Kingston Law Firms

Although most small business owners have the flexibility when it comes to control over how their business should proceed, they can be limited by how much money they currently have. This usually leads most of them into skipping on a few essential things such as consulting a lawyer.There is no denying that getting the services of a lawyer can be quite painful for your pocket; however, knowing what type of fees they usually charge can give you an idea on how you can save money when dealing with them.Lawyers usually charge an hourly or per diem rate especially if they would be handling a litigation case or if they would need to make a lot of travelling. Some attorneys, on the other hand, charge a flat rate. This is usually the case if what they have to do is routine in nature. You can ask for a flat rate if you are intending to get the lawyer only as a consultant for the various contracts, communications and forms that you would need for your business.Some Colorado law offices often charge a retainer’s fee if you would be needing their services for a long period of time. A fixed rate is usually paid each month in exchange for the provision of routine legal pieces of advice. There are also those who charge what is known as contingent fee. Commonly used when dealing with litigation cases, in this type of payment, you need not pay any upfront fee.  Should the lawyer be able to win a case on your behalf, that is the only time that you need to pay them. Usually, payment is about twenty five to forty percent of the total proceeds. In case they lose, you only have to pay them for any out-of-pocket expenses.Another way some Denver Colorado law firms charge their client is by value billing or what is commonly known as partial contingency. This is a modified form of the contingency payment method and is most commonly charged by lawyers who were able to successfully close a contract on your behalf. Since this usually involves thousands of dollars, it is a good idea to steer clear of lawyers offering this. There are a number of Colorado law offices who are quite flexible when it comes to their payment method. If you find one who is willing to give in to your request, make sure that you prepare an engagement letter indicating how much the payment is and how it should be made.

Think back to a cocktail party that you recently attended. There were some people who seemed to know nearly everyone in the room, moving from one group to another with ease, leaving no hand unshaken. Some others, meanwhile, stood around uneasily, waiting for the party to be over and done with so they could get off home. Which people have the better business development skills is easily guessed. In today’s world, where people often need to work together to achieve their goals within a set time period, knowing the right people is an indispensable advantage. So, the ability to develop and maintain a broad network of business acquaintances is a critical skill for every career professional. So what exactly is Professional Networking?Professional networking is the creation and cultivation of business acquaintances and friends. Those who do this effectively know its value. It is the back bone of strong and stable legal business careers. Unfortunately, for many, it is one of the most neglected aspects of professional development. A recent survey conducted in the UK by GTC, known as the Professional Network Survey, has thrown up some surprising results. Over four-fifths of people surveyed said that they would recommend their contacts from professional networks to their employer over other candidates. This also holds true for the lawyers recommending colleagues to clients.Professional Networking truly deserves the attention that it is getting today. This is because without knowing the right people, we tend to miss out on the most lucrative lead generation opportunities. Furthermore, not having the right contacts can lead to professional isolation, which is definitely undesirable, especially in the legal profession. The benefits of Professional Networking are myriad. A strong professional network extends your sphere of opportunity far beyond your direct contacts. It lets other lawyers know if you are available to co-counsel or accept new clients in your area of practice. People with strong networks get more things done, and more effectively; they learn from others with different knowledge or experience, and are able to use their network as they seek to move on in their careers, whether this is planned or simply a necessity of circumstance.The good news is that networking doesn’t need to be difficult or a chore. It can be an enjoyable and rewarding part of your business development. You’re probably already part of more networks than you realize. It’s a matter of recognizing the mutual benefits and building from there. With the advent of online social professional networks and internet marketing, law firms are finding better ways to find potential mentors, communicate with fellow attorneys and find better avenues.Technology today has redefined professional networking. Whether it is online directories, social networking sites – like FaceBook or LinkedIn – or professional sites like Legal OnRamp and Lawyerahead, modern technology has enhanced the way people interact and do business development. And with these online interactions, professional networking has been made simple and easy. Online professional networking also increases your contacts at an astounding rate.The growth of LinkedIn network at a rate of over 130,000 members a week clearly outlines the growing importance of professional networking. New online technologies provide a solution through networking websites that can help lawyers connect with each other quickly and easily, regardless of location. In times of crisis such as these, networking is the key. So start immediately and use it effectively to build a long standing legal business career. After all, networking is a lifelong project.

To find out more on how to start professional networking and build on your contacts in no time, visit www.legalimarketing.co.uk. 

 

For dieters seeking HCG for sale, the task may seem cumbersome. There are certain measures one must take when looking for HCG for sale. Many dieters hear about the powerful effects of HCG and find themselves longing for such a powerful dieting aid. Such dieters quickly discover that getting their hands on HCG is not as easy as it may first sound. There may indeed be some loopholes and obstacles that dieters face and there are sometimes legal issues involved that actually affect the accessibility of HCG. Let’s examine some of the measures below which can help finding HCG a bit easier. First of all, when looking to buy HCG products, it is imperative that you deal with a reputable HCG provider or clinic whenever ordering such products. There are plenty of distributors out there that offer HCG for sale, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily qualified or legally able to do so. When seeking HCG for sale, you should research the seller that you’d like to buy from and make sure that the seller is fully qualified to do so. One who are interested in getting HCG for sale need to be concerned with the legality of the purchase as well. It is not necessarily legal to purchase HCG for sale in all states of America. It is the buyer’s responsibility to determine if they can legally buy HCG and have it legally shipped to his or her home. There may be a minimum amount of the product that one can buy or there may be restrictions on what products can be shipped to. In order to legally purchase HCG, it’s better to get a prescription from a medical doctor. Some doctors may be reluctant to write a prescription for HCG for weight loss since the FDA has not officially approved it for this purpose yet. Nonetheless, it is legal for doctors to write these prescriptions. I hope the tips above will help you easily find HCG for Sale. To learn more about HCG for Sale, I recommend you checking out HCG Weight Loss, where HCG dieters can learn all the necessary information about HCG Weight Loss and share their experiences in losing weight. This website provides tons of resources and reviews about the revolutionary and effective HCG Weight Loss programs and reviews, along with a HCG Weight Loss forum for dieters to share their challenges and successful stories on weight managment.

