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	<title>Legal  Notice, Legal Consultation, Lawyers Amsterdam</title>
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		<title>Accident Lawyers &#8211; How Much Do They Cost?</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=157</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=157#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:43:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Las Vegas is home to some of the best casinos of the world. No wonder so many tourists visit here. But, LV is also home to a large number of accidents. A huge number of accidents automatically means that there would be a proportional number of lawsuits pertaining to accidents and injury. If you believe [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Las Vegas is home to some of the best casinos of the world. No wonder so many tourists visit here. But, LV is also home to a large number of accidents. A huge number of accidents automatically means that there would be a proportional number of lawsuits pertaining to accidents and injury. If you believe that you deserve compensation, you need to know more about Las Vegas accident lawyers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Many victims of accidents do not approach lawyers for their rightful compensation because they fear monumental legal bills. Unfortunately, there have been cases of Las Vegas accident lawyers fleecing victims at a time when they are highly stressed and cannot make an objective decision. So, it is important to know more about the cost of hiring LV accident lawyers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you begin to estimate the legal cost of pursuing an accident or injury claim, it must be remembered that there are court costs, witness fee and filing fee that are a part of the total costs, besides the fee paid to the lawyer. Thus, these costs must be taken into account when making a decision about hiring an attorney for a claim.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Most lawyers offer a free consultation:<br />
Soon after the accident, the victim must meet with an expert to determine whether they have a case and whether it is likely to be successful in court. Once this is ascertained, they can go forward with formalities such as hiring a Las Vegas accident lawyer and so on. Therefore, Las Vegas accident lawyers generally offer the initial consultation for free. The main objective of the initial meeting is to decide whether it is legally advisable to pursue the claim.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Contingency fee:<br />
In some cases, clients have a very strong case. When this happens, accident lawyers may agree to take on the case on the basis of a contingent fee. This means that if the case is successful and the injured person is awarded a fair settlement, the attorney then gets a percentage of the settlement as their fee. If the case is unsuccessful and the client is not awarded any money, the attorney will not get their fee. In such a case, all the risk is borne by the attorney. These situations are very rare.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">How much?<br />
In general, clients are required to make payments according to the expertise and experience of the lawyer they hire. Therefore, attorneys who are relatively fresh charge lesser than those of high repute.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In any case, a victim must always undertake the initial consultation in order to make sure that the case is valid. There is no risk in this. Moreover, this step ensures that money does not stand in the way of justice and that every offender is punished just as every victim is compensated.</p>
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		<title>Preparing For the Initial Consultation With an Accident Lawyer</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=153</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=153#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Apr 2013 17:30:45 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[An accident may act as a hindrance to your personal and professional life. And when it happens because of no fault of yours, it is necessary that you seek justice. According to the US laws, any victim of an accident caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another is eligible for compensation. How do you [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">An accident may act as a hindrance to your personal and professional life. And when it happens because of no fault of yours, it is necessary that you seek justice. According to the US laws, any victim of an accident caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another is eligible for compensation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">How do you do this? Contact a competent accident lawyer as the priority of the situation demands. It is a good idea to look for legal professionals working in this field and choose some of them in the initial phase. Say for example, you choose 5 such lawyers on the basis of references or from online resources. What next? Call up the lawyer and fix an appointment first.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now start preparing for this consultation. This is of extreme importance and so you need to take care of numerous details. You need to give him/her a short description of yourself (or the victim, if it&#8217;s someone else) and certain details regarding your/their personal and professional life.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is also necessary to take note of all the parties involved in the case. If the Milwaukee accident lawyer, or the legal firm to which he/she belongs, has a client on the other side there may be a conflict of interest. In such cases, the court of law would not give permission to the lawyer to deal with your case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You may need to provide certain documents at the time of the preliminary consultation. Here is a list of the ones that you may need to give your lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">• Reports of the accident<br />
• Diagnosis and prognosis reports<br />
• Medical record reports<br />
• Medical treatment and care bills<br />
• Future medical costs (as advised by the medical professionals)<br />
• Details of medical insurance<br />
• Effects of the injury on your daily life<br />
• Details of loss of wages<br />
• All relevant dates<br />
• Interaction and correspondence with insurance companies<br />
