Can I Hire a Lawyer on Behalf of Another Person?

You can hire a lawyer to represent someone else. When you do, the attorney-client relationship exists exclusively between the lawyer and the individual they are representing. Following an incident that causes someone you know to get hurt, you may want to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer to help them out. 

If you are searching for an injury lawyer, get help from the Strong Arm of the Law. A personal injury lawyers in Atlanta have been fighting for personal injury victims for more than 25 years. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our lawyer. 

When to Hire a Lawyer for Someone Else

You may hire an attorney for a family member or friend if they are unable to do so themselves. For example, a family member may suffer a brain injury in a car accident caused by a negligent motorist. In this situation, you may want to find an Atlanta traumatic brain injury lawyer who can help this individual request damages from the driver responsible for their accident. 

Alternatively, you may seek legal help for someone who cannot afford to pay for an attorney. For instance, you may have a friend who wants to submit a personal injury claim but does not have the money to cover a lawyer’s retainer. You may agree to pay this cost and any other legal fees your friend may incur until their case is resolved. 

There are times when a lawyer you hire for someone else will work on contingency. At John Foy & Associates, you do not have to pay us unless we win or settle your case. To learn more, reach out to us. 

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Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer on Behalf of Another Person

Hiring an attorney for someone else allows an individual to receive legal support. A lawyer will make sure their client’s legal rights are protected and represent their best interests. If this individual has legal concerns or questions, they can receive help right away. 

When you pay for someone’s lawyer, you may be able to help them avoid costly legal mistakes. Following a car accident or any other incident where someone suffers a serious injury, they may be tempted to accept a settlement that may be far less than what they may get if they bring their case to trial. If this individual has a lawyer at their side, they can receive assistance as they negotiate a settlement and boost their chances of getting the compensation they deserve. 

Thanks to a lawyer, you can provide a family member or friend with peace of mind. Rather than having this individual figure out the legal process on their own, their attorney can help them each step of the way. This attorney can provide legal resources and support, ensuring their client can make informed decisions throughout their litigation. 

How Attorney-Client Privilege Works When You Hire an Attorney for Someone Else

With attorney-client privilege, communications between a lawyer and anyone they represent are protected. This legal doctrine helps ensure that an individual can discuss their legal case with an attorney and hear what they have to say about it. At this point, communications between the attorney and their client remain confidential.

When attorney-client privilege is in effect, you may not have access to information regarding someone else’s litigation, even if you have this individual cover their legal costs. The lawyer and their client can discuss a case and go over legal options with one another. Neither party is legally required to share any information about the case with you. 

You may still be included in communications between an attorney and a family member or friend involved in litigation. If you are included, the client may waive their right to attorney-client privilege. This also applies if someone is included in communications between a lawyer and their client and may serve as a witness in a legal case. 

Attorney-Client Privilege Exceptions

There are times when you may be included in confidential communications between a lawyer and their client. These exceptions may apply based on a disability that hampers a client’s ability to communicate with their attorney and other factors. They include:

• You are helping an adult who is dealing with a disability in accordance with a legal guardianship 
• You are helping a blind or deaf family member 
• The client has given their attorney permission to include you in communications

There are instances where it may be inappropriate to be included in privileged communications between a lawyer and their client. As an example, a family member or friend may already be represented by a particular attorney. In this scenario, the lawyer may advise the client not to include the family member or friend in any confidential communications. 

How to Hire a Lawyer on Behalf of Another Person

Per Georgia Code §9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If a family member or friend gets hurt due to no fault of their own, they may have up to two years to seek damages from any at-fault parties. You may help this individual hire an attorney to represent them in an injury case within two years of the date of their injury. 

You can find a lawyer to represent someone else, but it may be ideal to include the other person in this process. An attorney can learn about this individual and their legal case. They may be able to help them figure out if now is the best time to submit a request for damages from an at-fault party. 

Just because you hire an attorney for another person does not mean you will be actively involved in the litigation. You may cover legal costs for the case. However, the lawyer and their client may not be required to provide you with updates as the litigation moves forward. 

Find the Right Lawyer to Represent Someone You Know

It may be beneficial to choose an attorney who has a wealth of experience to represent a family member or friend. John Foy & Associates makes it easy to connect with an attorney who has a proven track record of success. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.