Friday, July 16, 2010

What If Your Lawyer Involved in Business Affairs and Legal Malpractice?

If you feel that your attorney has mishandled your business or personal affairs, then what should you do? An attorney's improper involvement in a client's business affairs or entrepreneurial interests can raise conflict of interest issues leading to a legal malpractice claim. Find out if your lawyer may be improperly involved in your business affairs.


 


These types of business relationships may take several forms which may include:


·   Becoming a part of a client's business and gaining an ownership interest in that business;


·   Becoming an officer or director of a client's business;


·   Having a client become a partner or investor with the lawyer;


·   Investing in the client's business;


·   Accepting stock from a client instead of customary fees.


 


If a client is in doubt or feels uncomfortable or just wants another opinion about any proposed transaction then it is advisable to get the advice of another, unrelated lawyer, to comment on the fairness of the proposed transaction.


 


The problems that these activities may create could include:


·   Inadequate or nonexistent directors and/or officers insurance for the lawyer acting as outside counsel as an officer and a director;


·   Improper advice based upon self dealing;


·   Conflict of interest issues that arise;


·   Weakened malpractice claims against the lawyer who may claim that he/she was not acting as your lawyer but as a business partner.


·     Once you get the approval of, or fully understand the advice of a disinterested third party lawyer then you should have the original lawyer reduce everything to writing which you should run by the third party lawyer for final approval.


 


If you feel that your attorney has mishandled your business or personal affairs then you should seek the services of a legal malpractice lawyer for advise. 


 

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Legal Help For Everyone

Did you know that lawyers are available to help you?  Regardless of what kind of legal assistance you find yourself in need of, there is an attorney who is ready and willing to help you accomplish all your legal tasks.  Though many people think of lawyers in less than positive terms, you shouldn’t be intimidated by the idea of consulting a lawyer Harford County MD.  These professionals are going to advocate for you and put your interests at the top of their list of priorities.  Making sure your case reaches a successful, favorable conclusion is what lawyers do.

There are many reasons people choose to visit a law firm for legal services.  Most often, people are not seeking to sue anyone or to receive large sum payments from a lawsuit.  There are many other legal tasks that lawyers can assist with.  For instance, if you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce, a lawyer Harford County MD can be very helpful in outlining the terms of divorce and filing the correct paperwork with the appropriate government office.  After all, you’re a busy person; you don’t have time to track down the particulars of government red tape just to accomplish a straightforward divorce.  A lawyer is going to save you a lot of time and hassle.



When it comes time to write your will, a lawyer can be very helpful in making sure everything is done the right way.  A will is one of the most important documents  you will ever construct; it will outline everything that should be done after you pass away.  You will probably want to name an executor of your will - that is, a person who is responsible for making sure everything is carried out correctly.  A lawyer Harford County MD may be able to help you choose the most appropriate executer.  You can also create a document regarding your medical wishes in case you are ever incapacitated due to an accident and unable to express your own wishes.  This is an opportunity to plan for the worse in order to save your family from having to make difficult decisions without your input.

As you can see, there are many things a professional attorney will be able to help you with.  From marriage to divorce, to child custody and personal wills, there are legal tasks that apply to all parts of our lives.  Having a real legal perspective on the things you need to accomplish will be a huge help, and a lawyer Harford County MD is going to make sure that everything you need done is going to be done the right way.