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Appointing a Solicitor.
Most people use either emotive or practical reasons when choosing a solicitor, quite often it's because either they have been recommended, or the firms' office is convenient to where they work or live, but is this the best way to choose a solicitor?
We would recommend that you contact a number of firms before you engage a solicitor.
We feel that before you choose a solicitor you should.
- understand who will be dealing with your work, and make sure you speak to that person.
- ask about costs - fixed price or hourly rates
- does the firm provide a free or reduced cost initial interview
- what will the solicitor be doing for you
- what experience they have in that area of law
- what else can the firm provide - for example back up if your solicitor is on holiday or ill
- any environmental considerations, for example wheel chair access
For many areas of law the Law society has set up accreditation schemes, for example, the Family Law Society, Wills and Inheritance Quality mark, Conveyancing Quality and many others. If a solicitor has one of these marks, it means that they are approved experts in that area of law, it does not mean that those without the Quality mark cannot help you, it may be that they have decided not to apply, but it is a benchmark.
In addition to the Law Society Quality marks, firms may have the Lexcel Quality mark which the Law Society state is a firm's 'Gold standard' and covers such areas as client care, complaints, data management etc. To muddy the waters a bit more, many solicitors have qualified for the international quality mark ISO 9001, which many believe is harder to obtain.
It's good that these quality marks exist, but every solicitor must apply by the extremely comprehensive Solicitors Regulations Authorities code of conduct anyway, full details of the code of conduct is available online through the SRA web site www.sra.org.uk. The code covers the manner in which the solicitors should carry out their duties, if the solicitor fails to provide an acceptable service, you do have recourse to complain about the solicitor to the Legal Ombudsman www.legalombudsman.org.uk.
The point we are making is that the legal industry is a tightly regulated industry, quality standards are great indicators but many great solicitors choose not to apply for them, we would recommend that when you are talking to the different solicitors, you use quality service marks as one of the factors you consider when making your decision.
If you wish to see the full list of Quality service marks through the Law Society please visit their web site.
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Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.
Information by area of law
Conveyancing Solicitors.
Step by step guide to help you understand the process of Conveyancing and moving.
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Criminal Solicitors.
We have put together a few guidance notes for your help with Criminal law matters, if you require a solicitors please use the search facility or ask a question.
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Commercial law.
If you are looking for a commercial solicitor understand your options by contacting one of the 100s of commercial law firms on solicitors.com
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Clinical or Medical Negligence Solicitors
If you are considering making a claim for Medical Negligence understand your rights and the process, find a medial compensation solicitor via solicitors.com.
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Personal Injury Claims.
If you have suffered an injury and are looking to make an accident claim for compensation, understand how a personal injury Solicitors can help make you injury claim for you.
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Debt Collection Solicitors.
The amount of money owing may dictate the route you take to reclaim your money, we recommend that you discuss your situation with a solicitor, or you can call the CAB on 08454 04 05 06.
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Dental Negligence Solicitors
To undertake a dental negligence claim you must have sustained an injury or damage, as a result of the dental treatment understand the options available to you.
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Family Law Solicitors.
Family Law Solicitors can help you resolve the problems which may arise in the break-up of relationships, including financial issues and matters concerning any children.
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Motoring Offences Solicitors.
Will be able to assist on all areas of Motoring Law for Example Drink Driving, Dangerous Driving, Careless Driving, Totting Up, Speeding, Driving Without Insurance motor offences.
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Will & Probate
Find a solicitor that can assist with wills, probate and estate planning in your area.
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