Your lawyer can make or break your case. Whether you have property issues, family law, or business disputes, your decision on who you choose as a lawyer will seal the fate of your case. Because there are so many lawyers practicing law in Australia, knowing what you are looking for will allow you to make the right decision as well as receive the best legal service possible.
1. Specialisation in the Relevant Fields of Law
Australian law has numerous fields of specialist practice, from family and conveyancing to corporate and criminal defence practice. Your lawyer must demonstrate his or her expertise in your case area. A lawyer who specialises in real estate may be an expert in handling real estate transactions but would not be the best to handle a complex case of divorce.
Seek out the solicitors in Ipswich who work frequently in your field of need and who know the developments in the law. Specialists will have additional qualifications or accreditations in the field in which they work, which indicate higher expertise and dedication to the field of practice.
2. Effective Communication Skills
Legal procedures may be complex and intimidating, and straightforward communication is thus of utmost importance. Your lawyer should be able to explain legal concepts in plain language, ensuring that you are informed every step of the way. Your lawyer should be able to respond to questions in reasonable time and ensure you understand the implications of different legal approaches.
Good communication is not solely a matter of talking. Your solicitor needs to be an effective listener who will take time to hear about your situation and your problems. Two-way communication is essential for an effective solicitor-client relationship.
3. Experience and a Proven Track Record
While all solicitors began somewhere as new starters, experience generally equals better outcomes for clients. Look for solicitors who have handled cases similar to yours and who can show you good outcomes. Have them give you their record, i.e., the number of cases they have handled in your area of the law and what their outcome has been.
Do not be afraid to request references from previous clients or request particular case studies highlighting their experience. Experienced solicitors also establish relationships with the courts, other solicitors, and the authorities, and this can work in your favour.
4. Ethical and Professional Conduct
Australian solicitors are bound by rigorous professional conduct and ethics codes. Your preferred solicitor should have the highest levels of integrity and ethics. They should be transparent about costs, potential conflicts of interest, and the realistic outcome of your case.
Make sure that your lawyer is properly qualified and is in good standing with their state or territory law society. You can check that they are qualified and there is no disciplinary action recorded on the appropriate professional body’s website.
5. Accessibility and Responsiveness
Legal issues tend to require timely decisions and timelines. Your lawyer should be there when you need him or her and return your calls and emails. Nobody expects them to be available 24/7, but reasonable response times to phone calls and emails are the standard.
Take into consideration the workload and availability of the solicitor. An attorney who is busy will have no time to work on your case. You should ask about their workload during the initial consultation and when they expect to work on your case.
Selecting the Right One for Your Legal Needs
Selecting the right solicitor means carefully considering these five qualities. Don’t become hurried and look for potential candidates, conduct long interviews, and act on your intuition as to who will be the best to represent you.
Remember that the lowest fee isn’t always the best value, and that the highest fee doesn’t always guarantee more success. Find a solicitor who combines experience, communication ability, competence, ethical behaviour, and availability to bring the best chance of success in achieving your objectives.