• Compensation claims (if you have filed any)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It&#8217;s wise to be prepared in advance. That way you won&#8217;t miss out on any of the points to discuss with your accident lawyer of Milwaukee. It is also necessary to clear any doubts you may have by asking suitable questions. If you think that you won&#8217;t remember all these details, jot these down on a piece of paper.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If the lawyer is capable of answering your questions in a clear and comprehensible manner, you have found a good professional. For example, a experienced and competent accident lawyer would be able to tell you the approximate value of the injury, the time the matter would take to reach a resolution, whether to use alternative methods to settle the matter, whether you have a good case, what defense strategies to use and such others.</p>
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		<title>Commercial Law &#8211; European Private Company Legislation &#8211; Consultation &#8211; Communication</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=129</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=129#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:11:18 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[The objective of the European Private Company (&#8220;EPC&#8221;) legislation is to make it easier for European small and medium-sized enterprises (&#8220;SMEs&#8221;) to conduct cross-border business. This is achieved by providing SMEs with a special European legal form equalled across each Member State. It is intended that the ability to operate in various Member States according [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">The objective of the European Private Company (&#8220;EPC&#8221;) legislation is to make it easier for European small and medium-sized enterprises (&#8220;SMEs&#8221;) to conduct cross-border business. This is achieved by providing SMEs with a special European legal form equalled across each Member State.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is intended that the ability to operate in various Member States according to the same corporate rules should significantly reduce compliance costs and therefore enhance the mobility and competitiveness of European SMEs. The existing statute applicable to European Companies has been designed for large companies, and does not constitute a viable option for SMEs. This is particularly due to the fact that a minimum capital requirement of 120.000 EUR is stipulated.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Work has been carried out on the EPC legislation over the last three years. In 2004, the Commission launched a feasibility study for the EPC legislation targeting SMEs. It presented its results on the 13th of December 2005. In addition to this feasibility study, a question on the need for the EPC legislation was also asked in the public consultation on the future of the Company Law and Corporate Governance Action Plan (December 2005 to March 2006). The outcome of the study and the consultation were, however, unclear.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Even though the EPC legislation received a considerable support from SMEs, there were still some who were sceptical about it. The European Parliament has been working on the EPC legislation and the Committee of Legal Affairs has drafted an own-initiative report and a resolution on this issue together with recommendations on possible content of the EPC legislation. It was adopted by the European Parliament on the 1st of February 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is interesting to note that the European Parliament adopted a Resolution on the European Private Companies at the beginning of February 2007, yet little had been done for almost 6 months. The Commission has studied the European Parliament&#8217;s report and recommendations as well as the feasibility study conducted in 2005. Whilst doing this analysis the Commission discovered several issues which needed to be tested in the market. This is why the Commission launched a specific consultation on European Private Companies in July. It is intended that it should give the Commission the facts and evidence needed for a legislative proposal.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The public consultation continued until the end of October. Its results will then be analysed and incorporated into the impact assessment, which is likely to take a number of months. The next step would be the preparation of a possible proposal and consultation of the draft text with experts. Exact timing on these matters is likely to be made clearer by the end of 2007, but a draft proposal could only be ready in the first half of next year.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The Commission has also considered issues relating to a simplified business environment for companies in the areas of company law, accounting and auditing. This was highlighted by the Commission&#8217;s Communication published in July 2007. An important part of the Commission&#8217;s Better Regulation agenda is the revision of the existing European legislation. In this context a full review of European company law, accounting and auditing directives was carried out.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The objective of the exercise was not only to reduce the administrative burdens for companies, specifically SMEs, but to ascertain if the European rules are still adequate in today&#8217;s business environment. The Communication published in July contains the Commission&#8217;s proposals based on the outcome of the review of the directives in the fields of company law, accounting and auditing.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With regard to company law, the Communication outlines two approaches:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ The first option would limit European legislation to matters that have cross-border relevance. For example: The registration of companies and branches as well as cross-border mergers. The directives that cover mainly domestic situations (For example: The Third Company law Directive on domestic mergers and the Second Company law Directive on companies&#8217; capital) would be repealed.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ The second option is a slightly more detailed approach that would allow for the analysis of individual provisions in the directives, such as reporting requirements in the case of a merger or a division. It would offer possibilities of simplification, repeal or introduction of alternative provisions.