NEW TOOL OFFERED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

"Our group is doing everything possible to educate small businesses owners and the general public on the basics of hiring a lawyer," said Andy Kotner, President of San Diego County CALA. "You'd be surprised as to how little some lawyers will inform you of your rights and options in hiring them, thereby perpetuating the abuse of a legal system that is supposed to benefit us."

The "how-to guide" includes several important tips on how small business owners can make sure they select the right lawyer for their case, negotiate a fair fee, and even fire a lawyer if necessary.

"Not getting it right the first time will surely impact a small businesses' bottom line and ultimately hurt consumers and taxpayers," Kotner said. 

Kotner added that the cost of having to hire a lawyer a second or even third time is passed on to consumers and taxpayers in the form of higher priced goods and services. The advisory material was developed with the intent to hinder this cycle by ensuring that small business owners are guided through the process of finding and choosing a lawyer with the right credentials, as well as understanding and controlling the legal costs.

"This guideline is one of America's best kept secrets," said Kotner. "What's more, being a smart legal consumer can be wonderful weapon against lawsuit abuse."

San Diego County Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse is a nonprofit, legal watchdog group whose mission is to educate consumers on the costs of lawsuit abuse in order to create a climate for common-sense legal reform, and serve as a watchdog group over those special interests who seek to abuse the system for financial gain at the expense of consumers.

Call CALA at (619) 295-6059 for a free brochure, or find additional information on CALA's web site, www.sdcala.org