Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2019

TOP ATTORNEY good question
When Do You Need
an Attorney?
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of Ashley Gunn and Cameron McCormick
When do you need an attorney? That may seem like a broad question, but in the age when advice and information abound online, maybe some clarification is needed. Two leading local attorneys have come to the rescue.
Ashley W. Gunn is with the Wise Carter Child & Carraway law firm in Gulfport and president of the Harrison County Bar Association. She says if you, a family member or business are ever unsure of your legal rights, or feel that your
rights are in question, you need to consult an attorney. “There is never a wrong time to consult a lawyer. As they say, better safe than sorry,” she adds. “Often people come to us when it’s too
late to help. Do not make this mistake. Good lawyers genuinely want to help and have earned a degree to be able to do just that.”
Cameron McCormick, president of the Jackson County Bar Association and a member of the Wiggins law firm in Pascagoula, also has some advice. “There are the obvious situations, such as when someone may have been injured, is going through a divorce, or being
charged with a crime,” he said. “Then there are other situations such as when someone may be purchasing property or entering into a contractual agreement. There are many areas within the legal system where one may need an attorney but in my experience, the
most common areas are personal injury, criminal law, or family law situations.”
Both attorneys note that there can be problems with online legal advice. “Online sources may
solution unique to your situation online.”
McCormick says looking for internet legal advice can create problems. “Anyone can put on the internet how great they may be or
Ashley W. Gunn
Cameron McCormick
what experiences they may have. The best way to get legal advice is to meet a lawyer in person, or at a minimum, talk on the telephone,” he said. “I have told many people if they want to find the perfect lawyer, especially if your situation calls for a trial lawyer, just go hang around at the local courthouse and observe how the lawyers communicate with the judges,
provide some helpful information, but the law is constantly evolving, and differs from state to state. How current and credible is the source you are looking at online?” Gunn says. “Chances are, if the legal solution you need is simple enough to be available online, a lawyer can assist you with limited time and cost, and you can feel confident knowing the job has
been done right. More complex issues deserve more time and attention, and you will be hard- pressed to find a
their clients, and other lawyers.” Gunn also has some tips on
finding a reliable attorney. “Like anything else, word of mouth recommendations and in-person or telephone consultations with potential attorneys can help you determine if the attorney is the right person for you and your case,” she said.
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2019
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