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">With regard to accounting and auditing, the focus of the Communication is on reducing costs for SMEs. The following measures are accordingly set out:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ To introduce a new, additional threshold for micro-enterprises (Namely those with less than 10 employees, balance sheet total below 500,000 EUR and turnover below 1,000,000 EUR ) in order to exempt them completely from any requirements on accounting and auditing under the two directives.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ To extend the transition period for SMEs crossing the thresholds from two to five years.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ To exempt small entities from the requirement to publish their account.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ To give certain medium sized companies easier access to the exemptions for small companies.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Aside from the above, the Communication has had two further objectives:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ Firstly, to amalgamate the views of businesses and stakeholders on the proposals. This consultation ran until mid-October 2007.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">§ Secondly, to find a common ground with the Member States and the European Parliament on the matters future legislative proposals should cover in order to simplify business environment for companies. In accordance with the principles of Better Regulation, impact assessments will then be prepared. Subject to the results of these documents and the outcome of the public consultation, legislative proposals are expected to be presented within the first few months of 2008.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">© RT COOPERS, 2007. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.</p>
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		<title>Choosing the Best Lawyer for Your Small Business</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=141</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=141#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:59:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=141</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you own a small business, it is important to choose the best lawyer to represent the interests of your small business. A strategic business lawyer can help you with your start-up and ongoing strategies, help you with critical business planning, review leases and contracts, and negotiate for you. Your attorney must help you comply [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">If you own a small business, it is important to choose the best lawyer to represent the interests of your small business. A strategic business lawyer can help you with your start-up and ongoing strategies, help you with critical business planning, review leases and contracts, and negotiate for you. Your attorney must help you comply with a myriad of regulations from employment issues to zoning.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You must research carefully to find just the right legal expert. You do not want a lawyer who does not take an interest in or learn about your business. You can ask accountants, bankers, other small-business owners, and friends for referrals. You can check with your state Bar association to find out if they have attorneys who specialize in representing small businesses. You can ask for and check the lawyer&#8217;s references. You can also look in the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">You should not make your final decision based on referrals or other sources. You must interview the lawyers that you believe would suit your business. You should be aware that many attorneys charge a consultation fee of $150 or more. That is a small amount to pay to be sure that the lawyer you choose can meet your needs and will really do a job representing your business.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The following are a few points to keep in mind when you interview the attorney. First, be sure that the lawyer does not rush through the interview and gives you his or her full, undivided attention. Be sure that the lawyer you choose understands your business and your industry including its processes. The lawyer you choose must be willing to take as much time as needed to explain every legal issue that may arise and its consequences. Finally, the lawyer must be available to you whenever you need help, and it is not acceptable for the lawyer to turn you over to the legal assistant after your retainer is paid.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There may be other things that are important to you, and you should not hesitate to demand the type and quality of service that you deserve.</p>
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		<title>How to Work With Your Lawyer</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=147</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=147#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 00:45:25 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=147</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Get organized. Prepare detailed written notes outlining your legal problem or questions. Provide the lawyer all the details, and let he or she decide what is important to your case. 2. Complete and honest disclosure of all facts. It is very important that you provide a complete and honest description of your problem, including [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Get organized. Prepare detailed written notes outlining your legal problem or questions. Provide the lawyer all the details, and let he or she decide what is important to your case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Complete and honest disclosure of all facts. It is very important that you provide a complete and honest description of your problem, including information that may be favorable, unfavorable, or embarrassing. Leaving out a minor fact or detail could have a huge negative impact on your case. Only if you fully disclose the facts about your situation can an attorney properly advise you. Remember that there are strict rules that require an attorney to keep your information confidential.