For those of us who can’t afford a lawyer on retainer, it’s can be hard to figure out how to find the right lawyer and pay for it. The financial burden of legal protection leads many people to simply wait for whatever public or pro bono services they can find in the event that they need to address any legal matters. They hope to avoid having to use a lawyer and could hardly imagine having a trusted attorney at their fingertips.
As it turns out, there is a middle ground between the bottom-of-the-barrel and the creme de la creme of legal protection. For the average person who needs access to a lawyer that doesn’t break the bank, legal insurance for individuals can help them access a broad spectrum of legal services. Under these legal plans for individuals, plan members can find lawyers who are specialize in their legal need, as well as help to prevent future problems.
These are not prepaid legal services. Instead, the client pays an annual membership fee, in exchange for the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their legal insurance will be there whenever a problem arises. Whether you need a lawyer to help you prepare a will, help you deal with litigation, or to consult about things like estate tax, these kinds of organizations can be very helpful.
When you compare this approach to the options of accepting public defense or shelling out for a supposedly top-notch law firm, legal protection plans are a much better option. There are even technology companies experimenting with making apps and other software that streamlines the process of seeking legal services. More and more people are doing their initial legal inquiries online, whether on websites where consumers can post questions for legal counsel, or on lawyers’ own websites. Larger law firms are more likely to have their own websites, and the same is true of their lawyers relative to those working solo or at smaller firms.
What kind of experience have you had seeking legal protection? Do you agree with our assessment? Or are there other options for legal representation that are even better? Let us know in the comments.