When your freedom, family, career, property or long-term financial situation are on the line, effective legal representation is not is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. However, many people navigating the legal system make the mistake of choosing the first solicitor they find online or the one who quotes the lowest price.
Finding the right fit is about more than just credentials on a website. It’s about a strong and trusting solicitor-client relationship, honest and straight-forward advice, and an advocate with the practical ‘know how’ to get you the best possible outcome. Here are five things to consider when choosing a solicitor.
Specialised practise areas
The old adage ‘a jack of all trades is a master of none’ is a cautionary tale even when instructing a lawyer. This is because while all solicitors learn the same foundational knowledge in university, a solicitor with years of specialised exposure in one area of law is more likely to have the awareness and strategic insight you need to obtain the best possible outcome.
This is why the Stanley Hill Elkins solicitors practise in their dedicated areas, day in and day out. With over 40 years of combined legal experience, we have a deep understanding of the law and the unique challenges associated with your case. With this knowledge comes the ability to have criminal charges downgraded or withdrawn and family law matters settled outside of court, saving our clients’ money, time and stress.
Honest and transparent
A good solicitor won’t just advocate for you; they’ll explain the law clearly, communicate honestly (even when the news isn’t what you want to hear) and keep you informed every step of the way. They won’t make promises that sound too good to be true or leave you guessing about what to expect as your legal matter progresses.
The Stanley Hill Elkins team recognises that honest and straight-forward information without the legal jargon is the cornerstone of the lawyer-client relationship. It means you are empowered to make informed decisions and ensures there are no nasty surprises about your legal position, the costs of your proceedings or your chances of success. Because our role is to help you get the best outcome in the most cost-effective way, it also means we will be upfront if you could handle your matter yourself.
Approachable and professional
Legal issues can be stressful, emotional, and unfortunately, sometimes lengthy. It is not uncommon for solicitors to need to ask difficult or confronting questions, and it is critical that you feel supported to share information relevant to your case. That’s why it’s important that you choose a solicitor who you feel comfortable working with and talking to.
At Stanley Hill Elkins, our approachable and level-headed team guide you through your legal matter with professionalism, empathy and dignity.
Practical and pragmatic
A good solicitor isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty – whether that means meticulously analysing evidence, researching niche or technical points of law or fiercely advocating in trial. They aren’t afraid to look for solutions and acknowledge that sometimes the best move is to resolve a matter in the early stages to avoid protracted litigation.
At Stanley Hill Elkins, we believe you deserve a strong and specialised advocate who not only knows the law but has a practical understanding of the system and your opponents, giving you a strategic edge. Our team includes a former prosecutor with insights into how the other side approaches a criminal case, and a collaborative practitioner who is trained in working with, not against, the other side to keep your family law matter amicable and conflict free.
We focus only on family, criminal, traffic and firearms law – areas which are sometimes interconnected. When areas of law intersect, our multi-disciplinary team work together to fight for you on multiple fronts.
Responsive
From organising parenting arrangements to questions about what to do if you’ve been arrested, legal proceedings are often time sensitive and being left in the dark can create uncertainty in these already stressful situations. Choosing a solicitor who responds promptly and acts quickly when you’re in a crunch can make a big difference to your case.
At Stanley Hill Elkins, we understand the enormous emotional impact of court proceedings and treat your contact as a priority. Our solicitors are committed to being contactable when you them, so you always understand your legal position, the likely outcome, and the pathways available to achieve it.
When choosing a solicitor, ask yourself:
- Do they have the experience necessary to get me the best possible outcome?
- Have they explained the process and what my options are, including any risks?
- Do they explain legal concepts clearly in a way I can understand?
- Have they suggested and explained alternatives such as negotiation or dispute resolution to settle my matter without going to trial?
- Have they made promises that sound unrealistic or too good to be true?
- Do I know how I can contact them and what their timeframe for responses is?
- Would I benefit from a second opinion?
- Are they approachable and do I comfortable communicating with them about difficult or confronting topics?
- Do I understand the scope of their work and what the costs are?
