If you are a business or individual in need of legal support or advice, the prospect of trying to find a solicitor can be intimidating. You’re already worried about the legal issues you need to address, so the added stress of finding the right solicitor to support you through this can be overwhelming.
Identifying the right solicitor is crucial for succeeding in your individual case, as collaborating with the appropriate legal professional can either make or break your case.
There are plenty of solicitors and law firms in Liverpool, which makes the process of picking a solicitor all the more difficult, as there are many options and little guidance in selecting the right choice for you.
At Brown Turner Ross, we are Liverpool-based solicitors. We have seen far too many individuals suffer the consequences of not working with the right solicitor, so we want to make sure that everyone in Liverpool has the insight to make informed decisions when selecting their Liverpool solicitor.
Keep reading to find out more about picking the right solicitor in Liverpool.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solicitor
No matter your location, it is recommended that you consider the following factors when picking a solicitor to work with. Keeping the following in mind should also make the selection process much more straightforward.
Areas of Specialism
Lawyers tend to have preferred areas of specialism or areas of law where they are best trained. Take Brown Turner Ross, for example. Though our solicitors can handle a range of areas, we focus on commercial law, corporate law, family law, and conveyancing law.
If you have an issue that applies to a specific area of law, you will always see the best results by working with a solicitor who specialises in that area.
Reputation and Reviews
Reputation matters a lot when selecting the right solicitor for you. If people have worked with a solicitor in the past, they will have shared their opinion on that solicitor’s service using websites such as Review Solicitors.
Before you work with any solicitor, you must conduct proper research to ensure that they can provide you with the quality legal advice and assistance you need.
Locations and Accessibility
When working with a solicitor, you will likely have to meet them frequently to discuss your case in person. The last thing you want to do is choose to work with a solicitor who practices far away and has a busy schedule, as this limits your accessibility to the solicitor.
You can’t get the best level of service from your solicitor if you are struggling to meet with them, so ensuring accessibility is essential.
Experience and Track Record
When selecting the right solicitor for you, experience and track record are significant factors. While there are newer solicitors in the field capable of assisting with your case, you may prefer working with someone with a wealth of experience and a proven history of success.
This is especially true when a large sum of money is on the line, or even legal consequences are at stake. As leading solicitors in Liverpool, based on our experience and the relationships we have established, we will always advise clients to meet with any solicitor that they are considering working with, so they can demonstrate their expertise and whether or not it aligns with their needs.
Approach and Communication
Behind the legal jargon and depth of experience, solicitors are just people, and no two people are the same. You may meet solicitors who are particularly strict with their clients and others who take a much more laid-back approach.
You must remember that you will work closely with this solicitor, so developing a relationship is essential. If you don’t like how a solicitor approaches a case or communicates, that is a tell-tale sign that the solicitor is not equipped to handle your case in a way you will be satisfied with.
Transparency Surrounding Fees
It is no secret that working with a solicitor can be expensive. Some solicitors charge a premium, while others offer a more reasonable price. We all have our financial limits, and nothing is worse than meeting with a solicitor and developing a relationship, only to find out they are way out of your price range.
After discussing your case, a solicitor should detail the expected fees and rates, allowing you to quickly decide whether to work with them.
Why Local Expertise Matters in Solicitors
When picking the right solicitor for you, it is essential to consider local expertise and how this may impact how your solicitor represents you. If you live in Liverpool and the subject of your concern is also in Liverpool, it would only make sense to work with one of the law firms Liverpool has to offer.
Understanding the Local Community Gives Solicitors the Edge
By working with a local solicitor, you can make full use of their local expertise. These solicitors have a deeper understanding of local issues and have the socio-economic context that non-local solicitors may not possess.
Solicitors who have a deeper understanding of the local community can better tailor their approach to reflect the nature of the case, improving the likelihood of success.
Working with a local solicitor can also help develop a stronger relationship of trust, as sharing that local bond can lead to more trust and familiarity between involved parties.
Working With a Specialist Solicitor vs a Full-Service Firm
There is much debate concerning whether you should seek legal advice and representation from a specialist or a full-service firm.
The truth is that the better of the two depends on the client’s needs and priorities.
To give context, if you are dealing with a family law issue and choose to work with Brown Turner Ross, you would benefit from a more focused and efficient service. Solicitors can use their in-depth knowledge to provide a fast and viable solution.
However, working with a specialised firm may have some disadvantages. For example, the firm may have a limited service range, preventing it from completely handling the client’s needs.
