Why Work With a Newport Beach Law Firm?
Newport Beach has numerous advantages that set it apart as a premium location for law firms. Not only is it home to a plethora of experienced and skilled attorneys, but the commercial center is also easy to get to from most areas of Southern California. There are also multiple large cities nearby, making it an ideal location for businesses that need access to all of the advantages of the economic hub of Orange County . Proximity to the Orange County Superior Court System, specifically the Central Justice Center, is also an important consideration. They can be housed in the same building, which makes it easier for clients and attorneys to have immediate access. There is a prestigious legal community as well as many networking opportunities for innovative and cutting-edge legal practices, such as collaborative divorce, mediation and other alternatives area attorneys offer to their clients.
Types of Law Services to Consider
Given its business-oriented climate, it’s not hard to see why corporate law dominates the legal scene in Newport Beach. Lawyers in this area specialize in organizing startups, advising existing businesses, negotiating deals, and helping with mergers and acquisitions to the local, state, and nationwide levels. With a myriad of corporate transacting opportunities, these firms help clients select the right form of business, negotiate the right operating agreements, and move forward with business operations. Wholly owned corporations, family-owned businesses, and nonprofit corporations all benefit from the comprehensive business services these firms provide. And the list of services continues. Real estate law is another highly lucrative and important legal service provided by Newport Beach firms. Those seeking assistance with real property transactions, land use and development, buying and selling homes, securing title insurance, or dealing with a commercial lease seek out these highly specialized professionals to represent them in their legal matters. Family law services are also on this high-demand organizational list. Divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, domestic violence, guardianship, and spousal support comprise a number of sensitive and highly personal issues which require an equally sensitive and highly trained firm to represent them effectively. Angling to gain yet another significant segment of the Newport Beach legal market share, personal injury firms serve a very critical role in representing victims of all forms of injury or harm. Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, dog bites, brain injuries, accidents resulting in paralysis, and wrongful death are just a few of the types of cases these firms generally cover. With attorneys across a range of specialties, and offices throughout the community, these firms offer an abundance of services, specialty expertise, and legal representation to the people of Newport Beach.
Best Law Firms in Newport Beach
Newport Beach not only boasts stunning coastal views, shopping, and surfing but also top-notch law firms that cater to the specialized needs of this affluent community. The following law firms have distinguished themselves through years of commitment to the highest standards of client care and the pursuit of legal excellence.
Rubin Advantage is a premier law firm specializing in personal injury and insurance disputes. Their decades of experience include notable cases such as the $4.5 million settlement in an insurance bad faith case. Their client testimonials shine a spotlight on their work ethic and results-oriented approach. Rubin Advantage has received an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a recognition held by only 10% of all lawyers and law firms.
Baldwin & Clarke are trial attorneys who assist clients throughout Southern California with a variety of legal needs, from criminal law to personal injury. Their approach is deeply rooted in the concept that a lawyer is an advocate or protector of their client’s rights. Numerous client reviews praise the Baldwin & Clarke team for their responsiveness and level of service. This firm has an impressive AV Preeminent rating, available for just 14% of all law firms and attorneys.
Boxer & Gerson are Southern California trial lawyers. They have garnered strong reviews for their service as advocates who truly listen to their clients. In fact, clients specifically cite the firm’s communication skills and overall availability as being highlights of their experience. They have an impressive track record in both the personal injury and criminal defense area. Five-star reviews are abundant in sites such as FindLaw, Yelp, and Google+.
Burch, Poindexter & Associates are general practice attorneys who exercise candor with their clients in order to minimize misunderstandings and revealing the full picture from the very beginning of the attorney-client relationship. This is a long-standing firm in Newport Beach with a solid reputation and a long history of providing high quality legal services to its clients. They have received the highest rating from Avvo, the highest rating from Martindale-Hubble, and are members of the American Bar Association.
Finding the Right Law Firm for Your Legal Needs
When selecting the right law firm in Newport Beach, CA, it’s important to match your particular legal needs with a firm’s experience and specialization. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
- Identify Your Legal Needs – A law firm, like any other business, will have its own areas of expertise. Determine what services you need so you can find a firm with a niche that fits. You are more likely to feel confident in your attorney if they are experienced in the practice area that applies to you.
