Sooner or later, the majority of individuals within the United Kingdom will require the expert services of a solicitor. This does not necessarily have to revolve around criminal actions and in fact, most lawyers are hired for civil disputes such as family-oriented issues or even traffic violations. However, never take the “one size fits all” approach when attempting to procure such a professional. The concept of throwing enough jam upon a wall until a bit sticks has no relevance in terms of your legal rights. Let's take a brief look at some of the steps to be taken if you hope to procure a professional.
Know Your Legal Case
Calling a solicitor and simply asking if they can help will provide you with little insight. It is therefore first important to gather as much information about your specific case as possible. Documentation, witness testimonials and similar materials will need to be analysed by a firm before they agree to accept your case.
Where to Start Looking
It can be prudent to speak with your local town council in order to determine the legal representatives within your area. It is just as important to navigate to the official website of The Law Society. This portal contains the details of all reputable solicitors within the United Kingdom. You can base your search criteria off of location, the type of law practised or the name of the firm. There are literally hundreds of options available, so this resource should never be overlooked.
Is Legal Advice Free?
This is an important question and one which tends to be asked the most frequently. This is a rather grey area, as some firms will not provide such advice without first signing on to take a case. However, other resources including CitizensAdvice.org offer a wealth of online materials including information which can provide you with help and guidelines before securing a solicitor.
What to Avoid When Examining a Solicitor
Some solicitors are more worthwhile than others in terms of the services that are rendered to their clients. There are a handful of warning signs which should be taken seriously if you hope to avoid needless time and aggravation. These include:
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A firm that is not willing to supply the proper credentials.
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A company which has only recently been registered.
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Any law firm that is unable or unwilling to provide basic contact details other than an email address and a standard phone number.
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A wealth of negative online reviews from previous clients.
Performing due diligence is the first step if you ever hope to procure a reputable law firm in the United Kingdom. Ask to see their track record and enquire as to whether they are able to supply you with previous testimonials. Any transparent agency should be more than pleased to offer up such evidence. As always, take things one step at a time in order to avoid any negative consequences.
