Choosing the right solicitor may be the most important part of any legal proceedings. After all, once you have the right legal representation, they will help ensure are ready for the courtroom and have all the facts and proof that may be needed at your disposal, along with a great understanding of how the law works in your own particular case. Furthermore, the right solicitor will simply be best placed to help you understand your own chances in winning a case, and will be able to advise you on your best course of action, whether that be fighting to the end or agreeing on a settlement out of court. This knowledge and awareness of the legal landscape is invaluable and may be the difference between all and nothing in terms of both justice and financial remuneration.
In turn, those who try to agree on settlements without the help of a solicitor could well throw away a very fair deal to end up with nothing or likewise agree to amounts that are only a fraction of what they deserve. Whilst a lawyer will need to be paid for their services, giving away a small amount of a significant sum of money (or likewise a significant saving, and a reduction in adverse effect to reputation in the case of defendants) is always going to be far better than giving away 0% of next to nothing.
HOW TO CHOOSE LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Many people will suggest that the fees a company charge will be the first thing to look at. However, whilst fees will be important further down the line, the most important things to look at will be reputation and experience. If you find a company willing to represent you for next to nothing only to find they bungle the case due to a lack of experience in the area of law central to your case, you are going to wish you had agreed to spend a little more. Always view websites to see where a company’s expertise lie, what their experience is and who they are – you will be surprised how quickly you can get a feel for a firm just by studying their online presence.
Once you have listened to recommendations and read reviews of different companies specialising in the area of law you need representation for, it will then be important to consider proximity. If they are based too far away, not only will costs grow astronomically, but simply getting the chance to talk face to face or sign important documents will be far harder than it needs to be at such an important time. Find the right lawyers in a fairly local area wherever possible, and whilst this shouldn’t preclude you simply choosing the very best firm, if you have two ideal candidates, it may be wise to opt for the closer of the two.
Once you have made your shortlist, even if it is a shortlist of one, be sure to meet with companies before you make a firm choice. You will need to be able to easily communicate with any solicitor you choose and build rapport, and if you do not feel comfortable with those charged with representing you, there are likely to be problems from the start. Ask plenty of questions and make sure you will feel confident and comfortable around your chosen solicitor. The easier you both find it to communicate, the more successful and less stressful the process will be.