Most companies either lease or buy their computer equipment, but why or when should a company rent laptop or notebook computers? Here are a few reasons to rent a laptop computer: -If you need technology on short notice or for a short time, it is best to rent a laptop. -If you need a large quantity of laptop computers for a training class, it is best to rent laptops. -If your laptop computers are on back order but your staff isn’t, it’s best to rent laptops for immediate installation. -If you need a wireless laptop computers for travel and all your company laptops and notebook computers are wired. People confuse computer renting with leasing. Renting is short term in nature and is very flexible. Leasing, like buying is a fixed arrangement. You can extend the rental or cancel at any time with no penalty. Leases can’t be cancelled without a ’severe penalty’. Renting laptops is totally flexible, requires no capital budget and can often be accomplished with a company credit card. For most companies, renting is as easy as getting office supplies. Rental companies have expert computer technicians who deliver, install and test your laptop rental right at your office, training room, trade show booth, seminar, convention or conference. Rental companies have everything you need and a backup plan if something unexpected happens. Other reasons why businesses rent laptop computers include temporary offices, traveling executives and temporary employees. Temporary Offices Temporary offices can be made complete with rental laptop computers, printers, copiers and fax machines. The hardware will be configured to your company specifications and installed at any remote location in the United States or Canada. Rentacomputer.com has set up temporary offices in hotel rooms, trailers, warehouses and convention centers. Temporary offices have been set up for State and Federal Government agencies such as FEMA, the FBI and the IRS. Also legal firms, television networks covering hurricane disasters, movie studios setting up “on location”, and new building construction sites, corporate mergers and takeovers. Traveling Executives Traveling executives won’t have to carry portable laptop computers through airports or other public transportation facilities. Executives can have technology, preconfigured and tested, waiting at their final destination! Traveling with technology is one hassle that can be easily avoided by calling a computer rental expert like a Temporary Technology Travel Agent. Temporary Employees Temporary employees need temporary technology. By renting laptop computers you can coordinate the installation and removal of computers, printers and other technology for any period of time specified. If you hire temporary employees, hire temporary technology too. Next time you have a temporary or special need, consider renting laptop computer technology and technical expertise.

The best personal injury lawyer in California almost certainly does not have any of these character profiles or tendencies. Consequently, these are probably not your ten best reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer or what you should be looking for in a good personal injury attorney. Theyâ??re reasons to fire a personal injury attorney. Here are our best ten.

1. Heâ??s sleeping with the party that hit your car.

2. He told you to confess to being at fault even though you werenâ??t.

3. Heâ??s not an attorney. He just plays one on TV.

4. His office is at the race track.

5. His phone has been disconnected.

6. Heâ??s on a list of convicted sex offenders.

7. His picture is on the wall at the post office.

8. He keeps asking you for a loan.

9. His breath smells like gin.

10. He keeps asking you where the courthouse is.

If youâ??ve been the victim of a car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian, bicycle, or auto accident, lost a loved one in a wrongful death or been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack, you can visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com for more information and call us at any of the numbers easily found on our website.

At the law firm of Sebastian Gibson, we donâ??t seek to take cases from other attorneys. If youâ??re having difficulties with your current personal injury attorney, the first thing you should do is request a meeting and let him or her know your concerns. Ask to see your file. You may find out that he or she is actually doing a good job. Or you may not.

On the other hand, if your attorney refuses to meet with you much less return your phone calls, and if youâ??ve lost all trust in your personal injury lawyer, you may have no alternative but to change attorneys.

If youâ??re already in litigation, donâ??t fire your attorney until youâ??ve lined up a replacement lawyer. You may have difficulty finding a lawyer who will take your case once itâ??s in litigation. Many attorneys wonâ??t take cases that have already been filed in court. Our firm feels the same way. The reason for this reluctance is that no attorney wants a case that has been mishandled, especially if it has been mishandled in the litigation phase.

If your claim hasnâ??t yet gone into litigation and its become clear to you that you can no longer continue with your current lawyer, you may want to consider this fact. If your attorney quits, he or she isnâ??t entitled to any portion of the attorney fees from your settlement. Consequently, it will be easier for you to find another lawyer if that lawyer doesnâ??t have to eventually split his or her fee with your former attorney.

On the other hand, if you fire your current attorney, any new lawyers you contact will weigh whether or not your case has sufficient value to make it worthwhile for them to become involved if they have to eventually split their fee with your former attorney.

What this means is that it will be beneficial to your ability to find a new lawyer if you can convince your current attorney to quit. An attorney formally quits by sending you a letter that he is declining to represent you any further. If you are in litigation, an attorney can withdraw only by filing a substitution of attorney replacing himself or herself with you or with your new attorney.

