What Are Pro Legal Services?
Pro Legal Services refers to a category of legal support services categorized as "unbundled." This means that only a discrete piece of the typical legal representation is performed; a limited scope legal representation often termed "unbundled." Unbundled legal services are designed for clients who need fixed and limited services for specific issues of their legal matter. Rather than seeking full service representation from an attorney, a client can receive help only with specific elements of their matter , thereby saving money on legal representation that is not needed.
Pro Legal Services include all aspects of professional legal representation in most areas of law, except court appearances. These services are performed by attorneys and paralegals. All of our staff have experience working directly with attorneys on the full range of legal tasks. We only generally provide services to attorneys for their clients, however, if you are a pro se litigant, you may retain us to assist you in your matter with the tasks most suited to our legal skills.
Advantages of Utilizing Pro Legal Services
When presented with a legal issue, the cost of representation often comes into play as one considers available options. Some people attempt to represent themselves (which tends to be a bad idea if you are involved in a serious matter), while others are fortunate enough to be represented by a pro bono organization, which has limited capacity. Yet, even those unable to secure adequate representation may not need to pay the full cost of representation simply because an attorney’s regular fees are out of reach or may exist in a different sphere – such as receiving legal advice under a retainer program.
Pro legal services are different than the full-fledged services you would receive from an attorney. They may also be different from pro bono services as they involve regular charge for service. So why is it worth looking into? Most importantly, you will still have experienced legal representation in your corner. Your representative will be either a licensed attorney or a highly-experienced legal professional. They would not be called "pro" otherwise.
Having support: Not only do pro legal services give you the benefit of legal expertise, but they often provide you better accessibility and people who learned the ropes by working as paralegals. If you need to make a single call to the lawyer no matter what, that may not be budget friendly. However, most pro legal service providers offer phone consultations and will walk you through necessary steps, point you in the right direction, etc.
Cost-Effectiveness: Because a pro legal service is not full-service legal representation – at least not in the same way – you have greater options in terms of what sort of representation you need the most. Jan Dils can help you determine the level of service you would benefit from before creating a customized package.
Better Results: Having a pro provides you with guidance from someone excited about achieving your goals, not making the most money off of your matter. This is a change of perspective from how it usually is with legal professionals.
Peace of Mind: Nobody enjoys dealing with legal matters. There are many more fun ways to spend your time. Like with all "pro" services, they reduce your legal burdens so you can keep on doing what you do best.
Access to Resources: With a "pro" service, you have access to other pro service providers. That means that if you also need an accountant, real estate agent, etc., your legal service provider might know someone just the person for you.
Are you in need of representation or legal advice? MyLegalWhiz.com is a resource to get the help you need quickly, efficiently, and affordably.
Main Areas of Expertise in Pro Legal Services
Pro legal services span a wide range of legal fields. They typically cover criminal law, civil litigation, family law, and corporate legal services. Many of the lawyers affiliated with these service providers are multi-qualified, so they can offer more than just legal advice. They can provide counseling as well. However, some of them specialize in other types of law, such as financial, real estate, and certifying legal documents for notaries. Some companies also offer paralegal services and translators who assist in translating technical documentation, as well as a range of interpretation services. They also have translators who can assist in converting or approving trademark registrations across state lines.
There are also pro legal services that specialize in areas such as family law, civil litigation, and corporate law. They offer a full range of corporate law services, including intellectual property and licensing, franchising, dispute settlements, trademark applications and agreements, and other forms of corporate law. In cases where mediation is not advised, litigators can provide conflict resolution services. Almost all cases are now taken by telephone or videoconference, saving time and cutting costs.
Selecting the Right Pro Legal Services Partner
The task of sifting through all your options can be overwhelming. As such, there are several factors that can make or break your decision:
Experience: You want to partner with a company that is experienced in pro legal matters. Some companies claim to have 30+ years, which you can corroborate online through LinkedIn. Do an online background check before settling on a company. Specialization: Several companies come forward as generalist providers, which might work if you are seeking just basic legal services. However, if you have a more niche area, make sure the vendor can handle your needs. Client Reviews: Never underestimate the power of a good review! Before hiring a new vendor, always be sure to check their online reviews. Cost: Always consider your budget when selecting a vendor. Understanding the levels at which you need to be covered will help you narrow down your options.
The Impact of Technology on Pro Legal Services
The efficiency of pro legal services is continually being improved upon as lawyers find new ways to incorporate technology into their daily workflow. Lawyers can conduct meetings or interviews via video conference, coordinate schedules and organize files through cloud storage, and keep in touch with clients anytime, anywhere through SMS text messaging, instant messaging, and email. Lawyers are also leveraging other online tools like Instant Messenger and legal question and answer websites to establish a presence online and strengthen their authority in niche areas. This involves taking the concept of "normal" online social interaction – and saving the client the time and expense of a visit to the local Starbucks for a third place rendezvous. Technology isn’t confined to a lawyer’s office or client meeting either. Various legal researchers have created databases that provide internet users with access to a wealth of federal district and circuit court rulings. Some of the more popular legal research sites are Fast Case and PACER , which are recognized as the go-to destinations for basic to intermediate legal research needs. More sophisticated legal research (writing) tools like Westlaw & LexusNexus still provide the most thorough analysis of the law. Pro legal services rely on technology to make it easier for clients to connect with them and to streamline and automate the administrative side of managing their practice. Pro legal services also use technology to provide more transparency into their fees and charges and to keep clients informed about changes in their cases. Just like any other new technology, it’s important to do your homework before buying into the latest apps and programs. Thorough research and due diligence will save you time – and money.
Pro Legal Services: Common Myths Dispelled
With the rise of the online legal marketplace comes the rise of a truly unique representation opportunity: a Pro Legal Service, where you’ll be represented by a licensed attorney at an affordable price. However, with such a relatively new service offering comes a lot of confusion and some common misconceptions. Knowing what a pro service is and what it can do for you can save you both time and money.
