The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
What You Should Know About Having an Attorney on Retainer
Alexis Garcia
If you watch even a little bit of television, you have probably seen drama crime shows where an angry or accused character says he's going to call his lawyer. How do people have a personal lawyer? Well, it isn't just television fiction; it's called having an attorney on retainer. Here is what you should know about how this concept works.
You Will Pay a Fee
Having an attorney on retainer will require either a regular fee that a client can pay to have immediate access to legal counsel, which is typically paid monthly. If the client has a legal question or issue, the attorney will provide the answer or offer assistance. Some attorneys will roll the retainer fee over each month if his services are not used, but typically this fee is used to pay for the valuable commodity of unfettered access. In some cases, a retainer fee will be used towards the attorney's billable hours and the services he provides. The retainer will not always be enough to cover the eventual bill.
Who Should Have an Attorney on Retainer?
Small and medium-sized businesses often keep an attorney on retainer. This is because unlike major corporations, smaller companies don't typically have enough legal needs to require the services of a full-time attorney and keep one on their payroll. It is easier to just contract with an attorney and pay the retainer for the benefit of doing so.
People who have been accused of a crime, typically white-collar criminals or those involved in criminal enterprises, are also good candidates for keeping an attorney on retainer. Even if they are innocent, people sometimes find themselves in complicated situations where it is best they have immediate access to legal representation.
For example, if the federal government is investigating an organization for racketeering, the participants are often aware of it and know it is only a matter of time before they are arrested and charged. Keeping an attorney on retainer will allow you unencumbered communication and assistance when that anticipated time comes.
How Does an Attorney & a Client Both Benefit from a Retainer Agreement?
For the attorney, having a client on a retainer is an assurance of regular income coming in. It can also be useful for clients who are slow to pay. In addition to the benefit of immediate access a client gets, they can also control their budget by knowing what to expect each month in legal fees.
To learn more about your options, contact local law firms.
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