Having made a mistake with the first attorney you hired, you now need to know how to avoid making the same mistake twice. You canâ??t afford to hire a second bad attorney for your case. But what makes a good attorney from a bad one?

Contrary to popular belief, itâ??s not his or her skills in the courtroom. Itâ??s his or her personal communication skills. A good attorney returns every clientâ??s phone calls as soon as he or she is able to. A bad attorney ignores his clientsâ?? calls when he or she thinks they donâ??t need to talk to him or her. An attorney with good communication skills, both in how he talks and listens to you, and how he or she can write, will likely be just as good in court as he or she is in his office and on the phone.

A good attorney is meticulous and organized. A good attorney can still have an office thatâ??s messy, but your file had better be well organized or it will be very unlikely he or she can prepare a thorough and complete evaluation of your case with copies of all the medical bills and records, wage loss documentation, vehicle damage photos and estimates, witness statements (if necessary), the police report and police photos (if any) and a well-written demand letter from four to twenty pages in length, the length of which depends mostly upon the volume of medical records and the severity of your injuries. A bad attorney almost certainly wonâ??t be conscientious or sufficiently organized to prepare anything close to a good demand package for the insurance company and as a result, the settlement offer the insurance company makes on your case will reflect this.

A good personal injury attorney will be experienced in negotiating personal injury settlements. He or she will also be good at negotiating the medical liens and any amounts that have to be paid out of your settlement for your medical treatment. A bad attorney will recommend that you take the first or second offer an insurance adjuster makes on your case and will also think that you have to pay your medical liens and any medical bill balances dollar for dollar, when in reality, they can often be reduced substantially.

A bad attorney screams and yells at insurance adjusters, putting themselves on the adjusterâ??s mental list of attorneys they least want to talk to. A good attorney is respectful, even when disagreeing with an insurance adjusterâ??s evaluation of a case, and persuasive in presenting your claim because he knows all of the details having written a thorough demand letter to get the best settlement possible.

A bad attorney leaves all of the above to his or her staff of secretaries, clerks and paralegals while he or she does other things. A good attorney does virtually all of the legal work himself, leaving just some of the typing to his secretaries and just the research to his law clerks or paralegals (and many good attorneys wonâ??t even delegate the research) while preparing the demand package letter and talking with the insurance adjusters himself or herself.

Most of all, a good attorney is personable. He or she has a sense of humor and is able to make you feel comfortable and even smile. You can relate to him or her just as he or she can relate to you. He neither brags nor needs to. He or she has a quiet confidence and a winning personality. Most of all, you feel like he or she could be someone youâ??d want to call your friend.

At the law offices of Sebastian Gibson we return every clientâ??s phone call as soon as it comes in, or if we are in court, as soon as we return to the office. There are no secretaries writing demand letters, returning the calls made by clients wanting to speak to the attorney and no staff member talks to an insurance company adjuster in place of Sebastian Gibson.

Attorney Sebastian Gibson has obtained millions of dollars in settlements and multiple million dollar settlements and has over thirty years of experience.

We believe that you hired an attorney for your personal injury case for that attorneyâ??s expertise, not for him or her to shove the work off onto inexperienced and untrained in the law staff members.

Most of all, we like our clients and we hope they truly like us. We hope that you will feel the same way about your attorney.

We invite you to visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com and call us if youâ??ve been seriously injured in a personal injury auto, pedestrian, bicycle, car, truck or motorcycle accident or if youâ??ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death or if you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog or other animal and need to retain an attorney.

When I think of an inventor, people like De Vinci ,Ben Franklin, Edison, and Bell come to mind. Now days it seems anyone with an idea is an inventor. Granted, we do have people coming up with marvelous and very creative ideas. We see it all the time on late night info commercials. The reality is that less then 10% of patents even make it to market. I think it’s because most so-called inventors, don’t take the time to investigate if there is even a market for their product. None the less, thousandsof people have ideas that are going to make them rich,and they don’t know where to start.That is where your friendly Invention Company comes to the rescue. The thing is, they all offer legitimate services and have clients who have actually made money. Oh whatmoney you can make too. A license agreement is the Golden Fleece for inventors. Many times a company who likes your idea will pay as much as $100,000 or more, in up-front money. Then the monthly residuals can also be in the thousands. Remember that 10% I talked about,well that pertains to the Invention Companies as well. I’m not going to name names, because most of them operate in the same manner. You can always Google inventioncompanies. I’m sure you will find more than a handful listed. I’m also equally as sure if you go to Rip Off Report you’ll see many of them listed there as well. Almost all of these companiesreel their fish in the same way, with the offer of a free gift or evaluation. THE BAIT Invention Companies don’t want to scare you, so they usually offer to send out the FREE obligatory Invention Kit. It is always presented in a very attractive and professional package. They all send a beautiful brochure, and some even include a CD showing what a great organization you are getting involved with. Of course there is always information on Patent Help. They want to plant that seed of protecting your fantastic idea right away. The other document they enclose is your safe form to submit your idea. (This can also be accomplishedonline through their secure website) It won’t take very long before they contact you, believe me.

THE HOOK

When they contact you, it is always with good news. Your idea or invention has enormous potential. Before we can move forward however, it must first be determined if there is someone who came up with your idea first. Now it just so happens that they have put together the most efficient team of researchers, so they can keep the cost of a Patent Search very reasonable. The price they charge is somewhere in the neighborhood of $500-$700. Of course once they determine yours is a unique idea, then they will be there to assist you with a Patent. That cost is not quoted of course, because they must do the Patent Search first.

