Be Your Own Lawyer

Represent yourself in court! A lot cheaper than hiring a lawyer and you've watched enough television lawyer shows to know how to do it right? Not quite. Court papers have to be prepared and prepared correctly. There are motions to deal with and what's a deposition? Well they'll tell me these things at the courthouse as they come up. Not quite. Court personnel are not allowed to give out legal information. They'll tell you where to file something but they won't tell you what it must contain. Judges are likewise not allowed to dispense legal advice. It's the Catch-22 of the law. You can represent yourself but no one will tell you how. Until Now. Be Your Own Lawyer takes you through the process of a civil case step by step, with explanations of what's going on and why. Reading this book won't make you a lawyer, but it will show you what you need to know to handle a civil case.

For people dealing with a personal injury claim, a landlord-tenant dispute, a small business scrape or any of the dozens of other possible legal muddles, this book points the way through the complex court system. The book also ncludes a chapter dealing with the specifics of handling a divorce, child custody or child support action.Written in plain English, Represent Yourself in Court breaks down the trial process into easy-to-understand steps so that you can act as your own lawyer -- safely and efficiently. Veteran attorneys Bergman and Berman-Barrett tell you what to say, how to say it, even where to stand when you address the judge and jury.Armed with the simple but thorough instructions in Represent Yourself in Court, you can be heard and taken seriously in any courtroom. Readers learn how to: „X file court papers „X handle depositions and interrogatories „X comply with courtroom procedures „X pick a jury „X prepare your evidence and line up witnesses „X present your opening statement and closing argument „X cross-examine hostile witnesses „X understand and apply rules of evidence „X locate, hire and effectively use expert witnesses „X make and respond to your opponent's objections „X get limited help from an attorney on an as-needed basis „X monitor the work of an attorney if you decide to hire one Whether you are a plaintiff or a defendant, this book will help you confidently handle a divorce, personal injury case, landlord/tenant dispute, breach of contract, small business dispute or any other civil lawsuit.

“A thorough, careful examination of the ins and outs of self-representation . . . the text is as interesting as practical.” –Library Journal “A valuable read for every entrepreneur. Knowing the legal system will not only put you at ease, but will immensely help in making you a better and more effective client when working with an attorney.” –Entrepreneur If you’re having problems with a business deal that’s soured, an unresponsive landlord, or the guy who totaled your car, you can turn to the courts for relief. But if you think there is only one way to proceed, think again. In this country, there is a tradition of self-help law that is as much a part of our heritage as mom, apple pie, and the American flag. It’s called pro se—legal self-representation—and it may be the answer for you. In this, the updated second edition of How and When to Be Your Own Lawyer—one of the most successful self-help law books ever published—authors Robert Schachner and Marvin Quittner, Esq., provide the average person with a no-nonsense guide to using the American legal system. Written in plain English, How and When to Be Your Own Lawyer leads you through the maze of legal processes principles—step by step—from making a realistic appraisal of your case to collecting a judgment. It provides information on drawing up a complaint, using a law library, devising strategy, assembling evidence, filing motions, and preparing and presenting your case in court, including advice on how to deal with an opposing attorney when proceeding pro se. The authors also offer clear explanations of legal terms and historical background that helps to make sense of many puzzling aspects of the law, all highlighted by real-life case histories.

Access to justice is a fundamental principle of the rule of law, yet it has become a luxury that few can afford. Mastering the Art of Legal Coaching opens the door to an innovative method of delivering affordable legal services - using a client-centric approach. This guide is a "must-have" for legal professionals who are seeking new ways to offer affordable legal services aimed at empowering self-represented litigants and clients. Legal coaching provides support and direction to those navigating the complex legal system - while offering legal professionals an opportunity to be part of the solution.

Today's justice system and the legal profession have rendered the "lawyer-warrior" notion outdated, shifting toward conflict resolution rather than protracted litigation. The new lawyer's skills go beyond court battles to encompass negotiation, mediation, collaborative practice, and restorative justice. In The New Lawyer, Julie Macfarlane explores the evolving role of practitioners, articulating legal and ethical complexities in a variety of contexts. The result is a thought-provoking exploration of the increasing impact of alternative strategies on the lawyer-client relationship, as well as on the legal system itself.

The classic bestseller from a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist that tells the compelling true story of one man's fight for the right to legal counsel for every defendent. A history of the landmark case of Clarence Earl Gideon's fight for the right to legal counsel. Notes, table of cases, index. The classic backlist bestseller. More than 800,000 sold since its first pub date of 1964.