1. Eliseo Lugo III

2.  Objectives: By the end of class, students will be able to:  Name at least five situations in which a person might wish to consult an attorney.  Analyze various situations to determine whether or not a person involved should hire a lawyer.  Assess the positive and negative effects of advertisements by lawyers.  Evaluate whether or not advertising by lawyers is proper in given scenarios.  Explain how to find and retain suitable legal counsel.  Define the terms retainer, litigator, bar association and contingency fee.

3.  Lawyers = attorney  Trial Lawyers are called litigators  Bar Association: An organization that licenses lawyers

4.  Seeing a lawyer does not mean you are in trouble…sometimes you can consult a lawyer before trouble arises…  1. Real estate  Buying or selling a home or other real estate  Organizing a business  2. Change in your family status  Divorce  Adoption  3. Contracts  4. Accidents  5. Defending a criminal or civil charge  6. Bringing a civil suit against someone.

5.  Ask for a recommendation  In 1977 the Supreme Court ruled lawyers could advertise  If you cannot afford a lawyer you may be eligible for free legal assistance (public defender)

6.  How much does the lawyer charge per hour?  How often will you be billed?  Retainer: a down payment on the total fee  Contingency fee: not per hour or lump sum; a percentage of whatever amount the client wins or settles for in the case (usually 1/3)

7.  You must be able to TRUST your attorney  Attorney-Client Privilege: whatever you tell your attorney about your case is private and confidential  Attorneys will give you advice, but YOU must make the final decisions.  Legal Malpractice: the type of lawsuit brought against a lawyer for loss or injury to the client caused by the lawyer’s error or failure to meet acceptable standards of practice for the legal profession

8.  Your Task:  Read pages 63-64 in your Criminal Law textbook.  Complete Problem 6.1 on Page 65 of your Criminal Law textbook a-j  Be prepared to discuss and defend your decisions.