THE CATCH

For those unsuspecting “inventors” who let them do the Patent Search, the company also offers the complete line of services, designed to take your idea from concept to market. By this time you have fully researched them. Their Brochure has listed the hundreds of manufactures just waiting to buy your product. All we need now is the perfect PROTOTYPE. For only $10,000 to $15,000 of your money, they will design, build, and “market” your brainchild, and take only 10-15% of what you make.The “marketing” consist  in most cases, of false promises.The so-called manufacturing contacts, constitutes no more then listing your invention on a website that prospectivebuyers can view. A good prototype will occasionally bepresented at trade shows. Most cases however, sadly end up with a $20,000+ souvenir for their efforts.

There are a few Invention Companies that do offer to pay for everything, if your idea or invention is worthy of their investment. Of course they will take a piece of the pie,20-25%.That seems fair. If they’re footing the bill, then they are surly going to do everything to get you that licencing agreement. The “hook” here is that an evaluation must firstbe performed, to determine the validity of your project. That will be priced at about $200. Now if you truly believe yours is the next best thing, this is the way to go. It was for me.I will warn you however, your idea must be marketable to absolutely everyone, or don’t waste your money. I came about 12 points from acceptance, because I was catering to a niche market. A very large niche, but none the less, a niche market. I don’t regret the investment however, I was  able to learn a little more about the business. They told meabout the Provisional Patent. Which for only $100 will give you protection for a year. Let the manufacture who buys the idea pay for your real Patent. Something you’ll never hear from those other invention companies. They also guided me in the direction of some website’s that manufactures peruse.Which brings me to this little tip for you. Never send anyone anything original without first doing: A POOR MANS COPYRIGHTIt is something I learned about when I was a young writer submitting television treatments. Any original thought or  idea that you come up with, should be protected with this procedure. On paper, write down everything about your idea, including all drawings or plans. Then mail it to yourself as registered mail. It will be timed stamped and dated. Keep it safe because it is considered a legal document, and will hold up in court.

Well now that I knew about patent searches, patents, and provisional patents, I thought what else didn’t I have knowledge of. Further research led me to an offer by a very respected inventor. He has dozens of patents, many of which has made him extremely wealthy. For only $350.00 he sends you his system that shows you how to take an idea and market it.The system also includes the inventor as your very own mentor.Believe me, if I spent the $350.00, I would be giving you his name and website right now.But I found something equivalent for a fraction of that cost.

Frank Stapleton the co-inventor of the Screensweep, has written an E-Book that tells you everything you need to know. Chances are you have used his invention to clear the dust off your computer monitor. Millions of Screensweeps have been sold since 1998 and are still selling today. His book covers everything, including: *  Patent an invention without paying the hefty patenting fees. *  How to get your product to market quickly WITHOUT wiping out your entire life savings or mortgaging your home. *  The EXACT sequence of events you need to follow to launch your invention idea. Just follow the simple step-by-step flow chart included in the e-book. Please, before doing anything read this book. You can find it at:My recomMANNdations

InventorsClick Here

I invested almost $200.00 before getting on the right track. I Hope I have helped you to at least understand better, the Invention Company’s game.

Let’s face it; times are tough for everyone these days. On the top of the list are homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments as well as other financial hardships. Most of the news heard lately about “mortgage relief” and “bailouts” does not appear to be helping homeowners facing default or foreclosure as we may have anticipated. The truth is, mortgage lenders don’t do loan modifications unless they are forced to, one way or another. To make matters worse loan modification companies offering stop foreclosure or loan modification services may be placing borrowers in worse situations by re-submitting all their financial information to the lender for a loan modification. In most cases these loan modifications are denied and now the lender has updated information that may even implicate the troubled homeowner in mortgage fraud. Many borrowers who bought or refinanced a home in the last three years used a Mortgage Broker who sold them an ARM or worse yet Option ARM loan while inflated home values and stated income allowed them to borrow more than the home was worth. Real estate agents, mortgage brokers, appraisers, loan officers, underwriters as well as bank executives made a killing in this market, and now we’re really feeling the effect. Most homeowners can’t refinance these days due to drastic property value declines, bank failures as well as financial hardships most are facing due to the “credit crunch” and our troubled economy.

So with all the lenders “smoke and mirrors” and bad news surrounding us what’s a troubled homeowner to do?

A loan modification seems to be the best option, as well as your only hope if you want to keep your home. Currently, one out of six homeowners nationwide is in default or foreclosure. Loan modification companies are coming out of nowhere boasting they are going to use TILA and RESPA violations to go after mortgage loan servicers and force them to modify your loan and reduce your principal balance. This just isn’t true. In matter of fact and loan modification company that is not a Law Office has absolutely NO leverage against your lender. Honestly, do you think a Loan Modification Company that offers you NO legal representation or a Loan Modification Attorney that offers a Loan Modification service is going to sue your lender? In addition, some attorneys out there would like you to believe a law suit is going to save your home. It may, but trust me; it’s going to cost a fortune. In some cases when a attorney can prove “predatory lending” or significant TILA or RESPA violations a simple phone call can get the job done. Borrowers need to be very careful these days in their approach with the lender. A lender does not have to modify your loan just because the property value dropped, that is not considered a hardship to them and they certainly don’t have to reduce the principal balance but they will in some cases. The Feldman Law Center is a Law Office that specializes in representing troubled homeowners imminent danger of losing their home, whether they are behind in their mortgage payments or not . Saving homes and offering sound legal advice is what we do, and we’re the best in the business. Troubled borrowers need proper representation with their lender, limiting our client’s exposure as well as fighting for the best possible loan modification is what we do best.

