Top Five Things To Look For When Hiring a Barrister or Solicitor

Lawyers provide their clients with legal advice whenever needed. A ‘lawyer’ is a general term used when referring to people who represent clients in court and practice law. In more detail, 'Barristers' represent clients in open court and can appear at the bar, while ‘Solicitors’, are permitted to conduct litigation in court but cannot plead cases in open court. When not in a courtroom, lawyers handle research, preparing cases, and offering advice to your clients.

Some of the varying branches of law are corporate/commercial law, criminal law, employment law, family law, public law among others. They are also capable of incorporating businesses and creating partnership deeds.

If you need to draft a will or have some real estate settlements to handle, look for a lawyer who understands your needs and is looking out for your best interest. Here’s a list of the basic skills a lawyer or law firm should have.

1. Someone who listens to you.

Lawyers are always looking after their clients’ best interests and might sometimes suggest making decisions that guarantee a settlement when the chances of winning look bleak. Make sure the lawyer is willing to listen and empathize with their client whenever needed. Furthermore, paying attention to the little details allows for better preparation before the hearing.

2. Someone who provides value for money.

Lawyers and law firms charge based on the amount of time spent with their clients. Depending on the relationship between lawyers and clients, and the frequency of visits, firms waive off some of the charges. There has to be a balance between the time spent with a lawyer and the amount being charged; meetings should always be productive.

3. Someone who handles their due diligence.

There are a lot of procedures that take place between hearings, and these have to be handled meticulously since they could be the difference between winning or losing a case.

4. Someone who you have a good rapport with.

In many cases, it is important to talk to your lawyer the way you would your friend. Having a good relationship with your lawyer helps make court hearings a little less tense and stressful.

5. Someone who is confident.

Confidence speaks volumes and finding a lawyer who is confident makes a good impression in a courtroom. When the jury sees a lawyer who is confident, they sense that he knows what he is doing and that helps swing them in your direction.

If you’re looking for a solicitor or barrister willing to help with wills, real estate, and corporate law, reach out to McMaster, McIntyre & Smyth, LLP. The firm was initially established in 1902, by the senior partner and ran for fifty-eight years. Today, the firm is still going strong and running on principles set in place all those years ago. Some of the fields we specialized in are accounting, business administration, estate administration, mediation and real estate among others. To know about the services we offer, please click here. To get in touch with us, please click here.