How Lawyers Help Individuals and Institutions Navigate the Legal System

The average person can experience a lot of frustration and confusion when attempting attempt to navigate the legal system without the help of a professional. Legal systems are complex, and the research involved in understanding them and the sheer volume of laws and guidelines can be overwhelming.  While online resources have helped somewhat with this, there is still no substitute for getting the advice and guidance of a trained lawyer or legal aid.

Trying to navigate the legal system on your own can also result in spending more money in the long run. A lawyer can help reduce lost work time, settle lawsuits faster, and even argue for reduced penalties and compensation depending on the case.

Lawyers also prevent those they represent from offering information or making statements that can be used against them in a case or lawsuit. Statements that may seem innocent can be misconstrued by an opposing party, and sometimes, what we see as clear-cut can be interpreted far differently by another party. It is therefore important that those not trained in law seek professional advice.

How lawyers help clients

General legal advice

Sometimes, a client needs to talk to a lawyer and get some general questions answered. This occurs when a situation is really simple or a client is just doing some research. For example, a client may want to know the legal implications if they cancel a contract they signed, or they want a law or regulation explained to them in the context of a problem they are facing. It could be something as simple as a neighbor not respecting property boundaries, for example.

Lawyers may also go over contracts or documents that a client may be asked to sign by another party and then offer their advice before the client makes a binding agreement. This could be a contract between two private parties or between the client and a business. It is very common for businesses to have their lawyer look over documents before they sign anything just as a matter of routine. Ensuring everyone is on the same page with documents before signatures are obtained can save a lot of hassle and money.

Creating documents

Lawyers create a variety of documents for clients. The advantage of having a law office create your documents is that you can assure that all the details and situations that may arise have been covered. The lawyer will meet with you and design the document to meet your exact requirements while following any required state or federal laws or regulations. Lawyers also draft deeds for real estate transactions, wills & estates, lawsuits, and more. Custody arrangements and other family law matters are other matters that involve detailed documents.

Representation in court

The types of cases a lawyer chooses to represent in court will vary based on the type of law office. Some lawyers specialize in family law and representing parents and children involved in custody disputes, divorce, and other matters. They may also do some family estate representation, such as trusts, wills, and property deeds. Although many of these matters are dealt with outside the courtroom, there are times when a court date or hearing before a judge is necessary.

Criminal lawyers represent clients who have been accused of or charged with a criminal offense. This can range from what is considered more minor offenses and misdemeanors to serious charges, including manslaughter, rape, and homicide. Anyone charged with a crime needs legal representation unless they choose to plead guilty and do not want someone to negotiate terms for them when it comes to punishment or sentencing. In many cases, a lawyer is a major asset because they can negotiate an agreement that results in more favorable terms for a client, especially if they have no prior convictions, the crime is minor, or an individual was not hurt.

Helping create reasonable settlement terms

While criminal cases can be limited in how much negotiation is possible, a civil case may have more room for both sides to come to agreeable terms. Settlements outside the courtroom for civil cases are very common. If there is not a criminal aspect to a case, clients can often come to an agreement without taking up extra time involving scheduling multiple court dates and hearings.

Lawyers act as mediators to ensure that parties can meet and discuss terms and try to come up with solutions in a neutral location without feeling overly intimidated, endangered, or like they are being taken advantage of. Both parties may have lawyers with them to help with negotiations.

Helping people know their rights and ensure they are treated fairly

Unfortunately, there are people and institutions that do not always respect the rights of others. Discrimination, unhealthy working conditions, harassment, etc., are all common. It is important that people have the option of legal representation to ensure that their human and constitutional rights are protected at all times. Lawyers often work with individuals and groups to help create a world where people are treated more equitably and fairly in their private and professional lives.

Extensive research

A lot of research goes into creating a rock-solid case. Legal offices do a lot of research to back up their client's claims and provide a case that is hard for the opposition to find cracks in. The more information a legal team has to work with, the better they can represent their client. Lawyers and legal aids have resources they can use when researching that may be hard or impossible for a client to take advantage of themselves. Lawyers can go as far as hiring private investigators on behalf of a client or making formal requests for documentation, records, etc. Knowing how to conduct the right research and exactly what is needed or valuable saves countless hours and stress on the client and their associates.

Provide authority to a claim

While it may not be fair, it is dishonest to say that a person can expect equal treatment and consideration if they represent themselves.  A good example of this is when you have to go to court on a day when a lot of cases are being seen and considered. In this case, you have to wait until your case is called.

In plenty of instances, those with lawyers get to go ahead of those who do not have any legal representation. At least part of this is because the lawyer has the knowledge and skills to get the case sorted quickly, and there is a good chance that those with legal help are paying for their lawyer to be there. There is also the stereotype that those representing themselves do not take their situation seriously since they did not get any help. 

Lawyers provide support and advocacy

There are some cases that get quite complex on an emotional level. Cases involving children or traumatic events are particularly stressful, as are substance abuse cases. Lawyers can help clients by listening to all their concerns and issues. Clients may be in need of counseling, medical treatment, substance abuse treatment, emergency housing, and more. Protective orders from the court may be necessary. A lawyer can make referrals to services that can help their clients. This is very beneficial when a client is going through a very emotional and traumatic time and is unaware of what is available to them.