We are not here to milk our client’s for hefty retainers and leave them for dead, in matter of fact our fees are modest considering what you get with the Feldman Law Center. Our sophisticated approach drives proven results that save our clients homes. We have modified mortgages for lenders employees as well as many high level executives. We deal directly with the banks executives and not the minimum wage loss mitigation employees you will find on your own or with a loan modification company.

WARNING: Attorney based and assisted loan modification companies are NOT law offices and only offer “smoke and mirrors” as a means to get you to trust them. The Attorney Generals office as well as the Department of Real Estate simply cannot keep up with the loan modification companies operating illegally & unethically.

Important things you must be aware of:

1) Do not give any up front fees to loan modification or stop foreclosure companies boasting “attorney based”, “attorney backed” or “attorney assisted”!

2) Do not pay for a forensic loan audit unless it is performed by a Law Office, an attorney is the only person that may use lending violations as leverage!

3) Do not use a loan modification company unless they have an up front fee agreement approved by the DRE and offer a 100% money back guarantee!

4) Do not trust just anyone with your difficult situation; contact a Law Office and hire an attorney who specializes in Loan Modification and Loss Mitigation services!

 

There are many companies using the words “attorney”, “legal”, “lawyer” and so on. The bottom line is, these loan modification companies are wrongfully using this language unless they properly disclose they are NOT a Law Firm. Also, not to mention giving you advice that could cost you to lose your home and put your family on the street. Struggling homeowners need real help during these difficult times and not some ex- loan officer trying to get a fat commission or give them advice. The Feldman Law Center offers troubled borrowers real solutions and legal representation with creditors at a very reasonable flat fee. We do not believe in milking our clients with monthly billing for legal services and offering false hope.  We offer straight talk, sound legal advice and the best possible results utilizing our expert negotiation skills and Federal Mortgage Laws. Call us today and see the difference for yourself. We will be more than happy answer any questions and share our knowledge as well as our proven results. We take great pride in our work and strive to be the #1 Law Firm in the country offering loan modification services.

Mr. Steven C. Feldman, ESQ. is available Monday – Friday during normal operating hours for in office appointments or a free consultation.

Call or Law Office at 800-527-8497 or apply on line at www.feldmanlawcenter.com  

If you need extra cash to cover emergency expenses with a secure no third person and fax-less money lending transaction, then instant cash loan is the right solution for you. Cash loan application is completed, evaluated within minutes and approved on the same day. There are many instant cash loan providers in the net today that can provide you with quick cash that you direly need.   However finding the right cash loan provider to avoid scams must be your priority to make sure that you will not pay more than what you have borrowed.One of the most reliable and trusted instant cash loan providers in the net is Cash Advance Australia. Cash Advance Australia has been in the lending business for years now and had save many Australians from the embarrassment of not having the cash right when they need it through their instant online cash loans.Cash Advance will lend you money for whatever reason without the usual hassle of credit history checking, filling of paper works with lengthy approval process and pawning of collateral. With cash advance loans, you can handle money emergencies any time, any day.Like any other lending institutions, Cash Advance Australia also requires you to pass three simple conditions to speed up your instant online cash loans application. You must be of legal age (18 years old or above), must have a stable job and sufficient income to ensure cash advance lenders that you can pay back the money you borrowed in due time.Application for cash advance today is fast and easy. It will only take you 4 minutes to fill out the cash loan application form. Another minute for confirming the cash loan application by ticking the confirmation button found at the bottom of the page. Your requested funds will be deposited in your bank account after an hour from signing your cash advance loan contract agreement.Plus, with Cash Advance good communication and transparency policy, you can be sure that you know upfront of your cash advance costs. Cash Advance will send you SMS and email messages to help you track your application, cash advance loan history and keep your repayment schedule up to date.Applying for cash advance loans is quick and simple. No faxing and totally hassle-free. Get instant cash advance loan service only at a professional cash loan provider!Visit http://cashadvance.com.au/ for more information.

Toronto law firms can help answer your legal questions, facilitate your transaction (e.g. business, real estate, wills and estates, family, etc.) or even represent you in court. Here are some of the different types of legal services that Toronto law firms can offer:• Accidents and Injuries: Involved in an accident where you suffered personal injury?• Business: Need corporate or commercial agreements? Need to have a lawyer help you do a transaction?• Charities and Not-For-Profit: Need to establish a Not-For-Profit corporation or obtain charity status?• Civil Litigation – Higher Court: Have a serious legal claim that needs to be litigated in the Superior Court, Divisional Court, etc.?• Civil Litigation – Small Claims Court: Have a legal claim (e.g. breach of contract, negligence, etc.) for less than $10,000?• Constitutional / Human Rights and Freedoms: Challenging a law or government action / inaction?Criminal: Charged with a criminal offence? Appealing a conviction?• Employment and Labour: Need an employment agreement? Unjustly terminated? Need to know your rights?• Family: Going through a separation or divorce? Fighting to get custody or access? Dealing with spousal and child support?• Government: Need to lobby the government? Need to resolve a dispute with a government agency?• Highway Traffic Tickets: Charged with speeding or DUI? Need to fight traffic tickets?• Immigration: Need to immigrate to Canada? Fighting against deportation?• Insurance: Having difficulties with your Insurance company?.• Intellectual Property: Need to register a copyright or trademark? Need help with a patent?• Landlord and Tenant: Need a resolve a dispute? Need to know your rights?.• Notary Public / Commissioner: Need to notarize or commission your documents?• Real Estate: Need someone to facilitate your residential or commercial purchase, sale, or lease?• Tax: Need help structuring your tax affairs? Need help resolving tax disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency?• Wills, Estates and Trusts: Need a will? Need to update your will? Find out why having an up-to-date will is a must.Try to consult with a couple of Toronto law firms and Toronto attorneys until you’re comfortable with whom you’re speaking with

