Find Legal Topics > Law Firm Laws > New York Law Firm

New York Law Firm


New York law firms are numerous, so find the law firm that suits your needs and you feel works best with your needs, both legal and financial.  Utilizing all tools made available to those search for New York law firms, doing research into your legal matter and acting as a savvy consumer when evaluating New York law firms are all important to finding one that suits your needs.  You are best served by a local law firm in almost all situations, as these entities represent the best possible chance at understanding state and local laws.

Why go with a New York law firm?

Laws vary in each state and while these differences are minor, understanding the more important distinctions will be critical to prevent costly errors in court.  One example would be how litigation is dealt with in New York State.  Unlike other states, there are not many undue barriers to filing litigation, but there are limits to contingencies, thus preventing excessive lawyer fees.  Litigation is where state laws vary.  New York does not bar the collect of specific classes of damages, but will weigh the negligence of the plaintiff against that of the defendant.  Bankruptcy, divorce, litigation and some criminal offenses are all legal matters that vary, which necessitates a New York law firm that will be knowledgeable in variations in state law that will affect your situation.

Bar Association membership in New York State

There is no integrated bar in the state and other agencies, through the State Supreme Court, will deal with the enforcement of standard professional and ethics codes.  Membership in the New York State Bar Association and equivalent local bar associations are all good indications of quality lawyers and New York law firms.  This is in no small part due to the fact that all members of these organizations are in good standing to practice law and must abide by the codes of professionalism and ethics set by this organization.  Benefits made available to member lawyers will be useful to their clients are well.  These benefits include a lawyer assistance program to deal with issues of professionalism, substance abuse and stress as well as mentoring for you lawyers.  Improving the quality of the practice of law in the state enhances New York law firms and their ability to provide high levels of service to clients.

Local bar associations are also available in many New York counties and appropriately sized cities.  New York City for example will have a number of local bar associations serving city residents.  You will even find specific ethic and cultural bar associations, which can help you locate bilingual New York law firms and other specific needs.

Finding a New York law firm

Use this website and other internet sources to find a reliable New York law firm for your needs, but be prepared to research if the lawyer you select can work to your specific needs.  Internet searching and advertising will yield leads but never choose your New York law firm based on those factors alone.

There are several lawyer referral services, including a comprehensive public service that is a collaboration of several bar associations, severing the New York City area.  Statewide, the NYSBA provides lawyer referrals, which will cost the prospective client up to $35.  This fee is typically not assessed for accident and other litigation matters.

If you cannot afford the services of a New York law firm, you must consider free legal clinics and legal aid societies.  Some bar associations organize limited pro bono services and for those that have economic hardship, some, but not all New York law firms may be willing to work with you on a payment plan that you can afford.

The best New York law firms

The best New York law firms will be professional, objective and communicate well with clients.  This includes critically evaluating statements made by their clients, effectively preparing clients for possible cross examination, extensive knowledge of legal precedents and laws that might affect the case and most important, is able to keep the client informed during all phases of the legal issue until resolution.  The most important function of the New York law firm is to work effectively with clients, especially those that are unfamiliar with the legal system.

How much will I pay for the services of a New York law firm?

Expect to pay a number of fees for the services of a New York law firm and note that fees vary based on the legal issue, ranging from almost free litigation to high expensive divorce and estate issues.  Most law firms also offer miscellaneous fees that can include communication fees, staff fees and document fees in addition to fees for the use of the lawyer’s time and services rendered.  Fees for the lawyer’Lawyers for most litigation issues will be paid a percentage of the jury award or settlement.  They will claim this percentage for the legal expenses and generally do not claim anything else.  The client may have to pay court fees to file the lawsuit.  New York State has statutory guidelines limiting contingency fee arrangements for the following amounts of jury awards:

- 30 percent of the first $250,000
- 25 percent of the next $250,000
- 20 percent of the next $500,000
- 15 percent of the next $250,000
- 10 percent of any amount over $1,250,000

Substantial awards can be paid out in installments and many client-retainer contingency arrangements may be reviewed for fairness when there is a substantial jury award.

All other non-contingency arrangements will involve a retainer account for long term legal services.  This is a trust account and each time a service, such as document preparation, paralegal work or a meeting with the lawyer is performed, the account will be billed according to the billing arrangement set at the start with the New York law firm.  Know when this account must be refilled, when it must be billed and if the balance is returned to you at the end of legal service.

Related Topics