This is the question that the firm receives most often.  However, there is no easy answer for this question.  A number of different factors impact whether someone has a legal case.  Factors to consider include: were any laws violated, were deadlines met in making any claims, and were any damages incurred.  Even if you have a case, the cost of pursuing the case may outweigh any monetary amounts that you may obtain from winning the case. During a formal consultation with Rambsy Law, the aforementioned factors will be discussed. After a formal consultation with Rambsy Law, a determination can then be made as to if you should move forward with pursuing a formal legal claim.

Back to top ^

A formal consultation will include a discussion of the specific facts of your case, the next best steps to take, pros/cons of the next steps, possible timeline(s) to resolve the case, any fees/costs associated with the case, and the possible outcome(s) of the case.  Often during a consultation, there will be a review of any documents or other information/evidence that you may have and that is relevant to your case.  The consultation also provides a chance for you to ask questions and learn more about the legal process as well as the process of hiring legal representation.

Back to top ^

Whether a legal consultation is free will depend on the nature of the case, as well as other information including any documents or information that must be reviewed before the case.  A reasonable consultation fee may be charged in those matters that require, prior to or during the consultation, an extensive review of materials.  Likewise, a reasonable consultation fee may be charged in those matters that require, prior to the consultation, a significant amount of research.  Many individuals often state that they only have an easy question that will not require an extensive or long consultation process. Legal matters are complex, and legal consultations often require preparation and research.  However, there are some matters where the firm may be able to do a short consultation free of charge.

Back to top ^

Rambsy Law bases its legal fees on a number of factors, including the nature of the legal matter, the amount of work to be done on the matter, the amount of staff or other team members required to work on the matter, and the amount of time that will be dedicated to the legal matter.  

Rambsy Law provides different payment models, with hourly payment options as well as flat-fee payment options.  During a consultation, there is a discussion of the amounts required in legal fees and any other costs.  Once a client retains Rambsy Law, the amount of legal fees, due dates for fees, and the methods by which fees can be paid are clearly explained in a written contract.

Back to top ^

Rambsy Law can take some cases on a contingency basis.  In those cases, the firm will not charge any upfront legal fees to represent a client.  However, the firm will receive a specified percentage of any recovery made by the client.  During an initial consult with the firm, there will be a discussion of the specific facts of your case.  The firm can then make a decision as to whether your case can be taken on a contingency basis.

The legal process can be a lengthy process.  It is true that the “wheels of justice turn slowly”.  If a case results in formal litigation, it can take approximately 1-2 years from the time that formal legal action is initiated until the time of the trial.  However, many cases settle before formal legal action is initiated.  Many factors can impact the length of time that it can take to complete a legal matter.  These factors can include the nature of the legal matter, whether formal legal action has been initiated, the jurisdiction where the legal matter arises, and/or the amount of damages or money at issue.

Back to top

The amount that you may win in a legal case depends on the damages that you have incurred.  Damages are determined by calculating the value of what you have lost and the amounts that it will take to make you “whole” again.  You also have a duty to mitigate your damages, which means that you must make some attempts to prevent your damages from increasing.  If you believe that you have a legal claim, keep accurate records of the damages that you believe that you have incurred.  Also, talk with an attorney about any other damages to which you may be entitled.

Back to top ^

There are very specific and inflexible deadlines to initiating a legal claim.  The deadlines will depend on the kind of case.  If you think that you have a legal claim, it is always good to contact an attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure that no deadlines are missed.  If the deadline to filing a legal claim is missed, you will not be able to bring a legal claim—even if you have been wronged or otherwise have legal claims for which you would have been entitled to compensation.

Back to top ^

Most lawsuits are public, and can be found on various databases, online searches, and public records searches.  Therefore, information about most lawsuits can be easily discovered.   Because most lawsuits are public, information about the lawsuit you filed (or information about lawsuits filed against you), can be easily discovered.  However, there are instances where the court may “seal” or require redaction for certain parts of lawsuits that may include sensitive or confidential information.

Most lawsuits are settled prior to a trial.  Settlement agreements often include confidentiality provisions which provide that the parties cannot disclose the terms of the settlement.  In circumstances where a lawsuit has already been filed, and the parties settle the matter before trial, the fact that a lawsuit was filed can be discovered through searches.  However, the manner in which the matter was resolved, and any provisions of the settlement agreement may be allowed to remain private.

Back to top ^

Rambsy Law is in the business of providing legal services, so we may have some bias when it comes to the need for a lawyer—we think that those individuals who must ask if they need a lawyer probably really do need an a lawyer.  Legal processes can be difficult to navigate, and employing a lawyer can offer guidance through a confusing, scary, and frustrating process.  Emotions can get in the way when individuals try to represent themselves.  Having a lawyer can ensure that legal strategy is guided by the facts and figures, and not personal feelings.

At the center of the lawyer-client relationship should be high levels of trust and patience.  Therefore, individuals should do sufficient research about specific lawyers, and make sure that they are comfortable with the lawyer that they choose.  Before hiring a lawyer, ask questions, and if necessary, get different opinions.

At Rambsy Law we want people to hire good lawyers, but we also want people to hire the right lawyer for them.

Back to top ^