SELF HELP GROUP AS AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY AND DOABLE APPROACH TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN INDIA

Prof. D.Sambangi

Head, Department of Social Work, Kodaikanal Christian College, Tamil Nadu, India 

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THE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Empowerment is a process of awareness and capacity building leading to greater participation, to greater decision making power and control and transformative action. Empowerment of women signifies harnessing women power by conscientising their tremendous potential and encouraging them to work towards attaining a dignified and satisfying way of life through confidence and competence as person with self-respect, rights and responsibilities.  Empowerment as a concept was introduced at the International Women’s Conference at Nairobi in 1985. The conference defined empowerment as “A redistribution of social power and control of resources in favour of women. Empowerment is a multi-faceted process which encompasses many aspects i.e. enhancing awareness, increasing access to resources of economic, social and political etc.”1 In recent years women empowerment has become a subject of great concern for the nations all over the world especially in poor and developing countries. The impact of globalization is seen eventually on position of women in some form or other in most of the developing countries with the variation of degree. The United Nations has also strived hard in an incredible way to draw the due attention of the World Community on this issue in the past years.

(1. International Women’s Conference held at Nairobi in the year 1985)

SHG AS AN INEXORABLE WAY TO EMPOWER WOMEN-RATIONALE

One has to believe that the progress of any nation is inevitably linked with social and economical plight of women in that particular country. For concrete results, we have to assert and act with our full might and what is needed most. Empowerment by way of participation in SHG can bring enviable changes and enhancement in the living conditions of women in poor and developing nations.. Self Help Group (SHG) is a process by which a group of 10 – 20 women with common objectives are facilitated to come together voluntarily to participate in the development activities such as saving, credit and income generation thereby ensuring economic independence. The principles underlying the SHGs are financing the poorest of the poor, and achieving holistic empowerment. SHG phenomenon certainly brings group consciousness among women, sense of belonging, adequate self confidence. What she cannot achieve as an individual, can accomplish as a member of group with sufficient understanding about her own rights, privileges, roles and responsibilities as a dignified member of society in par with man. When she becomes a member of SHG, her sense of public participation, enlarged horizon of social activities, high self-esteem, self-respect and fulfillment in life expands and enhances the quality of status of women as participants, decision makers and beneficiaries in the democratic, economic social and cultural spheres of life. Thus undoubtedly SHG can be an effective instrument to empower women socially and economically by which the implication on the overall development of women is indisputably possible particularly for a country like India wherein still large segment of women population are underprivileged, illiterate, exploited and deprived of  basic rights of social and economic spectrum.

The experiences of SHGs in many countries have been proving great success as an effective strategy and approach in recent years. Group-oriented efforts in the form of Micro-credit groups in different countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia are examples of current self-help efforts. The grameen groups in Bangladesh ,Local self-help development efforts – harambee (Thomas, 1985) in Kenya , Tontines or Hui with 10 to15 members  involved in financial activities through cash or kind in Vietnam,self help efforts through credit unions, fishermen groups, village-based banks, irrigation groups etc (Gaonkar, 2004 ) in Indonesia , the self-help groups (SHGs) in countries like Thailand, Nepal, and Sri Lanka and India are successfully proving forms of micro-credit groups or  SHGs.

THE PROBLEMS OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN INDIA

The Constitution of India guarantees equality, liberty and dignity to the women of India. The Fundamental Rights, The Directive principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties etc virtually assure equal status to women and provide special protection. After independence, a gamut of laws have been passed and some have been altered so as to award equal share to women in property as well as to eradicate some of the injustices meted out to women. However there are many shortcomings and ambiguities in the enforcement of laws.  As a result of this, the evil of dowry continues in spite of the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961. Sati Prevention Act was passed in 1987 but glorification of sati continues in the state of Rajasthan. Immoral Traffic Prevention Act was passed in 1956 but does not prohibit prostitution altogether. Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1975 has led to amniocentesis and female foeticide . It is  believed  that 78,000  female foeticide  are done every year in India.. Indecent Representation of women’s Protection  Act was passed in 1986  but the media still continues  to project  women as sex objects . Suitable changes in the Indian Penal code, Code of Criminal Procedures and the Indian Evidence Act have been made especially for the offence of rape, but judicial process and perception continue to be heavily weighed against victims of rape. Some of the labour laws are never enforced and some enforced in a mutilated form. In spite of the Equal Remuneration Act 1976, there is discrimination in promotion, training and transfer on the basis of sex.  By and large undoubtedly more than six decades of efforts since Independence  by the government and spell of fights and struggle  under the immense  pressure of women  lib activists  in the country  have indeed brought certain  changes  in social, psychological  and economic and political spheres of life. Consequently it becomes an imperative need to look into problems and issues and their implications upon underprivileged women thereby to explore appropriate strategies and approaches uplifting women in all spheres of life in India.

