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What are the signs of a good solicitor?

27th February 2018 Print

If you’re in a situation where you need legal help, then you’re probably preparing to go through the process of finding a solicitor. Unless you’re an expert in legal matters, going through this process can be confusing and even frustrating. However, you don’t have to settle for one that doesn’t meet your needs. There are a few key signs to look for to determine if the solicitor is the right fit for your case.

Realistic Expectations Initially

Your first meeting with a solicitor can give you a good idea of whether or not it’s a good fit. In the initial meeting, the solicitor will try to get all of the basic information about the case and then provide an initial assessment of the situation. Expect the solicitor to discuss how similar cases have gone in the courts and the anticipated outcome in your situation.

Although the solicitor cannot provide you with a definite outcome, they’re going to be able to give you a good estimate of what they think will happen in your case. This information is important since you need to know whether the solicitor thinks that the case can be won or whether it’s even worth pursuing. There may also be a variety of outcomes depending on specific details. In any case, avoid any solicitor who doesn’t go through this process thoroughly. Lawyers have a responsibility to discuss potential outcomes seriously and prepare their clients for a variety of scenarios.

Personal Referrals

Although many people disregard personal referrals and word-of-mouth, you can learn a lot from what people say about a solicitor. Reliable firms will have earned a great reputation throughout the years because of their satisfied clients. No matter what type of solicitor you need, ask for referrals from friends or family members. They usually can tell you that they had a good or bad experience, which will help you narrow down the list.

You can also find referrals and information online. Although a solicitor is not a restaurant, there are reviews online for them. Since these are less personal, you may want to take them with a grain of salt. However, a solicitor who has only bad reviews may be a sign that they don’t offer the best value for their clients.

The majority of solicitors will have a testimonials section on their site, which is always worth reviewing. An example of this can be seen on the Roper James website under “About Us” where a selection of their clients have given feedback on their experience with the Plymouth law firm. Reading these will give you a useful insight into how the firm works. 

Advanced Law Society

There are two Law Society certifications that a solicitor can have: family law, or law society. You can see it with a distinctive logo, which is usually displayed in the office or stationary. The solicitor who has this has been licensed by his peers to be not only competent but also caring in their field. If they have an advanced logo, then they’ve reached an even higher standard.

The Law Society governs solicitors and works hard to recognise solicitors who perform with excellence in their field. These individuals have high standards in their profession and have undergone scrutiny. Law firms who display this logo will be a better choice than those that don’t.

Easy to Understand

While the legal process can be complex with difficult terms involved, this doesn’t mean that your solicitor shouldn’t be able to explain complicated processes to you. Solicitors have the job of explaining the case to their clients as a basic part of their job. Legal jargon is fairly complicated and it may take some extra time to walk through various aspects of the case. If you can’t understand your lawyer, then you may be better off finding someone else to represent the case.

Prompt Communication

Although it may take some time to set up a meeting with a solicitor, you should expect good communication throughout the process. An injury lawyer will likely have a good deal of business, as this is a common type of case. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect some priority given to your case.

Did the solicitor set up a meeting within a reasonable timeframe? Was it easy to get in touch with the office? If the solicitor is always too busy to talk with you or meet within a reasonable time frame, then they may not be taking your case very seriously. Make sure that your solicitor is both contactable and accessible. Prompt communication is just as important as good communication so don’t forget this area.

Realistic Assessment

Although we all appreciate honesty, it can be hard to hear an honest assessment from a solicitor. If you’re going to a personal injury solicitor, they may tell you that the case will be difficult to win or even impossible to move forward. There are many obstacles to having success with a case and you probably have several in your situation.

At the same time, don’t expect the solicitor to be uncaring. If they appear to be uninterested in the outcome, then you’re probably better off looking somewhere else. However, a good solicitor can tell you the truth without being uncaring or acting as though you don’t have realistic expectations. This is important as many people pursue legal cases have a solicitor who tells them what they want to hear but isn’t honest with them through the process.

Straightforward Costs

The solicitor will probably discuss the costs associated with the court case when you meet with them. Since legal costs can be high, this can be an awkward conversation to have but you’ll need to know what you can expect to pay for the process. You’ll also want to have this discussion, as legal fees and funding sources can vary depending on a variety of factors.

Some lawyers will work on a “no win, no pay” basis but then they may extract their earnings from the settlement if they win. Make sure that you understand how the lawyer is going to be paid and how much you can expect to pay for their services. For a standard hourly rate, you’ll still want to have an idea of their anticipated total costs. The fees associated with a legal case may vary, but make sure that you have a satisfactory answer before moving forward.

Experience in Your Field

You wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for a problem with your head. Similarly, you want to find a solicitor who is specialised in your particular area. When you meet with the solicitor, you’ll want to ask them about what experience they have with cases similar to yours. A good solicitor should be able to speak with some knowledge about similar situations that they’ve handled, as well as how those cases were resolved.

You can also ask for references from a solicitor if you’re unsure about whether they have the expertise to handle your case. Most of them will be able to provide this information promptly. Make sure that you ask this information in your initial meeting. A solicitor doesn’t need to have decades of experience, but they should have a good basis of knowledge and be able to speak about that area.

Conclusion

Although many people are concerned about finding a good solicitor, this information can help you get started. Having legal representation that meets your needs can be the difference between winning or losing a case. Before you choose a solicitor, use these tips to determine if you’ve gotten a good fit.