Frequently Asked Questions
What is a general practice law firm?
A firm that covers several practice areas. One office handles injury claims, family law, criminal defense, estate matters, and business disputes. Larger multi-practice firms assign each case to an attorney who focuses on that area.
How do general practice firms charge?
It depends on the matter, not the firm. Injury and some fraud claims are usually contingency-based, so you owe a fee only on a recovery. Criminal defense, family law, and business work are billed on a flat-fee or hourly basis, often with an upfront retainer.
Is a general practice firm as good as a specialist?
For most everyday matters, yes. Routine divorces, wills, traffic charges, and closings do not require a boutique practice. High-stakes or technical cases, like securities arbitration or catastrophic injury, are worth taking to a firm that handles little else.
How long does a typical case take?
Weeks for paperwork, months to years for litigation. A will or a real estate closing can wrap in days. Contested divorces and injury lawsuits commonly run six to eighteen months, and court backlogs stretch that further in busy counties.
What is a retainer, and do I get it back?
A deposit, not a total price. The firm bills against it by the hour and asks you to top it up when it runs low. Unearned money is usually refundable at the end, so get the terms in writing before you sign.
Can one firm handle related cases at the same time?
Often, and that is the main advantage. A car crash can produce an injury claim, an insurance dispute, and medical debt at once. One office can coordinate all three instead of sending you to separate lawyers.
What if the firm has a conflict of interest?
It has to decline or withdraw. A firm that already represents your spouse, your employer, or the opposing business cannot take your case. Reputable offices run a conflict check before the first meeting.
Types of Cases General Practice Law Firms Handle
Personal Injury. Car and truck crashes, slip and fall claims, and wrongful death suits. Most run on a contingent fee, so the firm advances case costs. Negligence and insurance coverage limits usually determine the value of a claim.
Family Law. Divorce, child custody and support, property division, and protective orders. Residency and waiting periods vary by state, so the timing of filing matters. Some firms mediate; others prepare for trial from day one.
Criminal Defense and DUI. Misdemeanor and felony charges, drug offenses, assault, and license suspensions. DUI cases carry a separate administrative deadline to contest a suspension, often just days after arrest. Fees here are flat or hourly, never contingent.
Estate Planning and Probate. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate administration. Many firms price this work as a flat package. Probate disputes over a trustee's conduct become litigation and are billed separately.
Business and Commercial Litigation. Entity formation, contract disputes, partnership breakups, and debt collection. Non-compete and shareholder fights are common triggers. Firms serving closely held companies often handle both the paperwork and the lawsuit.
Real Estate. Purchase and sale agreements, deeds, refinancing, title problems, and landlord-tenant disputes. Some states require an attorney at closing. Construction defect claims fall here too.
Bankruptcy and Debt Relief. Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 13 repayment plans, and Chapter 11 for businesses. Filing triggers an automatic stay that halts most collection activity. Wage garnishment and foreclosure defense are related services.
Insurance Disputes. Denied, delayed, or underpaid claims after storm, fire, or water damage. Bad-faith cases focus on how the insurer handled the claim, not just the loss. Property owners often bring in a public adjuster alongside counsel.
How to Choose a General Practice Law Firm
Ask who will actually work on your file. Multi-practice firms rotate matters among attorneys. Get the name of the lawyer handling your case, not just the partner you met.
Match the fee model to the matter. Contingency makes sense for injury claims. For a divorce or a defense case, compare hourly rates and ask what the retainer covers.
Check courtroom experience, not just settlement volume. Ask how many cases like yours the firm has tried. Insurers and prosecutors track which offices are willing to go to trial.
Confirm they practice in your court. State bar admission is not the same as knowing the local judges, filing rules, and calendars. Firms with an office in your county usually appear there weekly.
Look for language and access fit. Bilingual staff, evening calls, and jail visits matter when you need them. Ask about response times before you hire.
Read the engagement letter closely. It defines scope, costs, and how either side ends the relationship. Case expenses, such as filing fees and expert witness fees, are usually separate from the fee itself.