THE GENESIS AND GROWTH OF SHGS IN INDIA

The Self Help Group (SHG) in India has come a long way, since its inception in 1992.  The spread of SHGs in India has been phenomenal. It has made dramatic progress from 500 groups in 1992 (Titus 2002) to some 16, 18,456 groups that have taken loans from banks. About 24.25 million poor households have gained access to formal banking system through SHG-bank linkage programme and 90% of these groups are only women  groups (NABARD2005)2. The NABARD(2006)3 homepage declares that more than 400 women join the SHG movement every hour and an NGO joins the Micro-Finance Programme every day. There are also agencies which provide bulk funds to the system through NGOs. Thus organizations engaged in micro finance activities in India may be categorized as Wholesalers, NGOs supporting, SHG Federations and NGOs directly retailing credit borrowers or groups of borrower. The spread of the SHGs is highly concentrated in the southern part of the country with very few in the north and the east. Over half a million SHGs have been linked to banks over the years but a handful of States, mostly in South India, account for almost 60% of this figure (Harper 2002b, NABARD 2005:41). Andhra Pradesh has over 42%, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh have 12% and 11% respectively, and Karnataka has about 9% of the total SHGs (Chakrabarti, 2004). Since the advent of   SHG in India, it’s growth rate has been very low in the states of Rajasthan, Bihar, Utter Pradesh , Madhya Pradesh , Orissa and union territory of Andaman Nicobar Islands where the status of women is still very backward and pathetic.

The SHGs have taken the form of a movement for women’s social development in India. In fact as a strategy for women’s development, they have arisen out of the perceived problem of women’s lack of access to resources at both the household and the village level. Women’s development has gone  beyond the economic dimension and place emphasis on issues relating to equality, autonomy and self reliance at the individual level and on solidarity of the community (of women) at the group level (Hardiman & Midgley 1982, Dube 1988, Pieterse 2001). As a group-oriented model, SHGs in India is a mechanism for women’s development to bring in individual and collective empowerment through improvement in both ‘condition’ and ‘position’ of women. Women are organized as collectives towards the overall goal of achieving gender equality as well as sustainable,Comprehensive community development (Purushothaman1998:80). Unlike the self-help projects in Kenya, the SHGs in India are primarily micro-credit groups and the direct objective of micro-credit is to improve the ‘condition’ of women. Women in India are mobilized to protest against domestic violence, legal discrimination, rising prices, dowry,Prohibition of liquor, rape, child marriage, female infanticide, sexual abuse, domestic violence, male alcoholism and so on. In dealing with women’s strategic interests, women participate in collective activities through SHGs to address these strategic needs. In the process, it aims to empower women with several forms of power. Hence a study on Empowerment of rural women through SHG in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu, South India

A STUDY ON EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN THROUGH SHG IN VELLORE DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, SOUTH INDIA

The objectives of the study: The main objectives are a) to understand and analyze  psychological, social and economical benefits accrued by women participating in SHGs and b) to explore the merits of SHGs as strategy and approach to empower women in India.

Nature of the study: The study is a descriptive in nature as it has attempted to describe the psychological, social and economic benefits enjoyed by the members by participating in self help groups. T

Data Base: The information collected directly by the researcher from 100 respondents’ form as primary data and other details collected from text books, reports, websites etc form as secondary data.

Sampling and Tools: This micro –level study was conducted among women of 20 Self-Help Groups which have completed 5 years.   A total of 100 women (members of SHGs)

were selected comprising four persons randomly from every group and  one animator from each group purposively. Interview schedule was utilized as a tool of data collection as most of the respondents were semi –literate.

Place of study: This study was conducted in three villages i.e. Ariyur Village, Ariyur Colony , Chitheri  and Avarampalayam Village  of  Vellore Panchayat Union , Vellore District , Tamil Nadu,South India.

THE MAIN FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

Psychological Empowerment : The participation of women in SHGs enables them to acquire inimitable psychological benefits to rise up psychologically powerful which is an  essence for women empowerment in any socio-cultural and economic environment and situations. The respondents of the present study have accrued various psychological benefits including self awareness, high self esteem, self confidence and courage , understanding about own rights, privileges, roles  and responsibilities, power of self determination , Positive attitude , Risk taking ability , Power to face challenges of daily life, gaining knowledge and new ideas and skills, great relief from mental stress and anxiety, leading a happy and satisfied  life and so on. Out of 100 respondents 75 percent had got self awareness gaining adequate understanding about strength and weakness of self to reasonable extent. About 82 percent had developed a high level of self –Esteem. 69 percent of the respondents had obtained enough Self – Confidence and Courage. SHGs had given enough exposure for about 89 percent of the respondents to understand about their own rights, previleges, roles and responsibilities. The power of self-determination had tremendously improved among 70 percent of respondents. The positive attitude about life and society had come to more than 65 percent of the respondents. The risk taking ability had developed among 55 percent of respondents. The SHGs had enhanced the power to face challenges of daily life for 63 percent of the respondents. Through participation in SHGs 67 percent had got General Knowledge, New ideas and communication skills. The four fifth of the respondents i.e. 80 percent had great relief from mental stress and anxiety due to group moral support and comfort. The majority of the respondents (73 percent) were able to lead happy and satisfied life  due to participation in SHGs

