1. Look at Expertise and Qualifications
Whenever you turn to a solicitor for advice or guidance, it is essential that they are fully qualified within their field. It is also important that they are backed with plenty of experience in the area relevant to the advice you seek. If you are in need of legal help for a divorce, for instance, then don’t turn to someone with little to no experience.
2. Make Sure They Are Keeping Up to Date
So many areas of law are in a near-constant state of evolution, and part of a solicitor’s job is continually developing their knowledge through legal updates and training courses to stay on top of updates in the law to put them in the best possible position to help their clients. If a solicitor has stagnated, and continues to view the law through an outdated lens, then the chances of you getting the most favourable outcome could be much lower.
Turn to someone who is proactive, enthusiastic and passionate.
3. Check They’re Accredited
The Law Society maintains very high standards for legal practices, and accreditation is a good sign that the solicitor you’re considering working with is truly ‘worth their salt’.
Accreditation from national bodies such as Resolution is particularly important if you’re looking for a family law solicitor. Resolution recognises excellence in this field of law, particularly when it comes to resolving divorce and custody disputes.
4. Beware of Quotes that Seem Too Good to be True
Legal help can be a costly venture – although its importance for minimising stress, loss and risk for clients makes it a worthwhile investment. Unfortunately, some solicitors will lowball prospective clients with a view to gaining as much work as possible, but their clients may inevitably pay for this down the line through poor work, slow response rates or a lack of care and diligence.
5. Talk to Friends and Relatives for Recommendations – or Warnings
While online reviews can be useful, nothing beats word of mouth. Talk to family and friends who have gone through similar experiences before you, and let that help you make an informed choice.
Other Tips
There are other things you can do to ensure that your choice of family law solicitor is right for you. Beyond checking reviews, experience, and accreditation, one of the best things to do is focus your search on solicitors that have gained a strong reputation in the area. Look at local recommendations, legal guides, and any other sign that they are highly valued among the local community. For instance, Willans, a divorce solicitors in Cheltenham, has been in operation for more than seventy-five years – a strong sign that their work is valued within and beyond the town.
Also, when you make that first line of contact with your chosen solicitor, consider the practicalities. How easy are they to get in touch with? If it’s hard to get through, or you find yourself waiting days for a response, consider moving on to another law firm.
Arrange an initial meeting with them, and ask yourself whether or not you feel a rapport with your chosen law firm after you have met them. You need to be able to trust your family lawyer – so, if there’s no sense of that during your initial meeting, don’t feel like you have to stick with that person or firm.
