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Plano Law Firms

A brief guide to Plano law firms

Whatever the circumstances that lead you to consider hiring legal representation, this is not a process to be undertaken lightly. Many different factors must be evaluated when finding a Plano law firm to act on your behalf. Regardless of the particulars of your case, here are some things to keep in mind when seeking an attorney.

How Plano law firms operate

Some attorneys work by themselves as “solo practitioners.” Commonly, lawyers are members of a larger organization. Most Plano law firms have two types of attorneys on staff:

• Transactional lawyers review, file and create legally binding documentation.

• Litigation lawyers represent clients in the courtroom.

Plano law firms are owned by “partners,” or attorneys with a share in the business who divide the profits after salaried employees have been paid. “Associates” are lawyers who work for a fixed salary. Regardless of whether they are transactional or litigation lawyers, every attorney specializes in different areas of the law. 

When to hire a Plano law firm

Because paying for the services of an attorney can be expensive, it is important to decide whether this is a necessary cost. For example, couples who are cooperating on obtaining a divorce do not need to consult with a Plano law firm. Working together, they can draft a legally binding separation agreement that explains in detail how they will handle issues such as:

• Alimony payments
• Child custody arrangements
• Child support payments
• How to divide mutually owned property
• Paying off jointly incurred debts
• Visitation rights

If couples can agree on all of these issues, it will not be necessary to pay for the extra expense of a Plano law firm. However, should the spouses not come to term, one or both may decide they need private legal representation, increasing the cost of the divorce process.

Couples who wish to adopt a child will generally need to contact a Plano law firm to represent them throughout this lengthy process. It is similarly important to obtain private legal advice if you are planning on filing for bankruptcy. This is a highly technical process with serious ramifications for your fiscal health that will benefit from the guidance of a Plano law firm.

Often, business owners will wish to practice “preventive litigation.” This means they retain the services of a Plano law firm on a regular basis to:

• Make sure the workplace is in compliance with all safety standards and has made all necessary and reasonable accommodations for disabled workers

• Review and maintain all tax documents

• Create employee contracts and any agreements between two businesses, such as a merger

Paying for this kind of help in advance helps safeguard businesses against inadvertently opening themselves up to the threat of future litigation.

Criminal court

The criminal prosecution process is unique in that it is the only legal procedure in which people are entitled at all times to legal counsel. If you cannot afford to pay a Plano law firm for representation, a judge will appoint an attorney to act on your behalf throughout the legal process:

• At an arraignment hearing, an attorney will help you decide how to respond to the charges against you and whether to accept any plea bargain you are offered by the prosecution.

• During the pretrial process, Plano law firms will regularly share all evidence they plan on presenting in court with the prosecution. As part of this “discovery” phase, they will examine the prosecution’s case. If it is determined that evidence was illegally collected against you or there is not a strong enough case that could be reasonably expected to lead to a conviction, Plano law firms may file motions to dismiss the case against you.

• In court, a lawyer will present the strongest possible case on your behalf. At any time before a jury returns a verdict, the prosecution and a Plano law firm may submit a mutually acceptable plea bargain to a judge for approval.

• If you are found guilty, an attorney will be present to argue for leniency in your punishment.

Adults of sound mind are never required to have a lawyer represent them or to follow their attorney’s advice. However, it is a good idea to take advantage of any legal counsel you are offered by a Plano law firm whether you are paying for it or not. 

Civil court

Two private parties with a dispute may choose to engage in civil litigation, generally for the purpose of receiving financial compensation. A Plano law firm can often be helpful in assembling a case proving someone else is:

• Responsible for an injury 
• Guilty of underpayment of wages
• Guilty of medical malpractice
• In the wrong in a landlord-tenant dispute

There are just a few of the issues that can be resolved in civil court. Plano law firms representing both sides will conduct extensive negotiations before the scheduled court date to try to create a mutually acceptable settlement agreement. The vast majority of civil lawsuits are resolved outside the courtroom.

Finding a Plano law firm

When seeking out private legal counsel, the most trustworthy referrals can be obtained from friends, family and business associates who can recommend an attorney or firm they have successfully worked with. It may be necessary to schedule appointments at several Plano law firms before you find one you feel can effectively and honestly represent you.

Arrive at any initial consultation with all documents that are a part of your case. An attorney will have many questions to ask after reviewing this evidence. You should answer their queries in as much detail as possible in order to guarantee that the strengths and weaknesses of your case are accurately evaluated. 

An important part of building a strong attorney-client relationship is to clarify the financial arrangements involved at the outset. Be sure to receive a detailed, written estimate of all expenses you will incur by working with a Plano law firm. 

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