Before hiring a lawyer, you may want to learn more about the process:
Additional resources from the Oregon State Bar and FindLaw.
Giving legal advice if you are not an attorney is unlawful practice of law; it is illegal under ORS 9.160.
Most simply, legal advice is helping someone with their specific legal situation. Legal information is helping someone find resources to better understand a legal issue.
Example: Should I file for bankruptcy?
Legal Advice: "Yes, you should," or "I'll represent you in court," or "fill out this legal form, and I'll help," or "this law applies, and this is what it means to you."
The answer depends on your circumstances. It requires explaining what the law means in your personal situation. Therefore, it's legal advice.
Legal Information: "That depends on your situation -- I'm not a lawyer. I can help you find some books about bankruptcy and show you how to use a legal database."
Legal information helps you find resources, so that you can learn more.
