Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thervo.
How much does a lawyer cost?
A lawyer costs$150 to $400 per hour, depending on their location, field, and experience level. Some lawyers charge a $500 to $5,000 retainer fee, which is essentially a down payment based on their hourly rate. Other lawyers charge a flat fee for basic services, including:
Filing for bankruptcy
Immigration cases
Trademarks or patents
Writing a prenup
An uncontested divorce without a custody arrangement
What does a lawyer do?
A lawyer gives legal advice and completes paperwork on behalf of clients. Lawyers who have passed the bar exam can represent their clients in court and advocate on their behalf. These services save their clients the time and stress it would take to complete legal work on their own.
Specific responsibilities of a lawyer include:
Advising clients
Organizing and filing paperwork
Conducting relevant research
Negotiating settlements
Communicating with clients, witnesses, and colleagues
Does it cost money to ask a lawyer a question?
Most lawyers offer free consultations before taking on your case. This allows you to ask questions and helps them decide how long the case might take and whether you're likely to win. However, once you hire a lawyer, you will be billed for phone calls, questions, and emails.
What education is needed to become a lawyer?
A person must get a bachelor's degree and a juris doctor degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school to become a lawyer. Law school takes 3 years, or 7 years including a bachelor's degree. They must also pass the bar exam in order to represent clients in court.
What's the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?
The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are usually used interchangeably, but they are technically different. A lawyer is someone who graduated from law school and can give legal advice but may or may not have passed the bar exam.
An attorney is a person who passed the bar exam and is now qualified to represent clients in court. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.
How to I choose a lawyer?
When choosing a lawyer near you, follow these steps:
Decide which type of lawyer you need for your case.
Compare reviews from lawyers on Thervo and Google.
Get 3+ estimates from lawyers near you.
Verify their credentials and whether they've passed the bar exam.
Choose a lawyer who fits your budget and makes you feel comfortable.
Choose a lawyer that's conveniently located if possible.
Get an estimate and contract in writing before any casework begins.
What questions should I ask lawyers?
Ask the following questions to find the best lawyer possible:
How long have you been practicing law?
When did you pass the bar?
Do you give free consultations to potential clients?
Are you able to take on my case now?
What are your rates? Do you charge by the hour or have a retainer fee?
How many cases like mine have you won?
Will you give me a written estimate and contract?
Reviews for Arvada lawyers
Recent success stories from people in the Arvada area.
Andrea C.
Curt was there for me during a very difficult time in my life, and it's hard to imagine having a better guy at my back. He was always available to answer my questions and concerns not only with honesty, but with kindness and compassion. The prosecution and news made me out to be a criminal, and he treated me like a good person. He set expectations for every possible outcome during my case, the good, bad, and ugly. I knew exactly how everything could turn out, as well as how things would most likely turn out. He let me make the choices on how to handle our case, and was there to represent me no matter what I chose to do. In the Court room, Curt is a boss, he's got the swagger of confidence that will put you at ease when it feels like the cells in your body are vibrating from anxiety. Curt knows exactly what he's doing, and I would trust Curt with my future any day. I hope I never need to rely on his services again, but if I do, he's the guy I want in my corner.
ALFREY & ASSOCIATES, P.C.
Julia R.
Working with Keenan Copple was a great experience because she really knows her stuff. I approached her for advice for what felt like really complicated problems but she got right to work, finding options that suited me. Best of all she demystified how the process works with language I easily understood, breaking it down in easy steps to take. She was committed to helping me from start to finish.
The Law Office of Keenan Copple PC
Kori R.
There are no words to express my gratitude for Dan and Diane. I reached out to this firm through the messaging feature on the website for Gerash Steiner P.C. and immediately received a response and then Dan called me about 10 min later to go over the details of why I was wanting/retaining a lawyer. He was extremely empathetic, personable, realistic, professional, listened to my situation, and was most of all truly caring. He listened to my concerns and gave me a realistic expectation of his fees and what to expect before retainment was decided on both parties. I also spoke to Diane on multiple occasions before and after retaining Dan as my lawyer and she was just as empathetic, personable, realistic, professional, caring, and so reassuring which is what I needed most as well. I want to emphasize the fact that these two individuals gave me faith in a judicial system I lost faith in many years ago and they fought for me and what was right. I felt heard and validated by them both and it became a fact and justice was served on my behalf with their help and persistence so I recommend this firm and always will. This firm was also the very first one I looked at based on great reviews and ended up being my only one and Dan won my case. I know that is not always the case with situations but he and Diane will listen to you and truly make you feel like an actual human being and not just a case number. I am forever grateful and can not say enough good things for Dan and Diane for giving their undivided attention to me when I needed it and for going above and beyond to make sure the right thing was done in the interest of justice. Again, thank you both and for people reading this, YES you can TRUST them!
Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C.
Lauren M.
Great Attorney
Posted by LaurenDecember 6, 2016
I live in Steamboat Springs, CO, and Jim handled my higher income, somewhat contentious divorce. Jim did a fantastic job. He not only gave me great legal advice, but he also helped me get some perspective and make good decisions. I have recommended Jim to several of my friends who have also been very satisified. He is very accessible by phone and email and promptly returns messages. He negotiated a good settlement for me and parenting time arrangements that continue to be in the best interest of my children. I enjoyed working with Jim and highly recommend him.
James S Margulis PC
N M.
Lonn will fight tooth and nail to win for you. He helped me with a very difficult traffic case which, due to his tenacity and resiliance despite the DA's unwillingness to bargain, we WON! Thank you Lonn for all of your hardwork!
Lonn Heymann Law Firm, P.C.
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