The best magazine
- 1). Find a lawyer who has experience in the type of law that you need. Many different types of law are practiced, such as elder law, criminal defense, immigration defense, personal injury and contract law. The individual that you plan on retaining should have a proven track record. Most often, however, criminal cases and civil cases are the two areas in which lawyers will work on retainer.
- 2). Determine if that lawyer is a current member of your state's bar association. This is achieved by contacting your state's bar. If he or she is not a member, then report them for the unauthorized practice of law.
- 3). Contact the lawyer you want to retain and inquire about their fee schedules. Ask him or her what the firm's explicit retainer policy is. In some instances, certain types of legal services are covered under the retainer fee, or the retainer fee acts as a down payment towards your case. If this is the situation, your legal fees will be subtracted from the retainer and you will be required to make another payment at that point.
- 4). Complete the necessary forms and paperwork to hire the lawyer. Pay his or her retainer fee by check, credit card, or cash.
Source: ...