Lawyers In New Brunswick: How Many?

There are a plethora of lawyers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, who are experienced in a range of legal areas. The number of lawyers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is 234, according to Avvo. These lawyers can be found in firms such as Aiello Harris Abate Law Group, PC, Fetky & Petty, LLC, and The Law Office of Blair R. Zwillman.

How to find a lawyer in New Brunswick

There are several ways to find a lawyer in New Brunswick. Here are some steps you can take:

Identify Your Legal Issue:

Not all lawyers specialise in the same area, so it is important to first identify the nature of your legal problem. This could include criminal law, family law, corporate law, or any other specific area of law. Knowing this will help you find a lawyer with relevant expertise.

Ask for Recommendations:

Start by asking people you trust, such as friends, family, or colleagues, if they can recommend a lawyer. If someone has had a similar legal issue and was satisfied with their lawyer, this can be a good place to start. Word-of-mouth referrals can provide valuable insights and help you find a reputable lawyer.

Consult the Law Society of New Brunswick:

The Law Society of New Brunswick is a professional organisation that regulates the legal profession in the province. They maintain a list of lawyers licensed to practice in New Brunswick on their website. You can search for lawyers by city and check their status. This is a reliable way to find qualified and ethical lawyers.

Use Online Directories:

Online directories, such as the Yellow Pages, can be a helpful resource. They typically list lawyers and law firms in your community, making it convenient to find local legal services.

Contact Information:

Once you have identified a few potential lawyers, the next step is to reach out and make contact. Most lawyers will have websites or be listed in online directories with their contact information. You can call their office to inquire about their services, fees, and availability. It is recommended to schedule a consultation to discuss your legal matter in detail.

Prepare for Your Consultation:

Before meeting with a lawyer, it is important to be organised and prepared. Gather all relevant documents and information related to your legal issue. If there are any witnesses, make sure to take down their contact details as well. During the consultation, be open and honest about your situation, as this will help the lawyer understand your case and provide appropriate advice.

Remember, it is crucial to find a lawyer who is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also someone you feel comfortable with and who understands your legal needs. Don't hesitate to ask questions and clarify any concerns you may have during the process of choosing your legal representative.

How to know if you need a lawyer

It is important to know when you need legal help and when you don't. While most situations do not require an attorney, if you have questions about state or federal law, you should seek legal advice.

Situations Where You Might Need a Lawyer

• Personal injury, workers' compensation, and property damage after an accident
• Being accused of a crime, arrested for DUI/DWI, or other misdemeanors or felonies
• Family law issues, such as prenuptials, divorce, child custody, or domestic violence
• Business legal matters, including incorporation, purchase, sale, or dissolution
• Estate planning, wills, trusts, and codicils
• Sales of real estate, property transfers, and title disputes

When You Decide You Need a Lawyer

The first thing you must do is find the right lawyer for the job. Not every lawyer can handle every legal problem. There are many legal practice areas. You can start by contacting your local bar association, as every state has a bar referral service.

Tips for Choosing a Lawyer

• Ask friends who have had a similar type of legal problem for recommendations.
• Check the Law Society website for a list of lawyers licensed to practice in your area.
• Be prepared to discuss your case and review possible outcomes during your first meeting.
• Ask about the fee structure and payment expectations upfront.

Types of lawyer specialisms

Lawyers tend to specialise in a particular aspect of legal work, such as criminal or corporate law. Here are some of the most common types of lawyer specialisms:

Bankruptcy Lawyer

Bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency issues for their clients. They generally specialise in either consumer bankruptcy or commercial bankruptcy. The scope of work is the same for both, as they both navigate solutions for financial restructurings, plan confirmations, and valuation disputes.

Business/Corporate Lawyer

Business lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, handle legal matters for businesses and ensure that all company transactions occur within the scope of local, state, and federal laws. Common legal work includes mergers, acquisitions, formation or dissolution of businesses, patents, intellectual property, and liability disputes. Day to day, a business lawyer may conduct legal research, write and revise legal documents, and negotiate contracts.

Constitutional Lawyer

Constitutional lawyers deal with the interpretation and implementation of the U.S. Constitution, balancing the interests of government institutions with the interests of individuals. Responsibilities of a constitutional lawyer might include challenging the constitutionality of a piece of legislation, representing individuals in discrimination suits, or providing constitutional law expertise at a university.

Criminal Lawyer

The two main types of criminal lawyers are defence attorneys and prosecuting attorneys. Criminal defence lawyers advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity and ensure that their liberties and basic rights are fairly upheld within the justice system. A criminal defence lawyer may work as a public defender or as a private attorney. In either position, their job is to leverage the law to the advantage of the accused. They must protect the interests of their client within the bounds of the law.

Employment/Labour Lawyer

Employment and labour lawyers broadly handle the relationships between unions, employers, and employees. They deal with issues around workplace discrimination, harassment, wage and hours regulations, benefits, and pension security. While the responsibilities of employment lawyers and labour lawyers tend to overlap, labour lawyers focus mostly on union-management relations and collective bargaining, while employment lawyers address matters in non-union workplaces.

Entertainment Lawyer

Entertainment lawyers represent athletes, artists, musicians, actors, and other media-related clients or brands. They help to protect the intellectual property of their clients, which can include lyrics or a comedian’s routine. Additionally, entertainment lawyers may negotiate contracts and fee arrangements, secure talent releases, act as a liaison between agents or venue owners/staff, or oversee membership into unions and guilds.

Estate Planning Lawyer

An estate planning lawyer is well-versed in the intricacies of property rights, wills, probate, and trusts. They provide legal advice and assistance to ensure client assets passing both inside and outside the will or trust are handled correctly, while also ensuring that tax and legal issues are properly addressed.