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Discuss fees. Your attorney will be ready to discuss fees at the first meeting, and you should be ready to do the same. You can and should negotiate fees and discuss payment plans with your attorney. Get your agreement in writing and keep a copy for your file. Most disputes about fees happen because there is no written record of an agreement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Ask a lawyer questions. In order for your attorney to serve you better, you must understand all aspects of your case and the legal process. Understanding the process will help you understand how the lawyer is working and what type of information is needed on your case. But remember, you are paying for your attorney&#8217;s time. It is more cost effective to ask several questions at once instead of calling your attorney every time one question comes to mind. You may be charged for each call depending on your fee agreement.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. Understand what you sign. Before you sign a document, ask your attorney to fully explain to your satisfaction any document. What can be clear and routine to an attorney can be confusing to people without formal legal training.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6. Keep your own records. Ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement between you and your attorney in the file. You may have to access this information at some point in the future so it is important to maintain records.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">7. Legal advice. Give careful and thoughtful consideration to what your attorney advises. The attorney&#8217;s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Remember that lawyers cannot work magic. No attorney wins every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear. Your attorney will provide advice that has your best legal interests in mind. The central focus of any case is the facts. Each side will have facts that contribute to the outcome of the case. It is the lawyer&#8217;s responsibility to make you aware of the potential outcome of your case based on the facts.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">HOW DO I PREPARE AND WHAT SHOULD I TAKE TO THE FIRST INTERVIEW?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Plan to go to the first interview with an open mind. You do not have to decide to employ the attorney with whom you are interviewing until you have had time to think about the interview and your experience in communicating with the lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you go to your initial consultation, it is important to have with you a written summary, or detailed notes outlining your problem. The notes or summary should include:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Names, addresses and phone numbers of all persons or companies involved</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. All documents which are part of your case, including</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">a. Documents you have received from another attorney</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">b. Documents you have received from a court</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">c. Journals</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">d. Written Correspondence (includes emails)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">e. Receipts</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">f. Contracts</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">g. Medical bills</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">h. Repair estimates</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">i. Checks, etc.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">j. Pictures</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">k. Written notes detailing the history of your situation</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The attorney may ask you to deliver written materials in advance of your first interview in order to have adequate time to review them. You may prefer to provide copies rather than originals at the initial interview. Remember that all lawyers are subject to attorney-client privilege and therefore, must maintain any information in strict confidence.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, prepare a list of questions for the attorney, such as:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Are you specialized and/or experienced in my type of problem?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Will you or one of your associates be handling my case?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Will you regularly contact me about the status of my case?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Will I be provided with copies of all important documents, and will there be a charge for those documents?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. Will I be able to make the final decision on my case?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6. What is your estimate of time needed to complete my case?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">7. What is the hourly billable rate?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">8. What amount of retainer is required to request your services?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">REMEMBER: When you hire an attorney, the attorney will be working for you. He or she should be genuinely interested in your problem and in giving you the best possible advice. The attorney may not be able to accomplish everything you wish because of the facts or the laws that apply in your case. Many times the best advice an attorney can give will be to avoid court action. He or she may suggest other methods to resolve your matter, such as mediation.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF MY ATTORNEY?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few tips about what to expect from your attorney. Your attorney should:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Give you candid, honest advice;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Tell you the strong and weak points of your case; this includes potential outcomes based on facts and your instructions on how to proceed</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Keep you informed and follow your instructions, within the bounds of the law;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Protect and defend you to the best of his or her ability and to the fullest extent of the law;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. While representing you, not represent any other client whose interests conflict with yours;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">6. Provide you, if you ask, with copies of all letters and documents involved in your case;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">7. Provide an itemized bill of all work done for you and all expenses incurred on your behalf.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">WHAT WILL MY ATTORNEY EXPECT OF ME?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The attorney will expect you to:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Be prompt for court dates and appointments;</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Let him or her know how to keep in touch with you. If you have a change of address or phone number or place of employment, let your attorney know; and</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Be completely honest &#8212; even if it is embarrassing to tell the truth about your problem.<br />
