The 4 Types of Lawyers You Will Need in a Lifetime

You have likely been inundated with half-hearted lawyer jokes from birth. The punchline is always that they are greedy, that they are money hungry, that they are to be avoided at all costs, etc. But as we grow older and wiser, it becomes apparent that lawyers are a necessary part of civilized life. We need them! They help us navigate the necessarily complex and intricate system of laws which govern us and keep us safe. In fact, if you use them wisely, hiring an attorney to help deal with various trials and tribulations that come with life can save you several headaches. From your youth to your old age, here are the 4 types of lawyers you should prepare to meet over the course of a lifespan.

1. Criminal

Mistakes happen, and the fog of youth that makes us feel invincible often compels us to make one or two…or several. Should you get caught in the crosshairs of the law, you will need an advocate on your side to keep the system from swallowing you whole. Even just a consultation with a solid attorney can help you get your head on straight and thinking clearly. This is not the end of the world or the end of your career. Finding a capable advocate in the face of Uncle Sam can help you weather the storm like a pro. 

However, it is important that a number of factors inform your decision. The best DWI Criminal Law Center can help you find the most experienced, skilled and networked lawyers in the whole states. There is a lot riding on a criminal case, which includes imprisonment and jail term. You do not want to be wrongly acquitted just because the lawyer representing you was a novice. Hiring the best legal attorneys makes a lot of sense in criminal cases.

For those of us still navigating the throes of youth or suffering its consequences, just know that your past does not define your future. Times change! Just ten years ago, legal recreational marijuana consumption was a pipe dream. Now, you can buy it online in some states! How cool is that?

2. Personal Injury

Hopefully, you will never have to suffer the loss of a loved one or serious injury, but, if you do, you need to call a personal injury attorney to fight for your due compensation. The Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at the Barnes Firm say that three conditions must be met in making personal injury claims:

1. The defendant was negligent
2. The plaintiff was injured
3. The injuries were a direct cause of negligence

If you have reason to believe that these conditions were met in a case where you sustained an injury, be sure to consult with an attorney. There are a variety of personal injury claims to be made, and they are not relegated to car accidents exclusively. For instance, one might be injured as a pedestrian in a hit-and-run case or as the result of a faulty product you used or consumed. Injuries sustained in the workplace also fall under the umbrella of personal injury claims.

3. Divorce

We like to think that we will never have to consult with this particular brand of attorney, but the truth hurts: up to half of all marriages end in divorce. Focus on cultivating a happy and healthy marriage, and you will likely never have to consider meeting with this type of lawyer. But, should you grow apart from your partner, you should consult with an experienced attorney with a strong track record. Word of mouth might be the best route for finding a good lawyer of this variety. In addition to a good lawyer, consider enlisting the services of your best friends, a nice bottle of wine, and a rom-com to help weather this particular trial.

4. Estate Planning

No one wants to consider their mortality. While it’s an inevitability, it’s an unpleasant reality. However, it is one you must consider for the fiscal and emotional wellbeing of the family and friends you will leave behind. There are so many intricacies to estate planning, asset distribution, and the types of legal instruments involved that to undertake their successful execution would be an undertaking not unlike taking on a second job. Keep in mind that estate laws vary between states, which is of special concern to those holders who have property or assets in more than one state. Your loved ones will thank you for relieving the burden that comes with divvying up your assets after your death: you will prevent infighting amongst relatives and children while simultaneously fulfilling your long-held wishes, even in death. 

Planning your estate is a necessary evil you must contend with—and the sooner the better. As painful as it might be to hear, your death might come sooner than you think. Should you suffer an accident or unforeseen illness, you want to take care that your dependents’ needs are met. As soon as you have children, get married, or have any other dependents whose wellbeing is intrinsically woven with your own, meet with an estate attorney.