Tips for Reducing Legal Costs

One of the main problems is that many of the costs for legal counsel do not make economic sense, specifically when we look at the current tort system. In other words, payments made out to "victims" through the courts typically relate directly to the individual and not the society as a whole. Today, congress is working hard to determine what changes, if any, would boost the economy.

Most people believe that a nationwide collaboration with specific procedures, guidelines, and strategies is the best defense against the rising cost of legal costs. In other words, we need to create an environment in which a concerted effort would provide cost savings in many, if not all, industries. The truth is that litigation costs and fees are on the rise. By making sure these expenses have, a realistic and reasonable connection to risks and objectives is one way of preserving our society.

With concentrated efforts and strategies, costs could be contained but still provide the reward in appropriate situations. To improve these collaborative efforts, each person needs to consider the ways which they view things. For instance, if an entire law firm has the same concept of value, then decisions in every case are consistent, following direct strategies. This way, decisions from within the law firm are made with the same objectives in mind.

When seeking an attorney, look for a firm that has a lead attorney, someone with outstanding education, experience, and leadership. This way, informed decisions are made, resulting in the elimination of unnecessary costs that are passed down to the business owner or individual. Then, candor is essential. If certain costs cannot be discussed in a professional manner, there are problems. A business owner or individual has the right and obligation to work with an attorney that is honest and direct. This type of communication is crucial to saving money while still being provided with top-notch legal counsel.

In addition, more and more people could do some of the work themselves. Considering that public records provide significant insight, many times, information could be obtained by the business owner or individual involved with a lawsuit rather than a legal team, thus cutting significant costs. For information that would need legal support, some things could be handled by a legal aid or paralegal, again reducing costs. The bottom line is that while we need lawyers and the valuable services offered, being creative in the way information is obtained directly to a lawsuit could mdan significant savings to most industries.

Richard A. Hall is founder and President/CEO of LexTech, Inc., a legal information consulting company. Mr. Hall has a unique breadth of experience which has enabled him to meld technology and sophisticated statistical analysis to produce a technology driven analytical model of the practice of law. As a busy civil trial attorney, he was responsible for the design and implementation of a LAN based litigation database and fully automated document production system for a mid-sized civil defense firm. He developed a task based billing model built on extensive statistical analysis of hundreds of litigated civil matters. In 1994, Mr. Hall invented linguistic modeling software which automatically reads, applies budget codes, budget codes and analyzes legal bill content. He also served as California Director and lecturer for a nationwide bar review. Mr. Hall continues to practice law and perform pro bono services for several Northern California judicial districts.

Legal Costs Can Add Up to Quite a Hefty Amount

High legal costs like the aforementioned is not at all unusual as it involves senior advocates with their research teams, spanning two or more years - AND the courts are full to the hilt with cases While the Law Society sets the fees to be charged by attorneys, such fees are really for the mundane tasks, like reading and replying to letters, the cost of services in the transfer of property etc. When you and I receive the bills from these good men and women, it is us possible to faint at the prospect of paying these bills - and not the professionals that issue the bills. Be wise.insure against any legal expense.

There are legal underwriters that will insure you of reasonable legal costs brought about by litigation. These costs are limited, of course, but it is infinitely better than having to find thousands of Rands because your wife's pretty little poodle happened to fancy a piece of the neighbour's kid's left calf for breakfast. These insurance premiums are affordable and the insurer will refer you to a legal practitioner on their books. The ensuing bill (a limited amount per annum) is then settled by the insurer.

Getting involved in litigation of any sort requires substantial financial commitment on your behalf and if you lose the case, you are more often than not held responsible for the legal costs of your opponent as well. The result is an unwelcome double whammy, which could even have been prevented if you thought clearly and unemotionally about the matter in the first instance. But, of course, sometimes it becomes necessary to enter into litigation, but do so with the full knowledge of all the possible consequences of such action. Unfortunately the high cost of legal action put many people in a position where justice simply is not done because they can't afford the legal costs to pursue justice.

This means that the guilty person, who has the money, often escapes justice at the expense of the injured party. So, give the Kaiser his due and pax your taxes, keep stones away from your kids and don't let them handle any cricket ball near the neighbour's huge picture windows. Be nice to the nasty traffic cop, and for heaven's sake 'say' to the dog "Don't get involved in any slinging matches with your mother in law, because calling her names might land you in court and cost you a lot of money". This could be particularly true if the judge doesn&t have a sense of humour and won't accept your explanation of an unfortunate misspelled word used in describing your mother in law.