Free Lawyer Consultations Available

Imagine being able to talk to a lawyer for free.

What good would that do? What could you possibly learn from talking to a lawyer? Lawyers are supposed to file lawsuits, argue in court, write wills and negotiate contracts.

Who wants to talk to one?

Actually, you can learn a lot from lawyers. Lawyers should be seen as potential sources of valuable information, not just hired guns. They can help you make decisions that will reduce, postpone or avoid serious problems.

So, now’s your chance to see what a lawyer can do for you. For free. Today is Law Day, a special day first established by presidential proclamation in 1958 to commemorate our nation’s system of justice.

As part of the annual Law Day events, bar associations across the state are designating one day for free lawyer consultations.

The “Ask a Lawyer” program will be in place at selected shopping centers throughout Southern California Saturday.

At some sites, you’ll have only 10 minutes to talk, so you had better figure out in advance what it is you want to say.

Unfortunately, too many people are intimidated by lawyers (and too many lawyers encourage the feeling). Consumers, especially those who’ve never used a lawyer before, simply don’t know what to ask. People only think of consulting a lawyer when they have a serious problem, but they should talk to a lawyer long before the problem arises. For example, instead of waiting until your roof caves in and you want to sue the folks who sold you your house, consider consulting a lawyer when you sign the purchase agreement to make sure that you are well protected.

When you talk to an attorney, you may discover you have rights you never imagined. On Saturday, the San Fernando Valley Bar Assn. sponsored the first “Ask a Lawyer” day at Topanga Plaza in Woodland Hills. One man who had been injured on the job had no idea that he was entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, according to attorney Gary L. Barr, the association’s Law Day chairman. The man mistakenly thought he could only collect medical benefits from his employer’s insurance company.

“This is an excellent opportunity for . . . lawyers to demonstrate to the public that the law can really have meaning in their lives,” Barr said.

The lawyers have been told not to use the free consultations to solicit business. If a consumer needs further legal consultation, they will be referred to one of the local bar referral services.

For those of you who can’t think of a question, here are some samples.

--What is escrow and how does it work?

--Can I declare bankruptcy to avoid paying my bills?

--Should I homestead my house?

--What can I do to get my noisy neighbors to shut up?

--How do I protect the computer software program I designed?

--Do I have to submit to a breathalyzer test if I am stopped for erratic driving?

The one-day “Ask a Lawyer” program is offered free at the following locations Saturday: Century City Shopping Center, Del Amo Fashion Center, Eagle Rock Plaza, Fox Hills Mall, Glendale Galleria, Laurel Plaza (North Hollywood), Plaza Pasadena, Santa Monica Place, University Village (near USC), Westside Pavilion, Northridge Fashion Center, Panorama Mall and Community Service Organization (2130 East 1st St.).

In addition, the L.A. County Bar Assn’s. Lawyer Referral and Information Service is offering free legal half-hour consultations for a week, today through Wednesday. For details, call (213) 622-6700 or (818) 503-1116.