Myth: Pro Legal Services are Not Regulated
The surprising truth is that Pro Legal Services are just as regulated as other services from Law Firms that you might hire. Here’s how: All of our Pro Legal Services are licensed attorneys in the state they operate in. These lawyers must keep their bar dues up-to-date, and are subject to the disciplinary boards in each state where they are licensed.
Myth: You Can’t Cancel At Any Time or There Are Refund Restrictions
Most Pro Legal Services are offered on a month-to-month retainer basis with no restrictions or penalties to cancel your contract. You’ll receive a prorated refund for any unused nest-egg funds which you will have available for a minimum of one year.
Myth: There are Restrictions on Who Can Use It and for What Purpose
There are no restrictions or limitations on who can use a Pro Legal Service and for what purpose. Whether you have a divorce action or a simple will, you are free to use any pro legal service that we offer. All containers are fully funded for an immediate 6-month advance with a commitment on your part to fund an additional 3 months thereafter (7 to 12 months total).
Myth: You Have to Keep Putting Money Into Your Nest-Egg Until It’s Gone (Or Buy Additional Nest-Eggs)
Nest-Egg funding for the Pro Legal Service will not be accessible until 7 months have elapsed, and then you have to allow an additional month so that our provider can collect their payment. In other words, handling $250 per month for 6 months (when you pay the initial payment) is a commitment of at least ($250 x 7) + $250 (for the 8th month) = $1,750 total. In contrast, $250 each month for 12 months would be ($250 x 12) +2 months = $3,100 total. The best way to handle this situation is for you to decide if and when you default on a Pro Legal Service the same way you would with an attorney. We highly recommend you ignore the due date each month and let us collect payment in 6 or 12 months. In other words, your plastic is not getting charged unless you have a balance due.
Pro Legal Services in Action: Case Studies
To better illustrate the difference pro legal services can make in an ever-growing, diverse legal landscape, we have first-hand testimonials from the field in the form of case studies provided by some of the best in the business.
Sole practitioner Victoria Jones is a former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney. She focuses her practice on OWI’s and traffic cases mostly in the Columbia Heights area. A new client came in for her help recently who had been busted for driving while intoxicated while pulling a trailer loaded with about 3,000 pounds of metal piping in the middle of a snowstorm. The client was headed back to Northern Minnesota where the client now works as a safety director for an excavation company working on road construction jobs in the area. The client works 14 hours a day and must drive home at the end of the day. On this day, the client was done working in Columbia Heights after the blizzard had exhausted all of his employees but he continued to work until everyone was safe at home. After the last employee was taken home, he hopped in his pickup truck with that heavy trailer and began to drive home after 14 hours of work. With the slippery roads and heavy trailer, the client soon found himself in a ditch. It was a miscue and so he called 911 to report the accident. The cop pulls up and the first thing he asks is, "Have you been drinking?" and his client answers, "Yes, I had a glass of whiskey when I got home at 5:00 p.m. to keep warm." He was arrested and given a breath test with a .14 reading. His client came to me after he had already been found guilty and paid fines and costs. He lost his drivers’ license for one year. The client admitted to drinking, but his attorney didn’t explain to him how the prosecutor had to prove impairment (and not just drinking). After I was hired, I filed a motion for a "do over" and a hearing date was set. At the hearing, I argued that the arresting officer assumed that my client was under the influence of alcohol based upon the BAC reading. He never asked the client how much he had drank or found out the times involved-what happened to the client’s tire tracks being in the snow, the value of the trailer and metal piping and that there may be another explanation for the 14-hour shift. The judge agreed. The case was withdrawn and the client was able to keep his job, license and his escrow account for the semi truck and trailer at the bank . He also gets to avoid the cost of treatment and probation fees. The next client had a similar situation. Michael Carter has custody of his step-son due to the step-son’s mom being charged and convicted of horrible domestic violence. Carter, a delivery driver for Fed-Ex, was in the metro area making deliveries when he was cited for DWI. The cop found him sitting in his car at a stop sign sleeping. He didn’t want to miss work so he asked the cops to wake him up after he fumbled around looking for his ID. The cop allowed him to continue driving for Fed-Ex even though he was in violation of the law (probably in a stupor at the time, the cop just didn’t realize he was allowing someone who had just committed a crime to continue breaking the law) and Michael went to work, placed the package at the recipient’s door, got in the car and started to drive away. It was a short distance to the next stop but the cop followed him and stopped him. They found a bottle of vodka in the cup holder and made him blow. The cop found Michael had a BAC of .13 and took his license. Michael went to work anyway and worked over 60 hours that week because he is a good guy. He was charged with DWI and fined $600.00. His license was revoked for one year and he faces losing his job and care of his step-son. Again, I was contacted after it was too late and files were closed. This case was more difficult because it was outside the 30-day DWI time limit for dismissal. After reviewing the evidence, I was considering filing a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause based upon the police report because if you’ve read it, you’d agree that the cop had no probable cause to arrest. After filing the motion, the prosecutor contacted me to state that they wanted to review the case. I informed the prosecutor that I have a lot of evidence proving the cop was not telling the truth. The prosecutor asked me to provide it and so I sent it after receiving permission from the client. When the prosecutor reviewed the evidence of the cop lying under oath, he admitted that my client, although responsible for being drunk while driving a vehicle, his conduct was completely legal under the law. The problem here is that the cop lied under oath to take this driver off the road. Bad cops hurt the good prosecute cases. Sometimes the right thing for my clients is to take a chance and accept responsibility, but sometimes it pays off to fight back when cops take liberties and wreck havoc on our innocent clients’ lives.