Perhaps you need a solicitor, but don’t know where to start. It might be that you slipped at work, you’ve been in a car crash, there’s been a case of clinical negligence, or you need someone to help you buy or sell a house. We have several tips that when followed, will help you make the most informed choice when selecting a solicitor.
The first thing we recommend is to ask your personal network. This might include asking your friends and family for advice on what solicitors they have used in the past. The main thing to consider here is ensuring that the person you’re asking has experienced the same or a similar issue to you. A solicitor is a broad profession, and there are many specialties within it. There’s no use in asking for advice from a friend that used a lawyer to help them sell their house if you need an expert for a personal injury claim, as there are minimal similarities between the two. The second recommendation we suggest when finding a law firm is to remember that bigger isn’t always better. A larger firm may be more established, but you’ll most likely be a very small client for them that may get lost in the company’s priorities. A smaller firm may add a more personal touch and be more likely to get in touch or meet with you personally, as your individual case may be significant for them.
Next, consider using Google and other forms of research to get recommendations. Googling, for example, ‘Brisbane law firm’ will bring up all the solicitors near you, which you can then start vetting for their suitability. Check their Google reviews, as well as typing in the name of the law firm ‘reviews’ to see if anyone has had positive or negative experiences with them before.
Another consideration is the location of the lawyer, and in particular, if they need to be close to you for you to work well together. It might be that a law firm can work with you remotely over email and the phone, which is well worth considering if they come highly recommended. This doesn’t mean you should avoid local lawyers, and there may be some that are ideal for you, but don’t let this be a limiting factor.
A contact can say a lot about a solicitor, and calling the law firm you’re thinking about can go a long way to solidify your decision. The rule is that if you can get in contact with a solicitor easily on the phone, and they are responsive to you, then they are already better than most. If you’re looking to employ a solicitor, it may mean you have upcoming legal proceedings that are stressful to deal with. Being able to get advice quickly is going to help relieve this.
In addition, though, speed isn’t everything. If a solicitor is bragging that they will be able to solve your case quickly, this may be a red flag and most likely they are a bad lawyer. You need a law firm that’s going to be thorough and make decisions in your best interest, and not just try to get an invoice out.