- Verify Experience and Solutions – In the case that you have multiple legal needs, make a list of firms in your area that cover all those needs. Reach out to each firm to get a sense of their experience with those solutions. A quick search through a firm’s website or legal directories such as Super Lawyers will return some reliable information about their experience.
- Schedule a Consultation – Once you’ve narrowed down your list of candidates , schedule a consultation with each firm. Most firms will be happy to speak with you on the phone or in their office, and will outline how they plan to help you. You will also get a sense of how they communicate and whether they’re a good fit for you.
- Gauge Communication Style – If a firm doesn’t take the time to explain their services to you personally, this can be an indication that you won’t get the attention you deserve. A good lawyer has a strong understanding of their business, and should be able to communicate how they will help you.
- Review the Fee Structure – Before you commit to a firm, make sure you understand their fee structure. Whether monthly retainers, hourly fees, or contingency-based rates, you need to know how much you will be paying before you receive those bills. It may also be worthwhile to ask if the fees will increase over time, in case a case takes longer than planned.
Once you’ve considered all the above factors, and you feel confident with your decision, you can hire your new Newport Beach law firm.
Navigating Legal Procedures in Newport Beach
When clients pursue a legal case in Newport Beach, they typically follow a series of structured steps to ensure their case is brought to a successful resolution. Clients should approach their case with an understanding of these processes, as it helps them choose the right local law firm for their needs. In Newport Beach, the legal processes generally consist of the following steps:
Initial Consultation: The client meets with the lawyer to discuss the facts of the case, and receive an overview of the legal issues and options. The attorney will then explain the process and set expectations.
Engagement Agreement: If the client and lawyer decide to work together, they will execute an engagement agreement that outlines the scope of work.
Case Development: The lawyer forms a strategic plan for pursuing the case, including the legal theory and anticipated procedures. The lawyer will explain general costs and procedures, and what the client can expect.
Evidence Gathering: The lawyer collects and organizes evidence that supports their client’s position. This could involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing contracts and other relevant documents, or conducting research about relevant laws.
Discovery Process: In many cases, lawyers must engage in a discovery process before the case goes to trial, to gather necessary information. This process often requires depositions, requests for admission, and production of documents.
Pre-Trial Motions: Before going to trial, lawyers will file pre-trial motions with the court. These can include motions to dismiss evidence or even motions to dismiss the case based on jurisdiction.
Mediation and Settlement Talks: Many cases are resolved before going to trial, and this is where mediation comes in. Lawyers may recommend this as an additional option for exploring a resolution.
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, the lawyer represents the client’s interests in litigation.
Cases can be complex, with each step having its own associated sub-processes. With this understanding of the typical legal process, clients can more effectively pursue their legal case, and find a Newport Beach law firm that fits their needs.
How to Reach Out to Law Firms
Consultation Services: Steps to Get Started
After weighing the possibilities, it’s time for prospective clients to contact these entities directly. Most law firms in Newport Beach provide an initial consultation; this may be free or offered for a small fee. A consultation can usually be held over the phone or in person. It’s typically a short meeting (30 minutes to an hour) to go over the client’s issue and the potential for representation.
If possible, prospective clients should be prepared with the following information:
Organizing your thoughts on these points beforehand will help in two ways: First, it ensures that you have appropriate questions and concerns to discuss with the attorney. Second, it gives the lawyer a good sense of exactly what the case is about and whether they would be a good fit.
For example , suppose you’re looking for divorce representation. You don’t need to give a detailed review of the income level, assets, and debts of you and your spouse. What you do need to convey is that you want to get a divorce and that there are children involved for whom you want to seek custody.
The attorney can then determine what type of assistance they can offer. If you want the divorce handled in a very specific way, they’ll know that they may not be able to assist. If there’s someone else you should contact about mediation options or asset protection, they’ll be able to give you good advice.
By being prepared and being willing to share your honest thoughts, you’ll be able to sort through the various law firms in Newport Beach that you’ve contacted. Only select clients that you feel comfortable with and whose fees you can afford.