Do you need legal representation but don’t know how to pick the right solicitor? Perhaps you have sustained a personal injury from a car accident, an accident at work or due to medical malpractice. Maybe you need a solicitor who can help you with a business conflict or an insurance claim. Regardless of the issue, finding the right solicitor is crucial to the success of your case.
Unfortunately, finding the right legal representative is not always a walk in the park. After all, there are at least 12,000 solicitors in Ireland and you do not have the time to go through all these parties to find one that matches your needs. So, we have listed several tips that will come in handy in picking the right solicitor in Dublin and Kildare such as pjf.ie.
Seek Recommendations from Friends and Family
Getting recommendations from people you know and trust is always helpful when looking for a solicitor. In fact, most of our new clients are from recommendations from satisfied past clients.
However, it is imperative to ensure that any solicitors recommended are legal experts in the law field relevant to your legal issue. If you want to file a lawsuit for personal injury, a solicitor specializing in real estate won’t be of much help. When your friend or colleague recommends a solicitor because they helped sell their house, it doesn’t make them best suited for business litigation.
Check Online Reviews
In this digital age, many people rely on online reviews for almost every product or service such as which appliance to purchase, which hotel to book, which restaurant to go to for dinner, etc. Well, the same applies when it comes to finding the best solicitors in Dublin and Kildare. While not all reviews are genuine, most will give you a good idea of what to expect from a solicitor. It goes without saying that you should lean toward those with an overall good reputation.
Compatibility
While you may want to focus on the professional aspects of a solicitor, you should also factor in their character into your decision. Look for someone that is not only trustworthy and reliable but also comfortable. Mutual respect is equally important. The right solicitor should be ready to work hard on your behalf, fight to protect your rights and interests and exercise good judgement.
Availability
How is the solicitor’s caseload? Do they have adequate time to dedicate to your case? These are vital questions to ask, especially if you want to be in regular contact with the lawyer. If they seem to be overworked, seek ideal representation elsewhere.
Communication
Communication goes in tandem with availability and compatibility. Usually, between meetings and paperwork, the tendency to fall out of touch can arise, so try to establish proactive communication from the onset. Be clear about your preferred method of communication and your hours to ensure you’re both on the same page. Also, arrange check-in times for inquiries and case updates.
A great solicitor should also take the time to explain complex issues without legal jargon. They should provide solid advice on your case and present any available solutions or options to consider before settling on one strategy.
Hire Locally
Each town across Ireland has its share of great solicitors who can take on your case. However, this does not mean they are the best match for you. If your case is pending in Dublin or Kildare, then you should find a solicitor here to represent you. A local attorney has advantages over other solicitors outside the region they serve.
Attorneys working in the same court system know the nuances of the judges and prosecutors they deal with regularly. When you hire a solicitor outside Dublin, chances are they aren’t familiar with these nuances, making them less effective compared to a local lawyer.
Cheap Does Not Mean Good
One of the greatest concerns people from Dublin and Kildare have when it comes to seeking legal representation is how much it will cost to hire a solicitor. This is especially the case when it comes to situations that already cost a lot of money like divorce or a personal injury that led to surgery and lost wages. In such situations, you might be tempted to look for the cheapest possible solution. This will undoubtedly save you some money, but it will not do you any favours in the long haul.
To help you get the best deal, contact several solicitors and ask for quotes for how much they charge for cases like yours. Next, compare them in regards to the expense and their quality. However, you do not want to focus too much on the price as it may hinder your judgement.
Size of the Firm
A firm’s size can affect your decision in a number of ways. Bigger firms have more resources and tend to be more established, but they can also be more expensive. Smaller firms, on the other hand, maybe less expensive, but they may be limited in regards to their services, especially if they do not specialize in the field of law you require representation.
The Takeaway
Finding the best solicitor may take time, and you may not come across one you click with instantly. A top-notch solicitor, however, will be worth the effort, even if it calls for intensive research and interviews before hiring. More importantly, selecting a solicitor that matches your needs, budget, and represents your interests will give you peace of mind and higher chances of winning.
