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Lincoln Law Firms

A brief guide to Lincoln law firms

No two sets of legal circumstances are the same. Many different considerations can lead a person to decide they could benefit from the advice and representation of a Lincoln law firm. While every case is different, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when you are seeking out an attorney.

The structure of Lincoln law firms

Some attorneys choose to work by themselves as “solo practitioners,” but many are part of larger organizations. Lincoln law firms are owned by “partners,” or attorneys who own a share of the business and divide the remaining profits after their salaried employees have been paid. “Associates” are lawyers who work for a fixed salary. Whether they are a partner or associate, most Lincoln law firms have two types of attorneys as part of their business:

• Litigation lawyers argue on behalf of clients in the courtroom.

• Transactional lawyers review and maintain paperwork without appearing in the courtroom

Preventive litigation

Anyone who owns or manages a large business will want to consider paying a Lincoln law firm on a regular basis. Practicing “preventive litigation” means paying for an attorney to make sure that a business:

• Maintains a safe workplace
• Has made all reasonable accommodations for disabled workers
• Has all contracts with employees on file and in good order
• Has filed all of its tax paperwork correctly

Having Lincoln law firms oversee all aspects of a business can help guard against the threat of future litigation. People who are involved in real estate transactions, such as buying or selling property, will also want to consult an attorney if they are able to do so. Real estate contracts involve technical language and often commit those signing them to serious financial obligations. 

Criminal court

For many people who cannot afford to retain Lincoln law firm sas part of their daily expenses, it may be necessary to find legal representation if they are charged with a misdemeanor or felony by the police or a government agency. Such charges can lead to jail time, serious financial penalties or both. If you are unable to pay for a Lincoln law firm to represent you, a judge will appoint an attorney to act on your behalf for free.

There are many steps to the legal process. A member of a Lincoln law firm will be present throughout:

• At an arraignment hearing, the prosecution will formally present the charges against you and may choose to offer a plea bargain in return for a response of “guilty” or “no contest.” A Lincoln law firm attorney can advise you as to whether accepting this offer is in your best interest, as well as trying to have any bail that is set lowered.

• If you plead “not guilty,” a court date will be scheduled for your trial. During the extensive pretrial process, the prosecution and defense are required to regularly exchange evidence. After evaluating the prosecution’s case, a Lincoln law firm may uncover procedural errors committed while gathering evidence and file a motion to dismiss the case against you. 

• An important part of the pretrial process is selecting the twelve members of a jury. A Lincoln law firm attorney will be present during jury selection to make sure no potentially biased jurors are chosen. 

• At any time before a verdict is returned, the prosecution and defense may submit a plea bargain to a judge for approval.

• If your case proceeds to a court date, a Lincoln law firm attorney will make the strongest possible case on your behalf. 

• If you are found guilty, a lawyer will attend your sentencing hearing to make the case for a more lenient penalty than that called for by the prosecution.

You are not required to listen to any advice provided by Lincoln law firms, or even to take advantage of their representation. Some defendants may choose to represent themselves in court. However, it is always a good idea to take advantage of any legal resources you are offered when charged with a serious crime.

Civil court

Unlike criminal court, no one who must answer a complaint in civil court is entitled to free legal representation from a Lincoln law firm. Whether you are pressing charges or defending yourself against them, you will either have to pay for an attorney’s help or represent yourself. Some common grounds for civil litigation include:

• An injury caused by another person or a defective product
• Wage underpayment
• Workplace sexual harassment
• Medical malpractice

The goal of most civil litigation is to obtain financial compensation for a wrong. Lincoln law firms representing both parties will conduct extensive pretrial discussions with the goal of crafting a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. The vast majority of such lawsuits are resolved outside of the courtroom.

Finding a Lincoln law firm

Engaging professional legal counsel is not a process to be rushed through. Before finding a Lincoln law firm to represent you, consider:

• What kind of specialized legal knowledge do you need?
• How much can you afford to pay for private legal counsel?
• What do you hope to obtain from the legal process?
• How much time, attention and energy can you commit to the legal process?

Once you have clarified your goals and resources, ask friends, family and business associates if they can refer you to a Lincoln law firm they have successfully worked with in the past. Prior to agreeing to meet with any attorneys, be sure to examine their disciplinary records online to make sure they are in good legal standing. 

To make the most out of initial consultations at any Lincoln law firms, arrive with all the documents that have a bearing on your case. After examining these, an attorney will need to ask many additional questions before they can give an even-handed and reliable assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Answer all such questions in as much detail as possible.

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