At Fye Law Office, we have some great staff. And we want our clients, potential clients, and friends to have the opportunity to learn a little bit about them, and to hear some advice and thoughts from them. Today, you get to meet Kristi, one of the legal secretaries in our office.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My husband’s name is Brad and he works for KAAPA Ethanol at the Minden location. I have 2 children, Amie and Spencer. Amie is married to Kyle and has 4 children, JJ, Quincy, Halle, and Maddex. She is a para at the Holdrege Elementary School, and Kyle works for Husker Irrigation. Spencer is a Program Director for the YMCA at an elementary and a middle school in Lincoln. I have 3 step-children, Chelsea, who is the manager of a Caribou Coffee in Omaha, Grant, who is in the uniformed division of the Secret Service protecting Embassy Row in Washington D.C. and is getting married this summer, and Bryce who is an assistant manager of a Hy-Vee in Lincoln. I live on a farm near Axtell, but I am originally from the Holdrege area.
How long have you worked for Fye Law Office?
A year and 5 months.
What is your work experience/education/training prior to coming to work for Fye Law Office?
I worked for several years as a bookkeeper for a couple of local farmers and then took a position at CPI at their Funk location as a grain merchandiser and scale operator for 4 years before deciding to try something new and went to work for a friend of mine at her family’s car dealership in Holdrege. When the dealership sold, the opportunity to work for Fye Law Office was available and I decided to yet again try something new! I had absolutely no law background and Tana took a chance with me!
What advice do you have to potential clients who are meeting with an attorney for the first time?
Be as upfront and honest as you can. Attorneys can only deal with the information they are given and it is better for them to find out right away then to have something pop-up in court and not be prepared to deal with the information.
What advice do you have to clients in working more effectively with their attorneys?
A couple of the main things would be to make sure your attorney has an updated address and phone number and if possible set up your voicemail so messages can be left. Another thing would be to not wait until the day or two before court to try and talk to your attorney. Their schedules fill rather quickly.
Do you have any memorable experiences since working at Fye Law Office that you'd like to share?
Without getting into much detail, I’ve had a client tell me they were going to sue me, which scared the crap out of me!! Other than that, probably just things that clients seem to think they need to share with us!
What do you like about working in a law office?
We have such a variety of cases that we work with and some of them can be very interesting. Our office is pretty laid back and we all get along so well!
What is your favorite type of case or matter to work on? Why?
I haven’t worked on many, but probably the adoptions. It’s just so rewarding to see these kids adopted by loving families and to finally have some stability in their lives.
Thanks to Kristi for sharing a little bit about herself, as well as her thoughts with all of you.
Showing posts with label lawyer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lawyer. Show all posts
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Meet the Staff (Part 1)
At Fye Law Office, we have some great staff. And we want our clients, potential clients, and friends to have the opportunity to learn a little bit about them, and to hear some advice and thoughts from them. Today, you get to meet Destinee, one of the legal secretaries in our office.
How long have you worked for Fye Law Office?
Started in October 2015
What is your work experience/education/training prior to coming to work for Fye Law Office?
I worked for Lincoln County Attorney's office for 2.5 years while completing my AAS in business degree. I then moved to Holdrege. I worked as an office manager for 4 years before taking a job with Tri-Basin Natural Resource District as a secretary then moving into a public education position. I worked there for 4.5 years before starting with Fye Law Office.
What advice do you have to potential clients who are meeting with an attorney for the first time?
Be as upfront and honest as you can. Attorneys can only deal with the information they are given and it is better for them to find out right away then to have something pop-up in court and not be prepared to deal with the information.
What advice do you have to clients in working more effectively with their attorneys?
Keep them up-to-date with any information that may change. It is hard to get a hold of clients when addresses or phone numbers change and we do not know about it. Also, remember that you are not their only client. They are good which keeps them busy.
Do you have any memorable experiences since working at Fye Law Office that you'd like to share?
It is amazing how open some people are about what is going on. It is also interesting some of the stories the clients can come up with. We have definitely heard some good ones.
What do you like about working in a law office?
I love how everyday is a different day. Each case is different. It is not the same thing day after day.
What is your favorite type of case or matter to work on? Why?
I really love doing the adoptions. It is great knowing that a child is finding a forever home. Children need that acceptance it's great to see that happen.
Thanks to Destinee for sharing a little bit about herself, as well as her thoughts with all of you.
How long have you worked for Fye Law Office?
Started in October 2015
What is your work experience/education/training prior to coming to work for Fye Law Office?
I worked for Lincoln County Attorney's office for 2.5 years while completing my AAS in business degree. I then moved to Holdrege. I worked as an office manager for 4 years before taking a job with Tri-Basin Natural Resource District as a secretary then moving into a public education position. I worked there for 4.5 years before starting with Fye Law Office.
