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VEGAS INC COVER STORY "Not only should they talk about the potential benefits of winning the case, but about the headaches of litigation," Aldrich said. "You need to make sure you have an attorney who understands the issues. And it really helps if you have someone who can get along with the other side." Once the field is narrowed, it's time to make contact with the attorney's office. The best initial interviews are ones that are well organized, on both the lawyer's and the client's part. Be professional, courteous and kind. Consider writing a summary of legal issues that make up your case. The county Bar Association recommends taking a list of questions to the initial meeting. the Also, be sure to understand whether that first consultation will be billed. The lawyer's fees should be a big part of the conversation at the first meeting. Among the questions to ask: How do you charge for a case like mine? What charges are included in the fee? What charges are excluded? Is there a retainer? If so, how much? Legal experts also advise asking about the attorney's caseload and how long it should take to resolve a matter. "The initial contact may also be a good time to talk about an attorney's legal philosophy about resolving the issue," Buckley said. "It's good to ask how many "Getting firsthand knowledge from a friend, family or a business associate is probably the best way to make a good choice. 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 me back.'" John Aldrich, Aldrich Law Firm cases have gone to trial and how many have been settled. Ask if they bring in another attorney if it does go to trial." It's also a good idea to call the State Bar Association of Nevada to find out whether the attorney or firm have had any disciplinary actions brought against them. Once you have chosen the lawyer you want, your job isn't finished. Both sides have responsibilities. An attorney should be enthusiastic and competent in handling the case. His or her office should provide copies of all fee agreement detailed cancel or important documents, a written and billing statements. The attorney should have a complete understanding of the client's objectives and agree with the goals. Of course, the attorney should have no conflicts of interest. Be on time to appointments and reschedule if something comes up. Notify the attorney about any changes in the case, and keep the attorney informed. Most importantly, if you really want a happy and effective lawyer, pay your bills on time. "The flashy phone book ads have about zero correlation with quality lawyering," Legal Law Help advises. "There are simply much better ways to go about finding a good lawyer than random chance based upon what catches your eye in the phone book." SOME BUSINESS OWNERS SAY NEW LAW WILL RESULT IN LAYOFFS unemployment, HEALTH CARE, FROM PAGE 1 carry health insurance by 2014. But it gave states the ability to reject expanding Medicaid eligibility, gutting one of the law's provisions meant help low-income people comply with the mandate. to That puts Shaver and her family in limbo as they wait to see whether Gov. Brian Sandoval and lawmakers will choose to expand the Medicaid program. She said she's due for a pap smear and mammogram. "I'll have to wait until I'm sick enough to go to an emergency room, and I guess they'll have to take me," she said. "That seems like the rules of the game, and to me, that's immoral. " Shaver and her two daughters had relied on $984 a month in Social Security from her estranged husband. The three qualified for Medicaid, until her oldest daughter turned 18. Then 16 Shaver's case highlights the reason the Supreme Court's opinion is particularly acute in the Silver State. One in five Nevadans don't have health insurance, one of the highest rates in the nation. welcome news for Santiago, 58, though she still wanted to know how expensive the health insurance would be — a question that won't be known for sure until October 2013, when the state's health insurance market is set up. Shaver, 51, and her oldest daughter, now 19, have no medical insurance. Her younger daughter, 11, who has asthma, gets Nevada Check Up, a state health insurance program for children. and state officials calculated she and her youngest daughter made $16 a month too much to qualify. employers say the at least additional some costs under the law, and the complicated rules to implement state's economy. it, will hurt Wulf, owner of the two Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwich Shops in Reno, has 64 employees. The law has exemptions for businesses with fewer than 50. "If the existing labor we have is too expensive, we'll have to find ways to reduce labor," said Wulf, who has been a vocal advocate for Republican nominee The decision to uphold the law was Mitt Romney. Specifically, he might have to look at new technologies or outsourcing to get below 50 employees. Act will free them from the stress and uncertainty of the "People don't go to the doctor, don't go to the emergency room, because they're afraid of that bill," Santiago said. Nevada also has the nation's highest | 9 JULY 2012 | previous health insurance market, allowing them to take more risks and work harder. Natalie Purcell, 24, of Las Vegas joined her father's health insurance under a provision that lets children up to 26 stay arrhythmia, a Staff should treat you with respect, keep you fully informed and return your calls. The attorney also should provide you with the whole truth — even if it hurts to hear. As a client, you should provide the attorney with any information you have about your case and be completely honest about all facts, whether the information is favorable to you or not. Ask questions when you don't understand, and speak up if you disagree. Follow agreed-upon advice. TO DO WHEN PICKING A LAWYER WHAT NOT Never choose a lawyer based on television advertising. "The 'Bulldog' and the 'Strongarm' might be great if you are looking to hire a professional wrestler or a repo man, but they tend not to impress a judge," according to Legal Law Help, an online legal resource guide for consumers. "The only sure thing you are getting for your money from these lawyers is bad acting – another thing that usually doesn't go over too well in court." Never hire a lawyer based on an ad in the telephone book. on their parents' health insurance. Before the court's decision, Purcell worried about whether her husband would be able to switch jobs. He has a heart insurance companies pre-existing condition that would make getting insurance difficult. With not allowed to discriminate against pre- existing conditions, they don't have to feel "tied down to a company or him having to have a corporate job because of insurance," she said. Minerva Rivera, 36, of Las Vegas said she feels freedom to advance in her job without worrying about earning too But some say the Affordable Care much to qualify for government health benefits. Rivera has muscular dystrophy and gets Medicaid. She works as an advocate at the Southern Nevada Center Independent Living. "There's hope prosper," she said. for the future for to