Picking the right solicitor is no small affair and choosing the wrong one could have a huge effect on your case. Unfortunately, if it’s your first time looking for one, then knowing what separates a great solicitor from a bad one might be difficult. In this article, we’re going to give you a few questions that should help you find the best solicitor for your case.
How Many Years Have You Been Practicing?
Experience is essential when picking a solicitor. You should do everything in your power to know exactly what their background is and how long they’ve been representing clients. You also want to know if they have experience in the particular field of law you need assistance with. Ask if they had any special formation that would be pertinent to your case as well.
Did You Ever Handle Similar Cases as Mine?
You should also know if they’ve actually been involved in cases similar to yours and what their history is. It’s one thing to have a formation or be specialized in a particular area, but each case is different and unless they can show that they have a history of success in your kind of case then you should consider going for another solicitor.
How Does Billing Work?
Billing is another important factor when you’re looking for a solicitor. While this may seem obvious at first, billing can be very complicated, and you should try to know exactly what the upfront fees will be to see if you can even afford the solicitor’s services. And don’t be afraid to ask if you can have access to legal aid or special costs depending on your situation. In some cases, lawyers will offer a no win no fee clause and will only ask for a fee if they happen to win your case, so be aware of that as well.
What Do You Think the Outcome in My Case Will Be?
While there is never a guaranteed outcome with any case, a good solicitor should be able to lay out the possible options and scenarios regarding your case and what are your chances of actually winning it. You shouldn’t be looking for a comforting answer there, you want an honest and clear answer so that you can have realistic expectations about your case.
Can I Actually Avoid Litigation?
A good lawyer will also be willing to give you alternatives to litigation if there are some. Don’t be afraid to ask your solicitor if you can avoid going to court if possible. This could allow you to save a lot of money on representation and save you a lot of time as well. For instance, see if you can get an out of court settlement or seek for mediation instead.
All these tips will allow you to identify great solicitors and weed out the bad ones. Finding a great solicitor is primordial for the outcome of your case, so make sure that you do your research and find a solicitor that fits your needs and expectations.