What advice do you have to potential clients who are meeting with an attorney for the first time?
Be as upfront and honest as you can. Attorneys can only deal with the information they are given and it is better for them to find out right away then to have something pop-up in court and not be prepared to deal with the information.
What advice do you have to clients in working more effectively with their attorneys?
Keep them up-to-date with any information that may change. It is hard to get a hold of clients when addresses or phone numbers change and we do not know about it. Also, remember that you are not their only client. They are good which keeps them busy.
Do you have any memorable experiences since working at Fye Law Office that you'd like to share?
It is amazing how open some people are about what is going on. It is also interesting some of the stories the clients can come up with. We have definitely heard some good ones.
What do you like about working in a law office?
I love how everyday is a different day. Each case is different. It is not the same thing day after day.
What is your favorite type of case or matter to work on? Why?
I really love doing the adoptions. It is great knowing that a child is finding a forever home. Children need that acceptance it's great to see that happen.
Thanks to Destinee for sharing a little bit about herself, as well as her thoughts with all of you.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Who's Who?! Simplifying the Roles of People Involved in Court
Sometimes it's pretty confusing trying to sort out who's who, and who does what in the court system and the justice system. This post isn't meant to be exhaustive, but simply a quick guide. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us (or your own attorney if you're already represented by one).
Judge: The judge is an attorney licensed in the state. He or she is appointed by the Governor and then up for retention election in the district in which he/she serves. There are two types of judges that people commonly come into contact with, District Court Judges and County Court Judges. They each handle cases filed in their respective courts (District Court or County Court). The judge oversees jury trials, decides bench/court trials, and oversees and decides any other types of hearings that may be held. In addition to the judges in the District Court and County Court, there are also judges who serve on the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Worker's Compensation Courts.
County Attorney: This is the prosecutor. He or she is a licensed attorney and is an elected official, although the county's board may appoint individuals to fill a term. He/she brings charges against people who have allegedly committed crimes. They also handle juvenile cases and file petitions and make allegations in these types of cases. The County Attorney also handles child support enforcement cases, other types of civil cases that may involve the county, and advises the county.
Deputy County Attorney: This is a licensed attorney that is hired by the County Attorney. He/she has any powers delegated by the County Attorney.
Public Defender: This is a licensed attorney and an elected official (although the county's board may appoint individuals to fill a term). He/she handles criminal defense work for those individuals who are indigent and cannot afford to hire an attorney of their own. Public defenders handle misdemeanors and felonies, and frequently are also contracted to handle juvenile delinquency cases as well. Public defenders represent their clients at no charge to the client. The county pays the public defender either through a salary or a contract.
Deputy Public Defender: This is a licensed attorney that is hired by the Public Defender. He/she has any powers delegated by the Public Defender. Deputy public defenders represent their clients at no charge to the client. The county pays the deputy public defender either through a salary or a contract.
Court Appointed Counsel: An individual licensed attorney can be appointed by the judge to represent an individual in a particular case. Court appointed attorneys are often appointed in criminal cases where the public defender has a conflict of interest, or in counties where no public defender's office exists. They are also appointed frequently to represent parents or juveniles in juvenile cases. Court appointed attorneys are paid by the county at no charge to the client.
Guardian ad Litem: This individual is appointed by the court and is a subset of Court Appointed Counsel. He/she represents the best interests of the client. This differs from the role of the person's attorney in that the attorney represents and pursues the stated interests of the client. The Guardian ad Litem, also known as a GAL, is generally paid for by the county at no charge to the client. However, in adoptions, custody cases, and guardianship cases, if the parties have the means to pay for the GAL's fees, the court sometimes requires reimbursement.
Privately Retained Counsel: An individual licensed attorney who is hired and paid for by the client. This occurs in all manner of civil, juvenile, and criminal cases, as well as situations that may not result in litigation in court.
Attorney: An individual who has attended law school and is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Attorney is synonymous with lawyer.
Lawyer: An individual who has attended law school and is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Lawyer is synonymous with attorney.
Bailiff: An individual who works for the judge and/or court system. He or she manages the judge's calendar and sets hearings, works with the attorneys, does dictation, prepares drafts for the judge, and similar types of clerical duties. This individual is not a licensed attorney, but is often very knowledgeable about the court system and the judge's preferences.
Magistrate: This individual is appointed by the presiding judge of a jurisdiction. He or she is not a licensed attorney, but may act in the role of a judge in certain limited proceedings, such as arraignments and bond setting. Their ability to handle certain types of hearings is controlled by the presiding judge of the jurisdiction and rules. The individual also oversees the County Court clerks and court staff.
Clerk: This term is a bit amorphous. In some counties it means the same thing as a bailiff. In other counties it refers more to the people who work in a front office, receive and copy pleadings and oversee the general workings of the court system.