Remember, what you tell an attorney in private will be kept confidential. Even confessions to past crimes or criminal activity are going to be treated as confidential by your attorney. Exceptions to this rule of strict confidentiality are plans for future crimes and continuing criminal activity or if the attorney believes that you have or will cause injury to a child. Attorneys are required by law to report suspected child abuse.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Not withhold any important information during the conversation that could be potentially damaging to your situation. A common tactic is for the other party to discredit you. Therefore, it is crucial that you fully disclose anything you can think of that could be used against you later on in the proceedings. Understand that even with the weight of the facts on your side, the situation could change if information comes out later that gives the advantage to the other party, because this information was not disclosed earlier to the lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">HOW MUCH WILL THE ATTORNEY CHARGE ME FOR HIS OR HER SERVICES?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The attorney&#8217;s fee depends upon many variables, such as amount of time, the difficulty of the work, the skill required, the customary fee in your area for similar work, the experience, reputation and ability of the attorney, and whether the fee is a set amount or contingent on the outcome of the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Some examples of fee arrangements include:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Flat fee: The attorney may quote you a set amount or standard fee that he or she has arrived at for your type of legal problem. An example of a legal problem that could be covered in a flat-fee matter is an uncontested divorce without children or a simple will. In addition, lawyers usually expect you to pay court costs and to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, long distance, postage, courier, or copying expenses. It is important that you find out what any fixed fee covers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Hourly fee: An attorney may prefer to bill you by the hour and collect an initial retainer. Such fees may vary widely depending upon the complexity of the legal work, the skill of the attorney and whether there are time deadlines. If you agree to an hourly arrangement, you and the attorney could include a provision in your contract requiring the attorney not to exceed a specified amount of time or money without obtaining your permission. Insist that you be kept advised every month of the number of hours that the attorney is spending on your problem. You also have the right to ask for a written explanation of what the attorney did during the hours he or she worked on your case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Questions about fees that you may want to ask are:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Can you give me an estimate of how much this legal matter will cost?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Can we have a written fee agreement that sets forth not only my obligation to pay you, but also exactly what services you will provide?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">HOW SHOULD I MAKE MY DECISION TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Based on your first interview, you should consider the following factors before agreeing to hire an attorney:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">1. Could you communicate effectively with the attorney?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">2. Was the attorney clear and easy to understand?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">3. Are fees reasonable in comparison with other lawyers&#8217; charges?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">4. Did the attorney give clear explanations of how he or she will let you know about progress in your case?</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">5. If you are not satisfied with this attorney, do not hire him or her. Look elsewhere for legal help.</p>
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		<title>Securing a Good Lawyer</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=131</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 09:17:08 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Securing a good lawyer can prove challenging if not frustrating. However the basic guidelines are the same in most countries. It is recommended to get a lawyer who can be your &#8216;legal coach&#8217; and agent all at once. From the start, a good lawyer connects with his client. Determine if there is a fit, albeit [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Securing a good lawyer can prove challenging if not frustrating. However the basic guidelines are the same in most countries. It is recommended to get a lawyer who can be your &#8216;legal coach&#8217; and agent all at once. From the start, a good lawyer connects with his client. Determine if there is a fit, albeit the personality fit is very important, as you, the client must get sense of security from the initial contact. Jamaican Attorney-at-law Charles Williams, with over 25 years experience advises the client to ask many questions, and pay attention to vital testers such as chemistry and accessibility, right from the start.