Tag Archives: Toni Meacham attorney at law

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Tools in the Toolbelt

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As I have already discussed, many attorneys try to focus on one or two areas of law. I am considered a general practitioner, but do focus on agriculture, and try not to do family law. I have also written about getting the most for a person’s money. Anyone that knows me would probably say that I am thrifty. In that same vein of thinking, when selecting an attorney that works for you, you should look to the other skills that they offer, or what I refer to as “tools in the toolbelt.”

     Many counties are requiring cases under $50,000.00 to go to Mandatory Arbitration, or MAR. So if you know your case value (excluding attorney’s fees) is $50,000.00 or under, it might be a good idea to find an attorney that focuses on arbitration and mediation. Maybe taken some continued learning education classes or someone that acts as a mediator or arbitrator as well as an attorney. Those individuals know what mediators or arbitrators look for to move the case forward to resolution.
    In looking for a bankruptcy attorney, selecting someone that knows how to value property may be helpful if there are issues as to exempt property. In real estate cases, someone that understands real estate law, and has the connections with real estate appraisers and real estate agents already to move the case along.
    The bottom line is that an attorney has to have more than just a law degree, they need to have tools in their toolbelt. Most attorneys are aware that they need these tools, and work towards adding tools when needed.
    My toolbelt to help a client has continued to grow. Added to my law degree, I am also a certified personal property appraiser, have mediation credits and have worked numerous mediation and arbitration cases, and have a vast network of real property experts, to name a few. The key to moving any case forward is  having a great team of people to work with and knowing who to call as an expert. When looking for an attorney to represent you, make sure you find out all you can in regards to what other assets that attorney brings to the table. Tools in the toolbelt are needed to really work a case and get the most out of every situation.
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Be Prepared

Follow these steps to get ready for your first consultation with your lawyer.

The more prepared you are, the less time it will take for the lawyer to understand and help you resolve your legal issue. This could result in savings to you.

  • Bring all documents. Make copies of all the documents you have collected regarding your case. Give these copies to the lawyer.
  • Get organized and take notes! Write down notes outlining your legal problem, or any questions you may have. The lawyer you are referred to must have your details in order to decide what is important and how to move forward in your best interests.
  • Be honest. It is very important that you give an honest account of your legal problem. This includes issues that may be sensitive to you or your family. Remember that the conversation you have with your lawyer is private, and cannot be discussed with others without your permission.

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  • Talk about how much this will cost you. Your lawyer will be ready to discuss fees during your first meeting. You should be ready to do the same. It is perfectly okay to discuss payment plans with your lawyer. Get your agreement in writing and keep a copy for your file.
    •Ask your lawyer questions. In order for your lawyer to serve you better, you must understand your case and the legal process. But remember, you are paying for your lawyer’s time. It is more cost-effective to ask several questions at once. If you call your lawyer every single time you have a question, you may be charged for each call.
    •Read all documents carefully before signing. Before you sign a document, ask your lawyer to fully explain to you what exactly it is that you are signing. If you do not understand what the document is about that you are being asked to sign, ask your lawyer to explain it to you again.
    •Keep your own files. Don’t hesitate to ask for copies of all letters and documents prepared on your case. You should also keep the written fee agreement between you and your lawyer for your records.
    •Listen to your lawyer. Listen to your lawyer and think about what your lawyer asks you to do. The lawyer’s judgments are based on legal training and experience. Remember that lawyers cannot work magic. No lawyer wins every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be what you want to hear. Your lawyer will provide advice that has your best interests in mind.

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Reference

Contra Costa County Bar Association. (2013) Get Prepared for Your 30-Minute Consultation. Retrieved from http://www.cccba.org/community/find-a-lawyer/get-prepared.php

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Have a Question and Answer Session

Make sure you are comfortable with your attorney and that they can explain the legal lingo to you if you do not understand it. Any attorney who cannot or will not take the time to answer your questions clearly and accurately is not to be trusted.

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Honesty is the Best Policy

Your counsel can only prepare for any circumstance if he/she knows all of the facts. Normally, surprises are going to harm your case not help it. Your attorney is there to assist you, so divulge all information pertaining to the situation. Your attorney may ask you questions that you do not think are relevant or that you might think are personal, but remember, they are there to ensure that you have the best outcome.

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Act in a Timely Fashion

If you find yourself in a sticky situation, whether you need legal counsel or just advice, the sooner you seek help the better off you will be. The longer you wait the longer the opposing counsel has to build a case against you or maybe just for some documents to get lost. Typically, your counsel will need time to review the case.

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Where the Law Comes From

Many people don’t pay attention to where law comes from. It really comes from two sources, the government and the court system. How the court system interprets events and law that has been passed establishes precedent as to how it will be viewed. If the public doesn’t like how the court has ruled, we then try and get the law changed. Senate Bill 6087 is a bill that has been supported by ag groups to get the RCW on water law changed. When the Washington Supreme Court issued their opinion on the Joe Lemire case in 2013 it was a surprise to many that the Court confirmed the Department of Ecology’s power to issue orders without a hearing. DOE can determine that a land owner has the “substantial potential to pollute” and can issue an order requiring that the property owner meet mandates, one of which is fencing and not using property that the landowner has paid for. Any landowner should be concerned with the DOE’s unchecked power. SB 6087 and 2 companion bills in the House help to protect private property rights and agriculture. It is important for citizens of the United States of America to remember that in the voting process we determine who fills the Senate, the House, and our Court system. You have a voice, use it to influence changes that need to be made to keep private property safe. Call your politicians and remind them that you are a voter and they need to support these bills.

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Specialized Case

Most attorneys have some area of expertise. If you have a specialized case, like a medical malpractice or patent law, make sure you find an attorney that specializes or has some level of expertise in that area. General practitioners will be able to handle many of the types of cases out there, but some cases are so specialized that it is important to find someone for that area alone. Many people don’t know that patent law cannot be practiced with just passing the bar exam.
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A Brief Video that discusses the challenges of Modern Day Farmers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMgSYSX3Tbs

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Make Sure your Attorney is the Right Fit

Shop around to make sure the attorney is the right fit for you. There are lots of attorneys out there, and you will hear good and bad about everyone. Making sure that you are happy with the person you pick is more important than anything else. Part of being happy is understanding how that attorney communicates with clients and the fee schedule. Ask about both during the initial consultation so that you understand exactly what you are getting. Also be aware that attorneys in our area have historically lower per hour rates than those in Seattle and Spokane. Many times a small town attorney gets you more bang for your buck.

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