys are well-educated experts in their field of study and are prepared to support you with most issues you may encounter.

Once you determine the need for an attorney, what comes next? A consultation to discuss the facts of your case will often be the most logical first step. Be sure to ask questions during this time of discussion to ensure everyone is on the same page. Some things to ask:

• Areas of specialty
• Have they handled similar cases to your own
• Expected cost of your engagement
• How can I improve my case

In most cases, there are consequences associated with unsuccessfully representing yourself in a matter. Many situations require intimate knowledge of the law, and can demand great amounts of time to be successful. Starting a business is hard enough as it is. From zoning, to copyright / trademark efforts, to incorporation and intellectual property, legal advice can prove invaluable to a young business.

When you are in need of legal advice, turn to the best: Smith, Gilliam, Williams & Miles. We promise to deliver, beyond expectations.