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">He says lawyers should be able to give an idea of the time frame involved and necessary stages for resolving the problem to be achieved. Clients need to &#8216;know&#8217; that they have the last word, although the lawyer advises on all possible outcomes says another attorney Jacqueline Samuels. The client should therefore recognize the critical value of outlining his or her desired course of action. In any country, clients must research whether the lawyer is fully certified, and qualified to represent you, especially in court, by the relevant body. In Jamaica, lawyers conduct minimal advertising such as telephone directory listings. However, directory listings are not sufficient guidelines to locate a good lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The old-fashioned way &#8211; through friends, families and acquaintances can never wear thin. Additionally, choosing, based on reputation or observation, can be highly beneficial. Observations can be done by attending court and seeing lawyers in action or, at times, through knowledge of a successful transaction already in progress, where allowed. The General Legal Council of Jamaica, the body responsible for discipline and rules governing lawyers cannot recommend lawyers. The crux of hiring a lawyer is often times based on the lawyer, experience, nature of case, nature of issues and complexities, the type and amount of work required. Initial consultation is, in many instances, free. Within Jamaica&#8217;s free market, both parties must get together to decide on a rate to be paid or fees to be charged outside of statutory required fees.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">This, as lawyers are free to charge whatever fees, they believe, their services are worth. Some lawyers charge a total fee from the get-go, while others charge an initial retainer, plus additions over time for extra elements such as court appearances. (NB: In Jamaica, cases can drag through the courts for two to three years, or up to 20 years in extreme circumstances.) Still, there are lawyers, who charge an hourly fee after the initial retainer. In the case of commercial transactions such as land matters, fees are calculated as a percentage of the value of the property involved. Critically, clients should, at all times, have a clear idea on the basis of the fee structure and, hence, the fee to be charged to avoid misunderstandings and budgetary problems. Further, clients should, at all times, be mindful of available legal aid (called pro bono in the US) as supplemented by the government.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Through a partnership between government and attorneys, legal aid is made available, as private attorneys agree to accept significantly reduced fees from persons, who have financial problems. In the case of criminal matters, with a few exceptions such as drug cases, legal aid is made available. Three legal aid clinics exist in Jamaica, namely Kingston Legal Aid Clinic, Legal Aid Clinic, Norman Manley Law School, Mona, St Andrew, and the Montego Bay Legal Aid Clinic Ltd in St James. The cost may begin at JA$20,000 (1US$=apprx JA$89). Lawyers also volunteer, on call, as duty counsel at police stations, where they give advice or represent persons detained or arrested.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Tips to bear in mind: When choosing a lawyer, research level of experience and expertise. Choosing between barrister and solicitor is no longer an issue as Jamaican lawyers are now able to operate as both. Lawyers who may not have adequate time to devote to your case, as a result of heavy workload, should inform you. Information on statutory duties and costs can be obtained from public agencies and offices such as the Registrar of Titles. Finally, never assume that a &#8216;friendly&#8217; lawyer has your best interest at heart. Make sure that even these &#8216;friendly&#8217; lawyers speak directly, especially in telling you when to make contact, in the event you are not contacted first.</p>
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		<title>Your Family Affairs Matters: Get A Family Lawyer Now!</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=139</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=139#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Mar 2013 05:24:22 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Family affairs that become legal issues falls under family law where it includes divorce, spousal support, child support, child abduction visitation rights, grandparent visitation, custody, annulment, property settlements, alimony payments, division of assets and liabilities due to divorce, paternity tests, adoption, surrogacy, termination of parental rights, paternity, prenuptial agreements, legitimacy parental responsibility orders, dependency and [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Family affairs that become legal issues falls under family law where it includes divorce, spousal support, child support, child abduction visitation rights, grandparent visitation, custody, annulment, property settlements, alimony payments, division of assets and liabilities due to divorce, paternity tests, adoption, surrogacy, termination of parental rights, paternity, prenuptial agreements, legitimacy parental responsibility orders, dependency and child neglect and protection from abuse. Should you have any concerns regarding these issues or if it affects you directly, then you can go to a family lawyer to get consultation and advice on which action to take next. Although it is prudent to settle you family&#8217;s dispute on your own discretion there will be times (in fact it is often that family members will not agree on anything until an intercessor or a lawyer will negotiate the terms) when family members will not be able to come to a sound agreement. However, even for minor details agreements or discrepancies it is advisable to see a family lawyer nonetheless.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Here are a few things you need to know about family lawyers and why you need them:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· If you have a reasonable case to fight &#8211; it is always best to consult your lawyer whether or not your case is within the range of the &#8220;reasonable&#8221; before taking your fight to court.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· Family lawyers will help you set realistic expectations &#8211; knowing what you will get or what you&#8217;ll lose is a risky business, and the attorney will determine which action is best for you.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· Make sure that any agreement you enter is bounded by law &#8211; only attorneys can make your contracts enforceable in courts, and so to prevent your agreements going on mishaps have a the lawyer involve in any agreement that you make, especially the important ones.