No matter where you go in the world, there will always be a need for lawyers. From business contracts to civil proceedings like marriage and divorce, the scope of the law is such that it covers almost all aspects of society. Because of this, it is always helpful to have a lawyer to call upon when the need arises.
In the Australian legal system, it is a solicitor who handles these kinds of legal matters. In contrast to a barrister, who is responsible for representing a client in court during a trial, a solicitor’s job is to give out legal advice to clients and help them sort through all kinds of legal matters.
Solicitors typically work for law firms, whose responsibility is to recruit clients that they would then hand over to solicitors. The large number of law firms employ solicitors in areas such as Townsville and throughout the country make solicitors quite easy to come into contact with.
However, this also makes the need for choosing a law firm wisely even more important. Here are some important things to consider when choosing the right law firm for you:
Track record and experience
Of course, one of the first bases of evaluating a law firm is their track record. You would naturally want a law firm with a good reputation, and that has a history of successfully resolving cases. At the same time, it is also best to consider the specialities of the law firm in question.
While some provide a wide range of services, others particularly specialise in certain aspects of the law. It is best to choose the one that fits and can address your needs the best.
Values and practices
Beyond the outcome of the cases, you would also want to look at how these cases were resolved. Which practices were involved? Do you agree with these practices? These are important questions to ask as you look into the background of the firm in question.
By answering these questions, you get a better idea of how the law firm operates, as well as what it values. Given that these are the individuals who will be representing your interests, it is best to make sure that their values are aligned with yours.
Associated rates and fees
The services of a law firm will always come at a price. Naturally, you will only want to choose the ones that fall within your budget. At the same time, you had best find out what exactly you are paying for, and whether you think it is worth it.
Some law firms will operate based on contingency fees. This means that you will not pay any legal fees upfront; instead, the firm will only receive an amount if your case is successfully resolved. The fees they do earn will be taken from the damages won in your case.
Choosing this kind of law firm is recommended, especially for those operating on a tight budget.
Beyond these considerations, however, the law firm you choose must ultimately have the time and resources to dedicate to your case. A prestigious law firm may meet all these criteria but will not treat your case with the attention that it deserves.
The law firm that accords your case with everything it needs to succeed will be the one that is right for you.
