Even if you are confident that you understand the service you require, choosing the right provider can be a difficult business. But it is certainly worth taking the time to carefully assess your requirements because instructing the right provider can make all the difference.
This article is aimed at guiding you through the decision-making process and providing you with some handy tips on choosing the right legal service provider for you.
Trust
Trust has been identified as the single most important factor to an individual when shopping around for legal services. Working with a solicitor is often a very personal experience, so it is vital that you have 100% confidence in the lawyer or firm you work with. Consider how you interact with each other and how you could see the relationship progressing. Never be afraid to ask questions, however silly you think they may sound, as it is always better to give a legal provider the opportunity to reassure you and allay any fears you have.
Experience and track record
As in any profession, there is no substitute for experience. When choosing a solicitor, conveyancer or any other legal service provider, look out for testimonials, reviews or other proof that a legal professional has a proven track record in their field. This can include any accreditations or accolades, such as membership of a Law Society specialist panel.
Performing background research is an important part of developing confidence in your choice of firm, and can help get your working relationship off on the right footing. The Law Superstore’s comparison table comes complete with a quality rating based on user reviews to make this job easier for customers.
Area of expertise
This one is straightforward: if you’re looking for a solicitor to assist with your divorce, then search for solicitors that specialise in this area. You will want to know if a legal provider has experience of cases similar to yours before you agree to them representing you.
Don’t be put off by a firm that offers a range of services. Just ensure that there are fee earners within the organisation that are experts in handling your type of case.
Cost
You might be surprised to hear that when it comes to choosing legal services, cost is not the most important factor to the majority of people. Research has shown that individuals are more interested in ensuring that they have the right legal provider for them – thus achieving value for money.
However, it is important to get a clear, transparent picture of the potential cost of legal proceedings before instructing a legal service provider. Fortunately, The Law Superstore’s comparison table enables you to assess providers side-by-side based on cost and pricing structure.
Legal fees can be charged on a fixed fee, a fixed fee with the lawyer’s time capped, at an hourly rate or, in some cases, on a no win no fee basis. Depending on the service you require and the complexity of the case, you may wish to filter your search by pricing structure so that you only receive quotes from the service providers that offer a particular form of pricing.
Here are just some of the services you may require legal support for:
- Employment issues
- Divorce and family
- Money matters
- Will writing
- Intellectual property
- Dispute resolution
- Buying a house
- Tax
- Personal injury
- Motoring offences
Find the service that's right for you and start comparing providers now.