Compensation and help for victims of violent crimes is often available, but a lot of people are unaware of this. A lawyer can also help victims find ways to meet the personal needs of their families while a case is ongoing.

Lawyers provide specialized services for organizations, governments, and corporate entities

Nonprofit groups often have a law team to help with everything from document preparation to more complex legal matters such as lawsuits against corporations or legal cases involving human rights violations. Government organizations sometimes have their own full-time law team to negotiate the complexities of various government operations and projects.

Corporate law is a specialty that is highly lucrative but very work-intensive. Corporations require a lot of legal advice and representation compared to the average person. This can be especially true if a company is involved in an industry that has a lot of litigious circumstances.  For example, a manufacturer of clothing may have to battle a lot of environmental regulations or find ways to meet increasingly strict rules.

Immigration law

Immigration is becoming increasingly common, and lawyers can help make sure that immigration is done appropriately according to any relevant laws. This can include helping people apply for work permits and VISAs, meet citizenship requirements, and more.

Frequently asked questions

How much does hiring a lawyer cost a client on average?

The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on many factors. A lawyer may quote a client a flat fee for consulting and creating documents, for example. In other cases, a lawyer may charge by the hour. More complex cases often involve a negotiated retainer fee or rate. Cost can go up depending on the experience and expertise of a lawyer or firm as well. A very well-known and highly experienced law firm that specializes in complex cases will typically have much higher rates than a family law firm.

In the criminal court system, you can get a public defender assigned to your case for no cost at all. The difference between hiring a private versus public defender is that with a paid, private lawyer, clients will get more time dedicated to their case.

How do I find a lawyer for my case?

Finding the right lawyer means researching law firms within your region and finding one that fits your budget and has experiences with cases similar to yours. This can take a little time, and you may have to meet with several law firms for an initial consultation before you are comfortable making a choice.

Fees can vary a lot, but so can the level of service offered. Be certain you are clear on what you can expect to get for your money. The difference in quoted rates may all be down to the level of service you receive, not just the name and reputation of the law firm in question.

What is required to practice law?

To become an attorney, you have to earn a law degree and pass the bar exam for the states you wish to practice in. A clean background check and proof that you don’t have a criminal conviction that goes against rules and regulations in your state of practice are also required.

A degree from an aba accredited online law school such as Cleveland State University is a great way to earn the necessary qualifications while continuing to work. In the past, attending a brick-and-mortar law school was required to earn a law degree. This severely limited who could go to law school. Now, you do not have to move or give up your job to pursue a degree and meet your career goals. At Cleveland State University you will gain a strong background on law topics ranging from tort to criminal law.

Skills required to pursue a career in law

Below are some of the traits that might serve you in a successful law career.

You like to help others

The whole purpose of a lawyer is to help people. The type of help you provide depends on the area of law you choose to dedicate yourself to. As a lawyer, you may help disadvantaged individuals and groups by protecting their rights and access to opportunities. You may also help victims of criminal acts get the justice and compensation they deserve so they can start to rebuild their lives.

You are a great listener and have good attention to detail

Lawyers must be excellent listeners and must be able to empathize with clients. The relationship between a lawyer and their client is one that is based on trust. Lawyers must take the time to listen and get all the details and information they can when pursuing any case. Sometimes, the smallest details can make a huge difference in the outcome of a case and how long it takes to bring it to a close.

Doing a lot of research is enjoyable to you

Lawyers spend a lot of time conducting research. While legal aids can help with this, attorneys have to do a lot of research on their own as well. Some matters can be very time-consuming, especially when historical information and documents have to be requested and studied. It is important to be very organized and good at prioritizing when researching and handling multiple cases.

Hard work and determination come naturally to you

Working as a lawyer can be a lot of rewarding work. While some cases are straightforward and simple, others are difficult to close. Your clients rely on you to work hard for them and rise above challenges. You must be determined to see a case through to the end when things get tough. By working hard, your reputation for excellence will grow, and you will experience great professional success. In the legal system, this is how you can make yourself stand out from the rest.

You want a career that offers plenty of room to grow

Law is a field with many opportunities for advancement. While a lot of lawyers choose a specialty, there is no rule that says you have to practice the same type of law your entire career. The advantage of choosing a specialty and sticking with it is that you can gain a reputation in a particular niche and concentrate on getting really good at that area of law.

When starting your law career, you may want to explore more until you find the right niche for you. Some law firms offer a wide range of services that can allow you to do this.

Conclusion

It is important for people to have access to legal representation due to the complexity of the legal system and to ensure their rights are protected at all times.  Having legal representation can also save money and relieve stress. Lawyers provide valuable support and guidance in cases where emotions are running high and it may be hard to think clearly.

Now is a great time to consider a career in law. Due to the availability of online degree programs, it is easier to fit law school into a modern lifestyle, allowing you to work alongside your studies or pursue a career in law later in life.