{"id":94,"date":"2026-06-02T11:25:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T09:25:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/syl20-conseil.org\/?page_id=94"},"modified":"2026-08-11T15:42:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T13:42:24","slug":"your-attorney","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/votre-litige.fr\/en\/votre-avocat\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lawyer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Read first<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Find a lawyer<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Printable checklist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lawyer is an independent legal professional whose mission is to advise, assist, defend, and represent clients. They are admitted to a bar and practice in compliance with strict ethical rules, notably professional secrecy, independence, loyalty, and confidentiality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lawyer can intervene before any dispute to prevent a conflict, negotiate an agreement, draft legal documents, or secure a transaction. They also intervene when a dispute has already begun, by seeking an amicable solution or by defending their client before the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the case, hiring a lawyer may be optional or mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Types of disputes handled<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

The lawyer can intervene in most areas of law, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Consumption ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Real estate and construction ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • neighborhood ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • family law (divorce, inheritance, parental authority, etc.); ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • labor law ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • civil liability ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • contracts ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • commercial and company law ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • debt collection ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • criminal law (victim or accused); ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • administrative law ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • tax law ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • insurance law ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • intellectual property ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • personal injury ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • appeal and cassation procedures (with specialized lawyers when required by law).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Some lawyers practice as generalists, while others specialize in one or more fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Situations outside their remit<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

    The lawyer cannot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • render a judgment ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • impose an agreement between the parties; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • performing tasks reserved for other regulated professions (notary, judicial commissioner, certified public accountant, etc.); ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • ensure the outcome of a trial; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • act in violation of the law or one's professional ethics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      He can also refuse a case in the event of a conflict of interest, a lack of specific expertise, or a disagreement with the client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      How they can help<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      The lawyer can intervene:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • in the office ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • by phone ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • via videoconference ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • by email ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • by mail ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • during negotiation meetings; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • in mediation or conciliation; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • before all courts where he is authorized to practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Most practices now offer remote appointments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        Eligibility requirements<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

        To consult a lawyer, it is generally sufficient:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • to make an appointment; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • to clearly set forth the facts; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • to provide the necessary documents; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • to accept the financial terms of his intervention.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Before any intervention, the lawyer generally provides a fee agreement<\/strong> specifying the services, remuneration terms and any potential fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Low-income individuals may, under certain conditions, be eligible for legal aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          How to find a lawyer<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

          You can find a lawyer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • with the bar association of your department; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • through the free consultations organized by the bar associations, city halls, or justice and law centers; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • on the recommendation of a legal professional; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • through professional directories of lawyers; ;<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • by searching for a lawyer practicing in the relevant field.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The free choice of an attorney is a fundamental principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            How to make a referral<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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            1. Choose a lawyer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            2. Make an appointment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            3. Present the facts and the documents.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            4. Review of the case file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            5. Information on the chances of success, risks, timeframes, and cost.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            6. Signing of the fee agreement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            7. Building and tracking the file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            8. Implementation of the selected strategy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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              How the process works<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

              Depending on the nature of the dispute, the attorney may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n