Though specialisms can be helpful in a one-off situation, it is vital to make sure that the solicitors you work with can handle a range of cases. At Brown Turner Ross, we pride ourselves on having a team of solicitors equipped to handle a range of cases without limitation.
Picking The Right Firm as a Business
You have much more to consider when selecting your legal representation as a business.
As a business owner, you do not only have to consider your interests, but also the interests of those you employ. As a business, you should consider the following factors:
Industry Expertise
Businesses will benefit substantially from working with a law firm with industry-specific experience. This is especially true if your business operates in a niche industry, as specialist knowledge can often lead to better legal advice and better outcomes for your business, helping you avoid financial loss.
Commercial Awareness
Working with a solicitor who has commercial awareness is essential for a business. This means that the firm you choose to work with can provide more strategic and tailored legal advice that aligns with your industry and your business’s goals.
A solicitor with social awareness can more effectively identify issues and potential legal risks, assisting in their mitigation.
Services Offered by the Firm
As previously mentioned, no two firms are the same, and though one firm may offer a service, that does not necessarily mean that another firm will provide the same service.
For example, if you are a business that is looking into purchasing a new property or transferring your property, you want to work with a solicitor who offers conveyancing services. The last thing you want is to establish a relationship with a solicitor, only to outsource their services to other firms.
Ongoing Support
You will likely encounter several situations requiring legal assistance as a business owner. This is why establishing a strong and ongoing relationship with a firm is so important. They will have a full understanding of your business and will be able to make decisions and recommendations with your business and its history in mind.
It is recommended that you work with a firm, such as Brown Turner Ross, as a business to provide you with long-term support to save yourself time and money.
Picking The Right Firm as an Individual
As an individual, you do not have the same level of responsibility that a business owner may face, but that does not mean that you are any less deserving of comprehensive and well-researched legal advice.
Personal cases often differ from those experienced by businesses, so your criteria for finding the right firm for your needs will also differ. When picking the right firm as an individual, you should consider the following:
Empathy and Understanding
Facing any legal issue or disagreement can be intimidating, so having a solicitor who can show empathy and understanding of your case is crucial. A solicitor who can demonstrate empathy not only has a higher likelihood of navigating your case successfully, but they will also find it easier to develop a relationship of trust with you.
If a solicitor can connect with a client on a human level, they can offer legal care more effectively.
Clear Guidance Through Complicated Situations
An everyday person does not have a complex understanding of current legislation, and some of the more complicated terminology or law terms may be difficult to learn overnight. When collaborating with businesses, firms may lead with the presumption that the business understands some complex issues, but this should not be the case when working with individuals.
The last thing someone should feel when seeking legal advice is alienation, so you must work alongside a solicitor who will advise you properly, and explain any topics you may be unfamiliar with.
Experience in a Range Legal Services
It is advisable to choose a solicitor you can collaborate with for the long term, and if you want to ensure that with the solicitor of your choice, the best thing you can do is work with a solicitor with a wealth of knowledge across the legal sector.
This will ensure that you can work together regardless of your legal needs. It will also allow you to build a relationship with them, with them understanding your history and being able to make decisions that act in your best interests.
Questions You Should Always Ask Before Committing to a Solicitor
Before you choose to work with any solicitor, it is essential that you ask them the following questions:
Are You Regulated and What Are Your Accreditations?
Inquiring whether a solicitor is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and understanding their accreditations are crucial, as these ensure adherence to professional standards and provide you with regulatory protections.
Regulation and accreditations serve as safeguards that require solicitors to maintain ethical and professional practices while providing a means of recourse if issues arise.
Who Will Handle My Case?
When working with a new firm, you must ask who will handle your case. Knowing who will handle your case will allow you to research your solicitor and ensure that they align with what you seek from a solicitor.
Getting to know who will be handling your case allows you to build trust with the firm, and it also allows you to meet with the solicitor to develop a personalised strategy.
Do They Have Local Success Stories?
If you are working with a local solicitor, inquiring about their local success stories may provide peace of mind and help you become better acquainted with their regional impact.
If you see their local success stories, they can give you a good indication of whether or not they will be able to represent you properly.
With the stories being local, it also becomes much easier to confirm whether or not their success stories are real, as you can fact-check them to confirm their legitimacy.
We’re proud to have accumulated numerous positive reviews from clients, which you can view directly through our website.
Why Brown Turner Ross is a Prime Choice in Liverpool
If you live in Liverpool and you are looking for sound legal representation you can depend on, Brown Turner Ross is the obvious choice. We have a long-standing history of delivering expert advice across Merseyside.
If you want to work with solicitors that you trust, Brown Turner Ross is ready to work with you. Contact us today to find out more about working with us.