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VEGAS INC COVER STORY What to do if you are acting as your own attorney There's an old adage that says, "An individual who represents himself in court has a fool for a client." While it is legal to represent yourself in a court case, under most circumstances, it's a bad idea. But if you are going to take the plunge, there are several tips to keep in mind: • Judges and court personnel aren't allowed to give legal advice. People who represent themselves in court must be aware of all court procedures, filing requirements and deadlines. They will be held to the same standard as attorneys. • Court staff isn't allowed to fill out forms for you. allowed. DO YOUR RESEARCH: Barbara Buckley, executive director of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada, recommends that business owners do online research when hiring a lawyer. Law firm websites typically list attorneys' biographies and specialty practice areas, as well as case histories and pro-bono work. LAWYERS, FROM PAGE 1 But in these litigious times, it's more likely than not at some point a business will have to defend itself in a civil proceeding or take action to reclaim damages. In those cases, you'll need to find a lawyer. How do you find the best person for the job? "There actually are a lot of different ways to find the right one," said Barbara Buckley, executive director of the Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada. "But the most important thing is to do the research." That research should include a review of lawyers' credentials, including their schooling, standing with the bar association and case history. "Many of the TV ads have lawyers making claims about how amazingly great they are, how tough they are and how they're going to fight for you," Buckley said. "That's great, but that's an advertisement." LEILA NAVIDI (2009) • Direct contact with a judge isn't • Case numbers must be placed on all documents filed in court. A case number is essential to check the status of a case. • A copy of anything filed with the court must be provided to the other accomplished. "Some firms even publish their annual reports online," Buckley said. "Some of them are really impressive products listing their recent case successes and all their qualifications by the area of law they practice." Buckley suggests seeking as much information about a prospective lawyer as possible. She suggests conducting a Google search to find published information that may not necessarily appear on the firm's website. Word of mouth also is a powerful tool. "Getting firsthand knowledge from a friend, family or a business associate is probably the best way to make a good choice," said John Aldrich, of the Aldrich Law Firm in Las Vegas. "Probably the No. 1 complaint people have with lawyers is that they aren't good at getting back to the client. But if you talk to someone who refers you, they may say something like, 'I've worked with John. John always calls Potential clients first should pinpoint the specific type of me back.'" lawyer they need. Most attorneys have legal specialties, and businesses should seek the type of lawyer best qualified to do the work they need. You wouldn't, for example, want to hire a personal injury attorney to handle a contract dispute. Then it's time to find attorneys who specialize in that area. A computer search, particularly at the Clark County Bar Association website, can narrow the field. "Once you have that list of prospective attorneys, the real research begins," Buckley said. "Most firms are online, and some firms' websites are really helpful in this area." Buckley said most firms post biographies of their lawyers. Some describe the types of cases they've handled, what pro-bono work they've done and what they've — Richard N. Velotta | 9 JULY 2012 | 15 And while Aldrich conceded that TV ads aren't the only way to find a lawyer, he said they can be a tool for prospective clients. A lawyer who advertises on TV is at least successful enough to afford the cost of that advertising, Aldrich said. He should know. He has run a few television ads himself. As the winnowing process continues, Buckley said it's a good idea to start thinking about cost. She recommended against targeting attorneys on the high end or low end of the price spectrum. "My best advice is to find someone who is honest that you can work with," she said. Communication is key and having an attorney who will walk a client through the legal process is a necessity, Aldrich added. side. Always note at the bottom of filings when and how the copy was provided. representing • People themselves must cooperate with the other side to set hearings and trial dates. • Dress appropriately and be polite. Wait until it's your turn to speak. Address the judge as "your honor" and stand when he or she enters the courtroom. Of course, there are alternatives to a formal court hearing. For civil matters involving less than $7,500, people can file small claims cases in the Las Vegas Township Justice Court. There also arbitration services are mediation available and in Southern Nevada. Using a mediator to resolve a dispute can be a less expensive, less intrusive process and is particularly good for elements aren't heard cases with embarrassing to them. Because disputes in courtrooms, there are no public records in a mediation. Arguments can be aired behind closed doors. Mediators and arbitrators are typically attorneys or retired judges and can be found online or in the monthly Nevada Lawyer magazine published by the State Bar of Nevada.