Court Reporter: An individual who records verbatim what is said and prepares transcripts of what is said. Some court reporters are employed by the courts and handle court hearings, while others are freelance and handle depositions. This person is not a licensed attorney, but is required to obtain certification in court reporting.
I hope that this brief primer on the individuals involved in the court system has been helpful in sorting out the 'who's who.' Again, if you have questions, I would encourage you to reach out to your own attorney if you have one, or to our office.
Judge: The judge is an attorney licensed in the state. He or she is appointed by the Governor and then up for retention election in the district in which he/she serves. There are two types of judges that people commonly come into contact with, District Court Judges and County Court Judges. They each handle cases filed in their respective courts (District Court or County Court). The judge oversees jury trials, decides bench/court trials, and oversees and decides any other types of hearings that may be held. In addition to the judges in the District Court and County Court, there are also judges who serve on the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court, and Worker's Compensation Courts.
County Attorney: This is the prosecutor. He or she is a licensed attorney and is an elected official, although the county's board may appoint individuals to fill a term. He/she brings charges against people who have allegedly committed crimes. They also handle juvenile cases and file petitions and make allegations in these types of cases. The County Attorney also handles child support enforcement cases, other types of civil cases that may involve the county, and advises the county.
Deputy County Attorney: This is a licensed attorney that is hired by the County Attorney. He/she has any powers delegated by the County Attorney.
Public Defender: This is a licensed attorney and an elected official (although the county's board may appoint individuals to fill a term). He/she handles criminal defense work for those individuals who are indigent and cannot afford to hire an attorney of their own. Public defenders handle misdemeanors and felonies, and frequently are also contracted to handle juvenile delinquency cases as well. Public defenders represent their clients at no charge to the client. The county pays the public defender either through a salary or a contract.
Deputy Public Defender: This is a licensed attorney that is hired by the Public Defender. He/she has any powers delegated by the Public Defender. Deputy public defenders represent their clients at no charge to the client. The county pays the deputy public defender either through a salary or a contract.
Court Appointed Counsel: An individual licensed attorney can be appointed by the judge to represent an individual in a particular case. Court appointed attorneys are often appointed in criminal cases where the public defender has a conflict of interest, or in counties where no public defender's office exists. They are also appointed frequently to represent parents or juveniles in juvenile cases. Court appointed attorneys are paid by the county at no charge to the client.
Guardian ad Litem: This individual is appointed by the court and is a subset of Court Appointed Counsel. He/she represents the best interests of the client. This differs from the role of the person's attorney in that the attorney represents and pursues the stated interests of the client. The Guardian ad Litem, also known as a GAL, is generally paid for by the county at no charge to the client. However, in adoptions, custody cases, and guardianship cases, if the parties have the means to pay for the GAL's fees, the court sometimes requires reimbursement.
Privately Retained Counsel: An individual licensed attorney who is hired and paid for by the client. This occurs in all manner of civil, juvenile, and criminal cases, as well as situations that may not result in litigation in court.
Attorney: An individual who has attended law school and is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Attorney is synonymous with lawyer.
Lawyer: An individual who has attended law school and is licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Lawyer is synonymous with attorney.
Bailiff: An individual who works for the judge and/or court system. He or she manages the judge's calendar and sets hearings, works with the attorneys, does dictation, prepares drafts for the judge, and similar types of clerical duties. This individual is not a licensed attorney, but is often very knowledgeable about the court system and the judge's preferences.
Magistrate: This individual is appointed by the presiding judge of a jurisdiction. He or she is not a licensed attorney, but may act in the role of a judge in certain limited proceedings, such as arraignments and bond setting. Their ability to handle certain types of hearings is controlled by the presiding judge of the jurisdiction and rules. The individual also oversees the County Court clerks and court staff.
Clerk: This term is a bit amorphous. In some counties it means the same thing as a bailiff. In other counties it refers more to the people who work in a front office, receive and copy pleadings and oversee the general workings of the court system.
Court Reporter: An individual who records verbatim what is said and prepares transcripts of what is said. Some court reporters are employed by the courts and handle court hearings, while others are freelance and handle depositions. This person is not a licensed attorney, but is required to obtain certification in court reporting.
I hope that this brief primer on the individuals involved in the court system has been helpful in sorting out the 'who's who.' Again, if you have questions, I would encourage you to reach out to your own attorney if you have one, or to our office.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
8 Tips for a Successful Working Relationship with your Lawyer
Written by Tana M. Fye
In my time practicing law and representing clients, I've had clients that were a breeze to work with, and clients that were exceptionally difficult to deal with. In many instances, I think that the difficult clients were difficult in large part because they didn't know what to expect from an attorney-client relationship. With that in mind, I thought it would be helpful to future clients, and for those looking for attorneys to have a few tips or guidelines for working with their lawyers.
