Posts Tagged ‘Lawyers’

Leading Lawyers on the Best Strategies

July 15th, 2010

Estates & Trusts: Leading Lawyers on the Best  Strategies for the Planning (Inside the Minds)

Product Description

Inside the Minds Estates & Trusts is a guide for attorneys and their clients on the best methods for structuring tailored estate plans that will meet the individual’s goals. The six seasoned attorneys in this book offer their insightful perspectives on everything from the first steps in identifying individual objectives to the ultimate administration of an estate plan, and all of the important dos and don’ts in between. Covering a wide array of topics ranging from living wills and powers of attorney to charitable trusts and business successions, the authors in this book discuss the substantive financial and tax issues in estate planning, as well as the intangible elements of leaving behind a meaningful legacy. Readers will learn of new and upcoming developments in the law, the pros and cons of standard estate planning vehicles, and lesser-known structuring options they may not have previously considered. With practical tips and useful sample estate planning documents, Inside the Minds: Estates & Trusts is an indispensable resource for making sure your estate is in good hands. About Inside the Minds: Inside the Minds provides readers with proven business intelligence from C-Level executives (Chairman, CEO, CFO, CMO, Partner) from the world’s most respected companies nationwide, rather than third-party accounts from unknown authors and analysts. Each chapter is comparable to an essay/thought leadership piece and is a future-oriented look at where an industry, profession or topic is headed and the most important issues for the future. Through an exhaustive selection process, each author was hand-picked by the Inside the Minds editorial board to author a chapter for this book.

Estates & Trusts: Leading Lawyers on the Best Strategies for the Planning (Inside the Minds)

DUI Lawyer in San Diego

June 28th, 2010



If you’ve been charged with a DUI in San Diego, you’ll need to find a highly qualified DUI lawyer in San Diego to take your case. Having an advocate to navigate you through the court system will be invaluable to your peace of mind and, ultimately, the outcome of your case. If you’ve just been arrested for DUI it is in your best interest to learn all the applicable San Diego DUI laws you’ll be subject to. These laws are discussed below.

Why do I need a DUI Lawyer in San Diego?

In San Diego California, the DUI laws are very tough. Below are the charges you are most likely facing;

23152(a) It is a misdemeanor to drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

23152(b) It is a misdemeanor to drive with .08% or more of alcohol in your blood.

In most cases, both the 23152 (a) and 23152 (b) offenses will be charged. Although only 1 act was performed the law clearly states that a suspect charged with drunk driving can be (and in almost every instance is) convicted of both the (a) and (b) offenses. The law also clearly states that the person can only be punished for 1 of the above offenses (the punishments are nearly identical though).

As you can see, having a San Diego DUI lawyer is critical to the success of your case. While you can defend yourself in your DUI case, a San Diego DUI lawyer will help you navigate the tough local laws through experience and personal connections.

How do I know which DUI lawyer in San Diego to choose?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a DUI lawyer in San Diego. You need to make appointments with several lawyers to interview them about their practice and relevant experience. A good DUI lawyer in San Diego will have an experienced track record of success with DUI cases and some important contacts to call on. You should find out how many DUI cases the lawyer you select has defended and more importantly the outcomes of those cases within San Diego County.
A good DUI lawyer in San Diego county will be your personal advocate in court and will be able to attend all of the required court proceedings on your behalf. This will allow you to avoid the stressful, time-consuming court appearances unless the law requires you to specifically appear.

You should also find out how long your San Diego DUI lawyer has been in practice. Of course, your best bet for a good DUI lawyer would be someone who has years of experience under his/her belt. Selecting your lawyer based on cost is not usually the best option as the old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ is especially true when selecting your DUI defense team.

Meet With A DUI Lawyer in San Diego

When you’re in the initial phases of searching for a San Diego DUI lawyer, you shouldn’t have to spend any money. A reputable San Diego DUI lawyer will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case. At this initial meeting you’ll find out more about the fees in relation to your specific DUI charge. At the very least you should meet with several DUI lawyers in San Diego to discuss your case, get some important free information and make your important decision about who will represent you on this very serious charge.

By: Tim H

Tips For Hiring a Lawyer

June 26th, 2010



First, do not hire a lawyer who actively seeks your business. If, without your consent, a lawyer or someone acting on his behalf communicates with you in person or by telephone and asks you to hire him in connection with your accident, this is known as “ambulance chasing” and contrary to the Legal Rules of Professional Conduct. If a lawyer will break those rules to obtain your business, this lawyer is likely not the kind of lawyer you wish representing you.

Ensure you are aware of what you’re paying for. All fee systems are different. Explore if your lawyer will request fees “off the top” or only after all of the expenses are calculated. Insist on obtaining this information in writing and in clear, concise language that you are comfortable with. Expenses will include: court costs, court reporter and copies of transcripts, expert witness fees, private investigator, postage, telephone, courier, and photocopying, legal research, out of town air or car transportation, and hotel and meal expenses.

Learn how you can fire a lawyer. Some contracts specify that even if you fire a lawyer, the lawyer still obtains a substantial percentage of any future settlement you may receive. Ensure that you know how to fire your lawyer prior to your hiring him.

Inspect your lawyer’s records. Inquire through your state bar association if your lawyer has ever been the subject of an ethical complaint. Realizing your lawyer has a pattern of questionable conduct could alert you to potential problems, saving you money and time.

Know your options and ensure your lawyer is protecting them.Lawyers do not merely sue. Suing may be one of the more expensive paths for you to obtain compensation. Ensure that your lawyer has an open mind with alternative means to resolve your problem, such as mediation. Be certain you are obtaining a fair, ethically driven lawyer.

These are 7 essentials to enquire of before concurring to hire any lawyer:

1. Is the lawyer a generalist or a specialist in one category of law?

2. Has this lawyer handled cases like yours before?

3. What alternatives to a lawsuit might be contemplated?

4. Should mediation or arbitration be taken into account?

5. How long should you expect to retain the lawyer’s assistance?

6. How often will you be billed, and what’s the lawyer’s assessment for fees and services?

7. Is the lawyer safeguarded by malpractice insurance?

By: Johnathan Davidson