In the US, there are “21 fields of law”, in which a lawyer can specialize - covering everything from criminal convictions to business finances. However, this list is something that is likely to grow due to the fact that there’s an ever-increasing demand for lawyers and legal counsel.

As such, there are many different scenarios in which hiring a lawyer becomes a necessity, some more obvious than others. Either way, it is important that you know exactly when to reach out for help, as opposed to trying to handle certain tasks alone.

With that in mind, here are four scenarios in which you would need to hire a lawyer.

When you’re starting your own business.

When starting your own company, it is highly likely that you’re more focused on customer acquisition or product development than you are on the legal aspects of running a business. However, this does not mean that you can afford to let these tasks fall by the wayside, especially as there are severe legal ramifications in place for business owners who attempt to do so. Not only could this send your business towards premature closure, but it could also mean that you face other legal consequences, such as fines and criminal charges.  

Furthermore, a lack of understanding or legal knowledge is not an excuse to not deal with the proper legalities, either, which is why hiring a lawyer becomes essential. They can ensure that you are complying with all regulations and government guidance within your business practices, alongside helping draft employee and stakeholder contracts (among other tasks).

As such, if you are starting your own business in 2024, be sure to bring a lawyer on board as soon as possible. They are particularly crucial during your business's infancy and can help you to lay the foundations for strong (and compliant) business practices moving forward. For this reason, you may not need to hire a lawyer full-time but on an ad-hoc or freelance basis.

When you’re involved in a car accident. 

If you are involved in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, it is important that you reach out to an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. After all, if this is caused by your own negligence, a lawyer will help you to put forward the best possible defense, or to obtain a plea bargain. 

Conversely, if you’re not at fault, working with a lawyer helps you to obtain the compensation you deserve after an accident. Not only can this cover emotional damages, but it can also help you to recoup any money lost from taking time off work to recover. If you needed to pay out of pocket for car repairs or had to replace your car entirely, and the costs were not entirely covered by your insurance provider, you could also gain some money back by working with a lawyer. 

Your lawyer will make the entire process as smooth and stress-free as possible. This is because they’ll take on a lot of complicated work on your behalf, from gathering the relevant paperwork and evidence to reaching out to the other parties' legal team. 

When you’re writing your will.

While you can draft this document independently, it is often advised that you obtain the assistance of a lawyer when writing your will. This is because they are complicated legal documents that are quite easy to get wrong. 

If you do not fill out every section correctly and clearly, then your wishes may not be properly enacted upon - leading to a lengthy (and costly) legal dispute among benefactors when it comes to your money, estate, and assets. This is often the last thing that you’d want to put grieving families or loved ones through. 

Your lawyer will also be able to look over your will and ensure that you have left no stone unturned. This way, when the time comes to enact your will, your wishes will be followed exactly, and you can continue to care for and provide for those you love the most. 

When you’re being accused of a crime. 

If you are being accused of a crime, then hiring a lawyer is once again crucial. While you are allowed to defend yourself, a lack of understanding of the legal landscape or the charges you are facing means that the odds of succeeding and getting the case dismissed or charges dropped/reduced are not in your favor. 

Conversely, when working with a lawyer, you are protecting your best interests by ensuring you put forward the best possible defense. Furthermore, they’ll also be able to provide you with expert guidance throughout every stage of the process so that you are able to navigate the complex legal system with your head held high. 

Final Thoughts. 

Many people go through their entire lives without ever needing to hire a lawyer, whereas for others, it's something that they do on a yearly basis. After all, the list above is by no means exhaustive, and turning to the experts when you need advice is always wise.

However, it's also crucial that you find the best lawyer for the situation that you find yourself in. After all, hiring a lawyer can quickly get expensive, and you will want to ensure that this is money well spent. 

When hiring a lawyer, check out their website to find out more about their specialties. This way, you can see whether or not they have worked on cases similar to your own beforehand, or in the case of business lawyers, if they have any industry-relevant experience that will make them a better candidate for the job. You may also want to read any reviews for their services online, as this can give you greater peace of mind before you decide to work together. 

Either way, it is important to remember that hiring a lawyer is one of the easiest ways to protect your best interests when you find yourself in a situation that you are unfamiliar with or are unsure what step to take next.