1. Remember that although you have just this one case, your lawyer has many cases. This doesn't mean that your case is unimportant to your lawyer, it is. But lawyers have lots of cases that are all important to them and their clients. Remember this, and that it sometimes means your attorney cannot get back to you immediately. It is reasonable to expect a response from your attorney at some point, and for a time frame for when you can receive a response.
2. Set expectations at the outset. For example, it is reasonable to expect your lawyer to put the fee agreement in writing at the outset. I put into my engagement agreement some expectations that I have for clients. It also includes what clients can expect from me, and what I'm representing them on.
3. Remember that some issues you present to your lawyer may require legal research. Some questions (probably most) are easily answerable by an attorney who regularly practices in the particular area of law. But specialized issues, or when a case borders on different areas of law may require additional research by your attorney. It doesn't mean that he or she is inexperienced or stupid, but just that your attorney wants to give you the right answer.
4. Share all of the information with your lawyer, not just the good stuff. About the worst thing that can possibly happen to you is for your lawyer to be surprised by opposing counsel, particularly in court. You can avoid this scenario by sharing the good information and the bad information with your lawyer at the outset of his or her representation of you.
5. Don't be afraid of lawyers' secretaries having information. The staff in our office has access to our clients' files, and works closely with the attorneys to ensure that deadlines are met, and that everyone is on the same page. I've had clients who were afraid to leave any information in a message with a secretary. This does the client a disservice. Sometimes the answer to a client's question is a simple one, and if the client leaves a message with my secretary, that means that they might get a quicker call back than a client who refuses to leave a message, when I only have a few minutes to return calls.
6. If you're upset or concerned about something, tell your lawyer. Your attorney doesn't want you to be in distress. If they know about your fears or that you're upset, they can address those issues, which may help you to keep from worrying unnecessarily.
7. Make a list of any questions that you have, so that your appointments or telephone conferences with your lawyer are efficient. This will ensure that all of your questions are answered. It will also help to keep your bill lower if you are billed by the hour, than if you call several times with only a single question each time.
8. Follow the advice of your lawyer. You hired a lawyer because he or she is an expert at the law and you are not. If you don't understand, seek clarification. But follow your lawyer's advice.
In my time practicing law and representing clients, I've had clients that were a breeze to work with, and clients that were exceptionally difficult to deal with. In many instances, I think that the difficult clients were difficult in large part because they didn't know what to expect from an attorney-client relationship. With that in mind, I thought it would be helpful to future clients, and for those looking for attorneys to have a few tips or guidelines for working with their lawyers.
1. Remember that although you have just this one case, your lawyer has many cases. This doesn't mean that your case is unimportant to your lawyer, it is. But lawyers have lots of cases that are all important to them and their clients. Remember this, and that it sometimes means your attorney cannot get back to you immediately. It is reasonable to expect a response from your attorney at some point, and for a time frame for when you can receive a response.
2. Set expectations at the outset. For example, it is reasonable to expect your lawyer to put the fee agreement in writing at the outset. I put into my engagement agreement some expectations that I have for clients. It also includes what clients can expect from me, and what I'm representing them on.
3. Remember that some issues you present to your lawyer may require legal research. Some questions (probably most) are easily answerable by an attorney who regularly practices in the particular area of law. But specialized issues, or when a case borders on different areas of law may require additional research by your attorney. It doesn't mean that he or she is inexperienced or stupid, but just that your attorney wants to give you the right answer.
4. Share all of the information with your lawyer, not just the good stuff. About the worst thing that can possibly happen to you is for your lawyer to be surprised by opposing counsel, particularly in court. You can avoid this scenario by sharing the good information and the bad information with your lawyer at the outset of his or her representation of you.
5. Don't be afraid of lawyers' secretaries having information. The staff in our office has access to our clients' files, and works closely with the attorneys to ensure that deadlines are met, and that everyone is on the same page. I've had clients who were afraid to leave any information in a message with a secretary. This does the client a disservice. Sometimes the answer to a client's question is a simple one, and if the client leaves a message with my secretary, that means that they might get a quicker call back than a client who refuses to leave a message, when I only have a few minutes to return calls.
6. If you're upset or concerned about something, tell your lawyer. Your attorney doesn't want you to be in distress. If they know about your fears or that you're upset, they can address those issues, which may help you to keep from worrying unnecessarily.
7. Make a list of any questions that you have, so that your appointments or telephone conferences with your lawyer are efficient. This will ensure that all of your questions are answered. It will also help to keep your bill lower if you are billed by the hour, than if you call several times with only a single question each time.
8. Follow the advice of your lawyer. You hired a lawyer because he or she is an expert at the law and you are not. If you don't understand, seek clarification. But follow your lawyer's advice.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)