My brother-in-law wants me to go into business with him. He wants to use his lawyer and his accountant to set up the business. Do I need my own attorney? I trust his judgment and I am anxious to take advantage of this opportunity. top

ANSWER: If you want the best outcome, you should have a personal attorney, someone who will be in your corner at all times. This attorney does not have to intrude or rain on the parade. Your brother-in-law should know that his accountant and his attorney can set up the business, but that their doings will be reviewed by your own attorney. This is not a costly matter for you and it insures that everyone's best intentions will have the proper atmosphere in which to come to fruition.

I see all these ads for personal injury attorneys. How can I choose the right one for me? What happens if I change my mind after I hire one of them? top

ANSWER: Many people want their personal attorney to guide them through difficult situations that require decision after decision. Others need help when they want a second opinion. Here's how the problem can be handled when you have a personal attorney:

I was quite satisfied with the attorney who represented me when I sold my house. Should I ask this person to help me with my divorce or my will? top

ANSWER: You should definitely consult your real estate attorney regarding your estate planning. If this attorney does not practice in that area, he or she will be able to help you find and retain someone whose practice fits your purposes. Your real estate attorney will probably give you the names of two or three attorneys from whom you can choose. Your divorce is quite another matter. Your real estate attorney may have a conflict of interest if he or she represented both you and your spouse when you sold your house. This is not a matter of small consequence. In the divorce situation it is best to obtain a referral from another professional source such as a referral service sponsored by your state or local bar association. These services are a boon in this time of high demand and limited supply of attorneys that fit a specific need.

I have a problem with my landlord. I understand that the bar association in my area has an attorney referral service. Should I use this service? What happens if I don't like the first referral? Should I request another attorney or should I get referrals from friends and relatives? top

ANSWER: Landlord-Tenant problems often require immediate attention to stave off court action. If court proceedings have already not commenced, you should avail yourself of the services provided by the bar association in your area. The cost of an initial consultation for an attorney who practices landlord-tenant law is nominal. If you are not satisfied, you will be able to obtain a second or third referral at the same low cost. It's quite a bargain and solves many problems before they get out of hand.

My son just got arrested for drunk driving. Should I call my real estate attorney for advice on what to do? top

ANSWER: In an emergency, you need all the professional help you can get. Friends and relatives may be able to refer you to an attorney that they know. This is no substitute for a referral from your personal attorney, however. Your real estate attorney can save you from having to scramble for references to available attorneys in the hopes that one of them can handle the problem competently without charging huge legal fees. With the services of a personal attorney, you don't have to panic and you can concentrate on deciding upon the best course of action for you or your son. Your problem is minimized because you can focus on important tasks such as gathering information and you don't have to worry about whether you will receive the personal attention needed for the resolution of your problem. Your personal attorney will handle all the aspects of the case that require immediate attention and, if necessary and appropriate, will see to it that special counsel and experts are retained to deliver the best possible results.

My estate planning attorney works for a large firm. What can I do if he refers me to one of his associates for a business matter and it turns out that we don't get along? top

ANSWER: You must explain at the outset that any referral must include at least one attorney outside the firm. Your estate planning attorney will understand the importance you place on personal compatibility in business matters and will work with you regardless of whom you choose. If the complexity of your business matters leaves you with little choice at to whom you retain, at least you will have someone to help you navigate.

I don't want to settle my personal injury case on the terms proposed by my lawyer. Should I get a second opinion? How can I do this without breaking faith with my personal injury attorney? top

ANSWER: It's easier to get a second opinion if you have a personal attorney with you from the beginning. If the personal injury attorney was referred by your personal attorney, there is no question that the personal attorney will advise you at length on the settlement terms proposed. If you do not have a personal attorney to scrutinize and explain the settlement proposal, it is more difficult to obtain a second opinion, especially when the facts are complex and require lengthy analysis. All is not lost, however. The courts have instituted mediation programs that provide recommendations for settlement and attorney fees sanctions for those who do not accept them, and, instead, insist on trial and then do no better than the recommendations. Your personal attorney and your personal injury attorney will be able to explain these matters in the context of your case. What's important is that you listen to your attorneys and value their opinions and the efforts they make on your behalf.

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