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· Law experts help you open your eyes to a variety of options &#8211; normally you could only think of 2 &#8211; 5 ways to settle a dispute, but since the lawyer knows the curves, turns and circles of the law he or she can offer you alternative options that is much better than what you had in mind.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· Your family lawyer takes over where it is no longer necessary for you to go &#8211; going through a divorce is already tough enough, but the court will require you to file tons of paper work along with it. Your lawyer can file the paper works on your behalf so that you could mourn, reassess and plan for your future in these difficult times.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">· A family attorney can help you settle the case efficiently and with less expenditures &#8211; family lawyers are very good negotiators especially in disagreements and disputes, moreover they are focused on you and your case and they determine which course of action is best for you to take and which will cost less in expenditures.</p>
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		<title>Using a Legal Directory to Find a Lawyer</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=125</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=125#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 10 Mar 2013 06:02:27 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[When you need to find a lawyer, whether it is for a tort action, civil suit, criminal case, divorce settlements, or any other legal battles you are involved in, the use of a legal directory is the best method to find the lawyer for services. Depending on the type of case, whether or not you [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">When you need to find a lawyer, whether it is for a tort action, civil suit, criminal case, divorce settlements, or any other legal battles you are involved in, the use of a legal directory is the best method to find the lawyer for services. Depending on the type of case, whether or not you are required to go to court or are trying to settle out of court, the prices and budget you have to spend on a lawyer, and various other factors which one must consider when choosing a lawyer, they will find that the use of a legal directory to find a lawyer is the best method to do so.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">There are both print ads (such as phone book services, or the local Bar Administration offices, which can print out a listing of the directory), or online resources one can turn to, in order to find an extensive directory to use, when they need to find a lawyer for legal services and advice. The search methods will vary, depending on which directory you are using, therefore finding the lawyer of choice can be done in a variety of manners, depending on the option you choose for finding them. Some directories will list lawyers by: the type of law they practice, last name or first name, the number of years they have been in practice, the referrals they receive from others, their rankings, or various other search methods. Therefore, when choosing the directory you will use to find a lawyer, one must determine the search method they find easiest, in order to choose the right lawyer for services.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The option to use a directory, in order to find a lawyer, is something that all individuals requiring legal services should consider. Not only will the directories list all of the local lawyers, which are accredited, and hold a State Bar Card to practice in a certain area, but depending on the directory you use, you will also be able to view information about each lawyer, their practice, experience, and various other pieces of information about the lawyer. So, even before you decide whether or not to contact a particular lawyer for a consultation, by using the directory option to find a lawyer, you are going to have some in depth information about them, their practice, and their levels of experience in dealing with the type of law they practice in.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">No matter what type of case it is, how much money is involved, or whether you want to stay out of court and settle, or try to take the case to court to get the highest amount in damages, the first step is to find a lawyer that has the qualifications to do the job, and ensure the best legal services and advice to you as their client. In order to find that lawyer, you must use all print and online directories available to you, in order to have a full listing of all available lawyers, and in order for you to make the most informed decision on the lawyer you are planning on hiring for the job.</p>
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		<title>A Good Lemon Law Lawyer To Take You All The Way</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=171</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=171#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:08:16 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Don&#8217;t let that sweet-talking manufacturer lead you up the garden path where your rights are concerned. Violation of consumer rights is a serious offence these days and you have every right to stake your claim when stuck with a &#8220;lemon&#8221;. When you are seeking justice for your &#8220;lemon&#8221; piece of automobile, it is always worthwhile [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">Don&#8217;t let that sweet-talking manufacturer lead you up the garden path where your rights are concerned. Violation of consumer rights is a serious offence these days and you have every right to stake your claim when stuck with a &#8220;lemon&#8221;. When you are seeking justice for your &#8220;lemon&#8221; piece of automobile, it is always worthwhile to hire the services of an efficient lemon law lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Okay, don&#8217;t shrink. It is true that a lemon law lawyer will be a pinch on your pocket, but you can be sure that he will save you a lot of costly legal hassles in the long run. Furthermore, there are many lemon lawyers who don&#8217;t even charge you anything until you win the case.