Hello I would like to sue my city and mayor for something that is going on and also has happened in my city, but my question is can I file my civil filing form and start the lawsuit as "Pro Se" but then hire an attorney before it actually goes to court if need be. I have all the steps . . . and if they want to settle it by correcting the issue then we can do that BUT they "certain city officials" keep telling me thats the way it is and if I want to be heard I must file a lawsuit, which I was in the middle of finding out everything I needed to do it but was going to speak at the board hearing today when I encountered more "city officials" that had informed me i should not go in front of the board. it is also election time so they didnt want me speaking on the board for the specific topic before the elections so they gave me an ultimatum and i chose to stop and fight another day. so please help me . . . can i hire an attorney later on down the road before the first court date if when I fill out the lawsuit I am represting myself ?
Yes, you can file a lawsuit representing yourself and bring in an attorney to represent you later. You can usually change attorneys at anytime as well.