Social Empowerment: The women who participate in SHGs garner a lot of social benefits including awareness about society and existing social problems, good recognition and image in the family and community, role in family decision making on important matters, plan and promote better education for their children, Able to take care of health for children and aged. participation in public and political life, chance to serve the community including fighting for the basic amenities and welfare needs of village community such as safe drinking water, street light, public sanitation etc, chance to help weaker section like aged and differently abled,  able to resist social evils like dowry, violence against women, gender discrimination and other social injustice in the family as well community , sense of responsibility for collective action and solidarity etc. Out of 100 respondents 83 percent got awareness about their own community and society in general. About 79 percent enjoyed considerable recognition and good image in the family and community after joining SHGs. Nearly 65 percent had the privilege to participate in family decision making process on important matters. 57 percent of the respondents were able to contribute for the education of their children. More than 60 percent of the respondents were able to take care of health of the children and aged in the family. For half of the respondents SHGs provided opportunities to participate in public and political life.  75 percent of the women had the chance to serve their own community including fighting for the basic amenities and welfare needs of village community such as safe drinking water, street light, public sanitation etc. One fourth of the women ( 25 percent ) got chance to help aged and disabled in the community. More than two third ( 72 percent) able to resist social evils like dowry, violence against women, gender discrimination and other social injustice in the family as well community. About 60 percent of the respondents felt that they had sense of responsibility for solidarity and collective action.

Economic Empowerment : The members of SHGs are really privileged to enjoy many economic benefits including saving, liberation from debt trap, economic independence , economic skills for income generation, able to contribute for education of children , able to meet the healthcare needs, accumulate economic assets including house, land , jewels other valuable things, economically strong to meet unexpected financial challenges and so on. All the respondents were able to save reasonable amount for safety and security. For more than 60 percent of the respondents were able to liberate their families from the debt trap. About 71 percent of them attained  economic independence to greater extent and able to contribute towards prosperity of the family, More than half of the respondents (58 percent) had acquired some economic skills or other with help of SHGs  for income generation or additional income, 69 percent of the respondents were in a position to contribute for education of children and healthcare needs of the family with help of saving, 38 percent had accumulated economic assets including house, land, jewels other valuable things. Majority of the respondents (78 percent) felt economically strong enough to meet unexpected financial challenges being as members of SHGs with help of saving.

THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY

The outcome of the study clearly indicates that the majority of women who constituted as respondents for the present study, being members of SHGs have benefitted considerably in terms of psychological, social and economic development. Women participation in SHG have obviously created tremendous impact upon the life pattern and style of poor women especially in rural areas and empowered them at various level not only as individual also as member of family, member of community and society as whole. It can be concluded that the SHG strategy is undoubtedly a convivial experiment for women empowerment in India as it opens up flood gates of opportunities to enhance capacities and capabilities in their development and growth in total perspective. It is evident from the study undertaken by the researcher that women particularly in rural, tribal and slum areas can be empowered psychologically, socially and economically with the concerted application of SHG as an effective strategy and doable approach. It is also understood from the study that Indian women have adequate potential sparks which can be well fanned into flames with necessary guidance and training through SHGs thereby bringing them to live in par with men in all spheres of human life in our society. Therefore as a group-oriented model, SHGs in India can be evolved as mechanism or movement for women’s development to bring in individual and collective empowerment through improvement in both ‘condition’ and ‘position’ of women in India or else where the plight of women is miserable and pitiable.s

Suggestions and Recommendations

The following suggestions and recommendations have been made based on the findings of the study and also in the interest of welfare women of India in general

The Concerted efforts should be made to form SHGs for women as much as possible in rural and tribal villages and slums to uplift womenfolk particularly in very backward states and Union territories by government agencies, Educational Institutions, NGOs and other service organizations of civil societies.

Government both state and Central should work hand- in -hand to promote the concept  of SHG without political biasness and  selfish motives taking into account the welfare of the womenfolk in general by incorporating as an important strategy for women empowerment in the national policy and  allocating more grant in the budget and developing effective implementing machinery.

NGOs, Educational Institutions and Social Service organizations etc engaged in the works of promotion and development of SHGs should be encouraged at all levels with sufficient financial grants and appreciation and awards

Conducive atmosphere and harmonious network should be established among Government Agencies, Banks, Ngos , Other service organizations for effective functioning of SHGs to avoid overlapping  and duplications.

Banks and other financial institutions should work with open-mind and service motives to promote SHG among women particularly downtrodden communities like scheduled caste and scheduled tribes, marginalized groups in order bring them into main stream of development and growth of India

SHGs should be strictly encouraged to undertake economic activities /income generating activities for sustainable income to the group.

SHG can be encouraged to form cooperative societies to promote Village, Cottage and Other industries for which raw materials and resources available abundantly in and around rural and tribal areas

SHG may be encouraged to involve in manufacturing products such as electronic and electrical goods, readymade garments , handicrafts  to  fetch market in Third –World countries ,European countries, USA and Latin American countries

In order to promote SHGs for women empowerment Mass media such New papers, TV , radio etc can play a significant role by creating awareness in the public and also among women about the merits of SHGs by publishing success stories of SHGs ,case studies, achievment of NGOs and Governemtn efforts etc

References

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