Many communities have neighborhood dispute resolution centers providing these services free or at low cost. Remember, though, that if you seek an alternative to the lawsuit, you still are being sued and you must protect your interests by filing your response and appearing in court. This is particularly important if your negotiations outside of court are unsuccessful. If a lawyer is not otherwise provided for you and alternative dispute resolution is not an option, you must decide whether to hire a lawyer or to represent yourself. When deciding whether to hire a lawyer, it is generally best to look at the economics of the situation.
Lawyers charge clients in various ways.
Most charge on an hourly basis. Others charge a flat fee, although this is generally done only for the most routine cases. In either instance, most lawyers will ask for a retainer. A retainer is the amount you pay a lawyer to begin work on your case. In some cases a lawyer will proceed on a contingency fee, meaning the lawyer will receive a percentage of the award or settlement obtained on your behalf.