With all the law firms in Sydney, you’re practically spoilt for choice in choosing which firm to hire for your specific needs. Therein lies the problem, however, because choosing the right legal representation can feel overwhelming with so many options available. The good news is you can narrow them down based on your specific case, situation, and budget.
Identifying the Type of Lawyer You Need
Most people know that lawyers provide legal services, but they may not know exactly what lawyers do or the legal profession itself. Some professionals may handle two or more practices, while others have specialisations. Understanding what types of legal expertise are available will be advantageous.
- Family law focuses on legal family matters, from divorce to property settlements
- Commercial law offers legal representation to businesses needing assistance with business contracts, mergers, or disputes.
- Criminal law prosecutes or defends individuals involved in assault, drug or theft offences, and other crimes.
- Employment law handles any legal concerns that could arise from workplace disputes, discrimination claims, unfair dismissals, and other issues between employers and employees.
- Property law is an area of law that focuses on the ownership and transfer of personal and real properties (land and buildings), which include conveying and tenancy disputes.
If you know which category your specific case falls into, you’ll be able to choose a lawyer who has previously handled a similar case.
Differences of a Solicitor from a Barrister
In Australia, legal services are split between two distinct types of lawyers: solicitors and barristers.
Solicitor
- They’re your first stop for most legal matters, providing you with professional advice, negotiating on your behalf, and preparing documents.
- You need to go through them when you need to hire a barrister.
- A solicitor can represent you in some courts, except for more complex cases where a barrister is more appropriate.
Barrister
- They’re specialist advocates involved in trials, appeals, and other intricate cases in the higher courts.
- You can’t engage the services of a barrister directly, only through a solicitor, as they’ll be the one to brief a barrister regarding your case.
The Selection Process
Ask for recommendations and do your research: It’s always good to ask for referrals from a trusted friend or colleague, as the recommendation would be based on firsthand experience with a specific firm. Still, perform due diligence to make the best choice.
Legal expertise & experience: Check a law firm’s previous cases and see if they’ve handled several cases similar to yours.
Communication and client service
During the first contact, it’s important that you feel comfortable, respected, and heard. It may feel wrong to rely on your gut feeling when the stakes are high, but your gut may be right.
- Make sure your lawyer explains your case thoroughly and in simple terms
- They should be attentive and responsive
- They should deal with you most of the time instead of their assistants
It doesn’t matter if a firm is the biggest, most popular, or even flashiest in the area. The right legal representation should meet your specific legal needs, have previous experience and expertise, and show a genuine commitment to help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you need representation in commercial or personal law, Coleman Greig Lawyers is the firm to call.
