Wondering if you guys know any place where I can find a freelance lawyers online? I'm writing up a contract and need a lawyer to check it over to make sure I didn't miss anything important. Since all I need him to do is check over the contract, I don't feel like searching for an attorney near me and I'm sure it would be a lot more expensive.
Unfortunately, in my experience there's no way to get a good, cheap lawyer. You get one or the other but not both at once. I'd recommend asking around locally. If you know any lawyers ask them for recommendations, or if you know someone who might know one, ask them. Word of mouth is going to be the best way to find one. Keep in mind that you specifically want one with contract experience. The other place to get cheap advice is small business legal clinics. Often these will be held locally on a weekly or monthly basis. Also check your local small business aid organizations, they often have lists of lawyers who can help draw up contracts cheaply. If you do decide to get a lawyer to help you with this, write down the important points of the contract and let him write the actual wording. Trying to write it yourself so it sounds legal is just going to waste his time. If you don't get a lawyer, don't try to make the contract sound like legal writing. Usually contracts in plain english setting out the obligations of each party are more than enough for the courts. When you enter a contract, the assumption is that both parties understand what they're getting into. Most courts (especially small claims court) are going to interpret whatever you have written in the most straightforward way possible. Just make sure that you're very specific about the obligations of both parties.
Yes...you can use DirectAdvocate.com...hope posting that doesn't get me in trouble??? I am answering a question though