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A lemon law lawyer is the best person around to consult. He is the one to guide you through the entire process of claiming and protecting the consumer&#8217;s interests. Your vehicle is classified as a &#8220;lemon&#8221; only after you and the manufacturer have explored and exhausted all the avenues of fixing it within a specified period of time. There have been instances when even though the vehicle did not fall under lemon law, a skilled lemon lawyer had been able to clinch a handsome compensation or even a replacement on grounds of breach of warranty.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If the frightened manufacturer is pestering you to go for an out-of-court settlement, consult your lemon law lawyer on whether this will abide by the rules of the Federal Trade Commission. There are statewide variations in lemon laws and in some states, it is essential that you go through a mediation procedure to be able to sue under the lemon law. It is only a skilled and knowledgeable lemon law lawyer who will be able to guide you through these intricacies of lemon laws.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By far the most obvious advantage of soliciting the help of a lemon law lawyer is that he is well versed in the ways and the tricks of the trade. The manufacturer will leave no stone unturned to deceive you and have you dancing to his tunes. A lemon law lawyer is just the perfect person to have around during these times, as he will know exactly what the manufacturer has on his mind and play his cards accordingly.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A lemon lawyer is just the person to file the lawsuit for you. These are legal formalities that involve a lot of complexities and it is best that you let someone well up in the ins and outs of law to do the paperwork for you. A good lemon lawyer knows that it is best to remain under the jury system of trial, which normally has a soft spot with the claimant who is stuck with a car making all the wrong noises.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">When you are going in for a lemon law lawyer, it is best to check his credentials and experience. A lawyer with say two decades of experience in tackling lemon law cases is definitely worth his salt many times over than the greenhorn who is fresh out of college. Lemon laws differ by the state so if you are living in Wisconsin, it is always a good idea to hire the help of a lemon lawyer who has the Wisconsin lemon laws at the tip of his fingers. There is just no need to knock the doors of a New York-based lawyer.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A good lemon law lawyer is your only way out when you have a lemon stalled in your garage and want to glean something out of the notoriously stingy and unyielding car manufacturer.</p>
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		<title>How to Find a Good Business Lawyer</title>
		<link>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=151</link>
		<comments>http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=151#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:01:14 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aijaamsterdam2011.org/?p=151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If a legal matter or question should arise within a small business, it is quite helpful to have a well established relationship with a good business lawyer. There are two classifications for the same &#8211; those that handle lawsuits and those that handle corporate and tax matters. A company&#8217;s individual needs will dictate the type [...]]]></description>
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<p style="text-align: justify;">If a legal matter or question should arise within a small business, it is quite helpful to have a well established relationship with a good business lawyer. There are two classifications for the same &#8211; those that handle lawsuits and those that handle corporate and tax matters. A company&#8217;s individual needs will dictate the type that they will need to select.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">If a company doesn&#8217;t already have a relationship with a law firm, here are some tips for selecting one that is appropriate for your needs:</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Websites with lists of attorneys and their specializations are available online. Client reviews are also viewable which is quite helpful in compiling a list of prospective lawyers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Word of mouth is always a great way to obtain referral information. Friends, family, co-workers and other small company owners may be able to provide valuable insight into good legal representatives in your locale. Narrow the list you&#8217;ve accumulated down to three or four possible prospects. Search the law firm and lawyers&#8217; names on the internet in order to obtain information about cases that they&#8217;ve worked on or material that they&#8217;ve written. Most law firms have websites, as well, that should have ample information about the philosophy and experience level of the firm.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Contact the bar association in your state to find out if the lawyer or law firm is in good standing with the organization. Make certain that the law offices are convenient to your work location and that the hours work with your schedule, as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">The local newspaper may have archives that contain information on cases that the prospective business lawyer has worked on. Search the archives in order to glean any information that may be there.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Once the search has been narrowed even further, make appointments for a consultation with the top two choices. Come prepared with a list of questions to ask the prospective lawyer, regarding such issues as their level of experience with clients who are similar to you, how their fee structure works, how long they&#8217;ve been practicing law. Just visiting the concerned person will give you a good idea of how compatible the attorney and your company will be. Also notice how the office is run, whether the support staff is friendly, supportive and welcoming. These are all very important aspects to take into consideration when entering into a successful new business relationship.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After an initial consultation, it will most likely be evident if this is the appropriate business lawyer for your company. If not, keep looking; if so, congratulations!</p>
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