How to Find and Hire a Lawyer for Gay/Lesbian Issues

Ask yourself these vital questions before deciding on a lawyer: Are legal services an absolute necessity? Will the lawyer be sympathetic to gay and lesbians in general, in addition to my own specific set of circumstances?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Recommendations

1. Determine whether hiring a lawyer is an absolute necessity. If mediation or arbitration can suitably achieve your goals, is it wise to dole out thousands of dollars in attorney fees?

2. Realize that a lawyer can help you in three basic ways: consultation and advice, negotiation, and representation. Specifically, lawyers can assess your situation and present you with available options; negotiate to help protect your best interests; and represent you in a court of law, respectively.

3. Consider your specific needs. The lawyer you hire should have relevant experience and must be sympathetic to lesbian and gay issues.

4. Consult friends and contacts who have enlisted legal services in the past. Personal recommendations provide the best and easiest way to enlist a lawyer's services. In addition, refer to gay and lesbian legal referral services, which you can find online by doing an Internet search.

5. Carefully evaluate the lawyer you select. Make sure you're completely comfortable with your lawyer, because you'll be paying for his or her services and expertise. This is particularly important for gay and lesbian issues, an area in which the law is not always clearly defined.

6. Understand your legal fees and reach an agreement in writing. Consulting with a lawyer should not cost more than $150 per hour. Negotiation and representation can rapidly add costs.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a cap on the amount of work your lawyer will do, if you agree upon an hourly arrangement of fees. Have the lawyer seek your permission before conducting additional work. This small addendum will help you control the charges you incur.
• Because you will be placing your trust and confidence in your lawyer, coming out to your lawyer shouldn't be a problem. If it is, consider another lawyer - there are plenty out there.
• Entering the legal arena provides you with a chance to make a political statement for gay and lesbian issues. Consider the ramifications of this carefully. The gay and lesbian community is where it is today thanks to the courageous men and women who have taken a stand. Keep in mind that doing so is often expensive and always exhausting. Whatever you do decide, more power to you!