If you get into a lawsuit, you may soon come to find that your expenses will greatly exceed what you may have hoped. Going through a legal proceeding can often cost thousands of dollars that many people just don’t have. However, to give yourself the best chance of coming out of this litigation unscathed, you need to have adequate and appropriate legal representation. So to help make this possible even if you’re lacking in funds, here are three tips for finding affordable legal representation.
Check With A Law School
To get help in a legal battle, Geoff Williams, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, suggests trying to seek assistance from students attending a law school. Law school is where people learn to become lawyers. So while you’ll likely be able to find someone here who’s willing to help you, you should understand that they’re still learning, which is why the costs could be significantly lower. But according to Williams, students who are part of law school clinics are certified to be part of legal proceedings under a practicing faculty member. So if you’re struggling to find someone affordable to represent you, you may want to ask around at a local law school in your area.
Seek Out Personal Referrals
Because many people don’t have a lot of experience working with lawyers, it can be challenging to find someone to work with who you can trust both legally and financially. If you find yourself in this type of predicament, Nolo.com suggests asking people you know for personal referrals for lawyers. To get the best match for you, you should try to find a lawyer who worked with someone you know on a case similar to yours. This will help you feel confident that you’ll be able to get the help you need. If this isn’t possible, try to at least find a referral for a lawyer who might fit into your financial parameters.
Consider Applying for Free Legal Services
Luckily for many people, there are a plethora of free legal services available to those who qualify for them. According to FindLaw.com, some of the options for free legal services include public defenders, legal aid clinics, contingency arrangements, pro bono services, and social justice organizations. While it might be tricky to qualify for one of these services, if you’re able to, you could have a great chance of finding a fantastic lawyer and winning your case.
Finding someone who can represent you in a legal proceeding is hard enough without having to worry about the financial implications. So to help those currently seeking out help with a legal case, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find affordable and competent legal counsel or representation.
