Florida State Attorney

A Florida state attorney is useful for a number of legal issues related to the state of Florida.  It is always recommended to use a local lawyer that is familiar with the laws and traditions of the state, compared to larger national law firms or out-of-state attorneys that will not provide you with the individualized attention your case deserves.  With a Florida state attorney, you can determine the distinctions and differences in state and federal law and help you prepare a defense that avoids the harshest penalties.  If using the services of an out-of-state lawyer, you run the risk of having a representative who is not as knowledgeable on local law as a Florida lawyer would be. 

What are organizations of Florida state attorneys?
In addition to a number of very active city-wide and county-wide bar associations, there is the mandatory membership Florida Bar.  As is the case with all mandatory membership bar associations, this serves as the regulatory organization for Florida state attorneys.  Therefore, the Bar is responsible for discipline and sanctioning unethical or unprofessional attorneys as well as determining standards of professionalism and ethics.

To maintain the standards of Florida state attorneys, the FlaBar mandates that 30 hours of Continuing Legal Education classes be completed every two years.  These CLE classes are offered by both the state and local bar associations and will cover a number of topics including legal developments in specific areas of the law and ethical dilemmas.  In addition to this requirement, all Florida state attorneys must pay their dues to the FlaBar, maintaining active status, to be allowed to practice law in Florida.  

A Florida State Attorney may become inactive at his or her own choosing, but doing so will bar them from practicing law until they are recertified.  This cracks down on the unauthorized practice of law and will protect clients from fraud.  Inactive lawyers may not provide any legal service while purporting to be an active attorney, including document preparation and giving legal advice.

All Florida state attorneys must swear an oath of admission to abide by Florida Rules of Professional Conduct when dealing with clients.  The responsibilities and authority of the FlaBar is derived from the Supreme Court of Florida that defined the bylaws and other important duties of the Bar.


How do I know my Florida lawyer is legitimate?
Although the court system will have mechanisms to prevent unauthorized persons from representing clients, certain legal services may be provided without the auspices of the court.  This is why proof of Bar Association certification is necessary when seeking these services, to ensure that the service the attorney will provide is professional, ethical and in compliance with Floridian law.  you will not want to run into a complication, such as having a legal document invalidated, as it was completed by an untrustworthy and illegal source.

If you ever have doubts about the credentials of your Florida state attorney, ask to examine his or her credentials.  If the lawyer cannot produce them, then you may want to seek out another lawyer that you feel comfortable working with.

Professionalism and demeanor will be an important factor in making your decision.  Ensure that your lawyer communicates with you effectively, which includes being available to answer questions on your legal matter and ensuring that you understand all phases of the process.  An ideal Florida state attorney will be objective and offer an impartial evaluation of the details of your case.  It is the professional duty of the lawyer to inform the client of potential complications in the legal action.


What are the typical rates of a Florida state attorney?
Contingency fees are typical of accident, negligence and malpractice cases.  In this arrangement, the attorney does not collect a fee unless there is a settlement or jury award.  There will be other fees, such as court costs, that will be paid by the client.  

Current Florida law places specific limitations on contingency fees related to medical malpractice cases and these fees may not exceed 30% of the first $250,000 and 10% of any settlement over that threshold.  Some fee arrangements will be reviewed in court, especially if there is the potentially for a very high settlement or jury award.

A retainer is a fee that remains in a trust account.  Every services lawyer provide  related to your case, he charges this account.  A Florida state attorney may ask you to set aside a retainer fee.  Hourly and flat fees will be billed to the retainer rather than billed directly to you.

Take advantage of free consultations when they are available to discuss potential fees and payment arrangements with Florida state attorney.  You may be able to arrange low cost and extended payment for legal services at the discretion of the attorney or law firm.  If you can demonstrate sufficient need, you may be able to apply for pro bono service for select legal issues.  This service tends to be limited but local bar associations typically facilitate this arrangement.  Legal service clinics may also be available for low level legal advice and consultations.

There are several lawyer referral services for Florida lawyers, although none is more trusted than the Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service.  The service will provide you with the name and address of a nearby lawyer who will charge $25 for a half hour initial consultation.  There is no obligation at that point and the consultation is merely an evaluation of your case with an explanation of expected fees.


What are questions to ask Florida state attorneys?
How does my case relate to Florida state and local laws?

What are your fees and do you have alternate payment plans?

Are you an active member, in good standing, of the Florida Bar Association?

What roles do you play as a member?

Can I please have all fees in writing?

What are my chances of winning a settlement or at trial?

Can you refer me to another lawyer if you are unable to take my case?