Family Lawyer

Family lawyers work with divorces, annulments, prenuptial agreements, child custody, child support and alimony, adoptions, and anything else that has to do with familial relationships.

Immigration Lawyer

Immigration lawyers play a pivotal role in providing guidance to individuals and families navigating the necessary requirements to live, work, or study in the U.S. Sometimes, immigration lawyers may even assist refugee and asylum seekers. Employers and employees participating in work-visa programs may also use immigration lawyers to assist in the process of gaining legal work status.

Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer

Intellectual property (IP) lawyers protect and enforce the rights and creations of inventors, authors, artists, and businesses. IP law encompasses copyrighting, trademarking, patenting, and protecting trade secrets for tangible products like inventions, and intangible ones like brand names, slogans, or symbols.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury lawyers work primarily in civil litigations, representing clients who have sustained an injury. Most often, these injuries stem from car accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, or workplace accidents. Personal injury lawyers must prove that the responsible party—typically another individual or a corporation—is liable and owes damages to their client.

Tax Lawyer

Tax lawyers understand the ins and outs of tax laws and regulations, and work in a variety of settings. These settings can include corporations, law firms, accounting firms, nonprofit organisations, or government agencies. Their responsibilities include tax planning, interpreting tax law (and its effects on their clients), and a great deal of research.

The cost of hiring a lawyer

Type of Legal Fee

The method of calculating fees can vary depending on the type of legal service provided. Here are some common types of legal fees:

• Flat/Fixed Fee: Lawyers typically charge a flat fee for services such as wills, uncontested divorces, real estate transactions, and company incorporation. This fee remains the same regardless of the amount of time spent on the case. However, additional expenses, known as disbursements, may apply. These can include court filing fees, photocopies, and other out-of-pocket costs.
• Hourly Rate: Many lawyers charge an hourly rate for their services, which includes research, telephone calls, letters, meetings, and court appearances. The hourly rate typically depends on the lawyer's experience and expertise.
• Contingency Fee: In some cases, such as lawsuits where the client cannot pay upfront, lawyers may charge a contingency fee. This is a percentage of the money recovered for the client. In New Brunswick, the Law Society sets rules and maximum percentages for contingency fees.
• Percentage Fee: In cases other than lawsuits, lawyers may charge a percentage fee. For example, a lawyer may charge a percentage of the estate value for probate matters or a percentage of a debt for collection.

Additional Costs

When hiring a lawyer, it is important to consider additional costs beyond the legal fees. These can include:

• Disbursements: These are the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the lawyer while working on a case. Examples include court filing fees, photocopies, and travel costs.
• Retainer: A retainer is a sum of money paid upfront to the lawyer before they begin working on the case. This amount is typically credited towards the final legal bill.
• Land Transfer Tax: In real estate transactions, there may be additional taxes and fees, such as land transfer tax, that are separate from the lawyer's legal fees.

Lawyer's Experience and Specialization

Location

The cost of legal services can vary by location. Lawyers in larger cities or urban areas may charge higher fees compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas.

Negotiation

In some cases, legal fees may be negotiable. It is always a good idea to discuss the cost and payment options with your lawyer upfront to ensure you understand the expected expenses.

Legal Aid

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for legal aid provided by the New Brunswick Legal Aid Services Commission. They offer representation for certain criminal offences and specific family law matters, depending on financial eligibility.

In conclusion, the cost of hiring a lawyer in New Brunswick can vary depending on several factors, including the type of legal service, the lawyer's experience, the complexity of the case, and additional expenses. It is important to understand the pricing structure and any potential hidden costs before engaging a lawyer's services.

What to expect when visiting a lawyer

Visiting a lawyer can be a daunting experience, especially if it is your first time. However, it is important to remember that lawyers are there to help you navigate legal matters and provide expert advice. Here is what you can expect when visiting a lawyer in New Brunswick:

Before the Meeting

Before visiting a lawyer, it is essential to prepare and gather all the relevant documents related to your case. This may include medical records, witness statements, police reports, or receipts. Organize these documents in a folder and bring them with you to the meeting. Additionally, write down a summary of the incident, including dates, times, places, and people involved, in chronological order. It is also helpful to dress appropriately for the meeting, with business casual attire being the standard.

During the Meeting

Arrive on time for your meeting and check in with the lawyer's secretary or assistant. They will notify the lawyer of your arrival and may provide you with a form to fill out. During the consultation, be open and honest with your lawyer, as they are there to help you. Share your situation and ask any questions you may have. Remember that the consultation is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. The lawyer will explain the options available to you, discuss strategies, and provide a timeline for important events. They may also explain their fees and how they are calculated during this initial meeting.

After the Meeting

Once the consultation is complete, you can decide whether to hire the lawyer for your case. If you choose to hire them, they will guide you on the next steps to take. It is important to follow their instructions and provide them with any additional information or documentation they may request.

Choosing a Lawyer

It is important to choose a lawyer that you feel comfortable with and who specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. You can ask friends or family for recommendations or refer to the Law Society of New Brunswick's website, which offers a list of lawyers licensed to practice in the province.

Understanding Legal Fees

Most lawyers charge fees for the time they spend working on your case, and it is important to understand how these fees are calculated. Lawyers may charge a set amount or an hourly rate, and this should be discussed during the initial meeting. In New Brunswick, if the costs are likely to exceed $1,500, the lawyer must provide a legal costs agreement outlining the terms and conditions of their engagement and the expected costs.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

As a client, you have certain rights when engaging with a lawyer. You have the right to honest and accurate legal advice, confidentiality, and competent legal representation. Additionally, you should understand the fees and costs involved and ask questions to clarify any concerns. Your responsibilities as a client include providing accurate information, being cooperative, and following the lawyer's instructions.

Frequently asked questions