April 28, 2023 by Communications
Civil Legal Aid Lawyer Consultations: What You Need to Know About Advice and Brief Service Cases in 2023
Topic
Community Education
Not all legal problems are solved in the courtroom. Lawyers can help you with legal advice only or brief service. This is like an interview where you talk to the lawyer about your problem, and they give you advice. This can help you decide what to do next about your legal problem. In some cases, they may provide a brief service, like contacting an adverse party or helping you fill out paperwork.
Legal Information vs. Legal Advice/Brief Service
Legal information and legal advice are two different things, and it’s important to understand the difference.
Legal information is general information about the law, legal processes, and legal rights. It is available to the public through various sources, such as legal books, websites, or government publications. Legal information can help you understand the legal system, but it does not provide advice on how to apply the law to your specific situation.
Legal advice and brief services are when a lawyer helps a person understand their options and make choices about their legal problem. The lawyer gives personalized advice to help the person achieve a specific legal outcome. Sometimes, the lawyer briefly negotiates with others or prepares the necessary documentation to solve the problem, instead of going to court.
What to expect during a legal consultation (intake interview) with a civil legal aid organization.
During a consultation (intake interview) with a lawyer, and upon civil legal aid eligibility, you will get an overview of your legal rights, the legal process, and potential options for resolving your legal issue. Specifically, a lawyer can:
- Listen to your legal issue and assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case;
- Explain the relevant laws and how they apply to your situation;
- Advise you on potential legal strategies and courses of action;
- Discuss potential outcomes and risks associated with pursuing a legal claim; and
- Answer questions about the legal process and what to expect.
Why is it a good idea to get legal advice?
Before navigating the legal system, it is a good idea to get legal advice. Without consulting with a lawyer first, you may not have all the information you need to proceed. By seeking the help of a qualified lawyer, you can better understand your rights and obligations under the law. This will help you make informed decisions that can help solve your legal problems.
How can I help the lawyer give me reliable advice?
There are steps you can take to ensure that you get reliable advice from a lawyer.
First, you’ll need to provide the lawyer with all the details of your situation, including dates and evidence. They will then analyze your case and tell you what they think is the best course of action based on the law. This can include advice on how to proceed with a legal dispute, how to draft a legal document, or how to protect your rights under the law.
Next, explain what you hope to achieve with your case, so your lawyer can better understand your objectives.
By sharing both your facts and goals with your lawyer, they will be better equipped to provide you with sound legal advice. Remember, clear communication with your lawyer is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get legal advice if I don’t qualify for civil legal aid?
YES. You can get legal advice if you don’t qualify for legal aid.
If you live in Texas, check out the Lawyer Referral Information Service (LRIS) through the State Bar of Texas. The LRIS is a hotline for residents of 246 Texas counties that will refer you to a lawyer. When you call the lawyer, they will provide a 30-minute consultation for a maximum of $20.
What kind of legal advice can I get?
You can get legal advice on any legal issue handled by the civil legal aid organization.
Here are some common legal issues that lawyers can give legal advice for:
- Contracts: Disputes over the terms and conditions of contracts, including breach of contract and non-performance.
- Employment law: Issues related to the workplace, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour disputes.
- Family law: Issues related to divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption.
- Real estate: Disputes over ownership, boundaries, and zoning laws.
- Consumer protection: Claims related to defective products, false advertising, and other deceptive business practices.
- Taxation: Disputes related to income tax, property tax, and other tax-related issues.
To learn more about how Lone Star Legal Aid can help you…
- Browse our services
- Read our Stories of Justice
- Learn about the law on our YouTube Channel
- Apply for assistance: Visit www.lonestarlegal.org/get-help or call 1-800-733-8394
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income and underserved populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. LSLA focuses its resources on maintaining, enhancing, and protecting income and economic stability; preserving housing; improving outcomes for children; establishing and sustaining family safety, stability, health, and wellbeing; and assisting populations with special vulnerabilities, like those with disabilities, the aging, survivors of crime and disasters, the unemployed and underemployed, the unhoused, those with limited English language skills, and the LGBTQIA+ community. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org
