Be kind to Lawyers Day: Why having a lawyer in your court before you go to court is a good thing

“The work of lawyers is the invisible thread running through everything a business, individual or organisation accomplishes – contributing towards the economic stability and growth of a province,” says Nompumelelo Xulu – Managing Director of NS Xulu Inc.

Lawyers are often placed in tough positions when standing for their clients whilst ensuring they get the best results they can for them. Before considering the years of school it takes to do this effectively, it is important to realise that it requires a certain person to defend their client, whatever the charge, without bias.

“More common than not, people seek to practice law in order to help others. Their driving motivation is justice and they have the ability to communicate and solve complex problems in order to bring this about,” adds Nompumelelo.

If you’ve never worked with a lawyer before, there are many types of legal issues that might require legal representation. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you have suffered an injury, been wrongfully terminated at work, are thinking about starting a business, or have been accused of committing a crime.

Lawyers can help with legal problems after they come up – after a car accident, for example – but in other instances, consulting a lawyer before a legal issue arises can help you anticipate and prevent serious legal problems.

Some common situations where getting legal advice may be necessary include:

• An accident involving personal injury or property damage
• A family problem such as divorce or a child custody dispute
• The sale or purchase of a home, real estate, or a business
• Discrimination or harassment at work
• The formation or incorporation of a business
• The drafting of a will, trust, or estate plan
• A tax problem
• An arrest or questioning by law enforcement officials

A lawyer will assess your legal issue and tell you at the outset whether it is worth obtaining legal assistance and/or pursuing legal action. If legal action or assistance is necessary, your lawyer will evaluate all aspects of your situation with you, explain your options and what to expect at every step, and take any action needed to protect your legal rights.

“Having a lawyer in your court before you go to court is a good thing. Having someone you already know and trust can lessen the stress of legal situations, so take the time to show your appreciation for your lawyer friend and keep that relationship strong,” concludes Nompumelelo.