Subscribe to contentSuggestions for Finding a Reliable Local Solicitor
Individuals considering hiring a solicitor will often find look in the yellow pages, only to find an overwhelming list of potential candidates. Trying to make sense of it all in order to find a reliable solicitor starts with an understanding of some key facts about the British legal system.
First and foremost, there are two types of individuals you might encounter in preparing a court action. The first is a solicitor. He is a lawyer who will argue your case in court, and he is trained in specific areas of law in which he specializes. The other individual is a Barrister; someone who acts as an adviser to you in steering your case. He does not argue on your behalf, and he is usually advised himself by a solicitor.
Next is the fact that there are as many different types of solicitors as there are court cases. There are solicitors for personal injury, conveyance, divorce, criminal cases, probate, taxes, corporate representation, immigration, and many, many more. If you need the help of a solicitor it is best to seek out one who specializes in your area of need. A good solicitor will tell you if he lacks the expertise, and refer you to someone else who can help you. If there's ever a question about a solicitor's qualifications, ask to see his certificate or contact the government's Solicitors Regulation Authority.
When you have a list of firms to get started with, ask each one about fee structure and payment schedule. For some specialities of law the solicitor will charge a given amount per hour, billed as the case moves along. If this describes your situation, the firm is required to provide you with a good faith estimate during your initial meeting. With an hourly fee structure it might also be wise to settle on an ultimate limit. You don't want to go on paying endlessly for a case you can't afford.
In other areas, like personal injury, it's normal for a solicitor to work on a “no-win” basis. In other words, his fee will be deducted from the award should you win the case. If you lose, he doesn't get paid.
In a third scenario, such as real estate transactions, fees will likely be fixed. In any case, if you are a low income individual you may qualify for legal aid. Check with the Community Legal Service website to see if you qualify.
Once you arrange an initial meeting, prepare for the meeting by assembling as much documentation as possible. Also, write down in detail all the relative points of your case, what you're expecting to get out of it, and what you're willing to settle for if things don't go according to your plans. Finding a reliable solicitor depends a lot on your ability to communicate your needs.
The reliable solicitor is one who understands your case, is sympathetic to it, and has expertise in your area of need. Solicitors abound in the U.K.; it's just a matter of finding the right one.