Legal Help
LEGAL HELP – GREENWICH SOLICITORS
Things to Consider When Seeking Legal Advice
First of all, you need to think whether a solicitor is strictly necessary for the problem. For some problems, like employment disputes, a Trade Union official might be appropriate.
If you cannot afford legal advice, you the state might be able to provide you with help towards the legal costs (legal aid), although whether you get any help is dependent on a number of factors (see below). You may also want to see an advisor at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Given the popularity of the CAB, however, it may be potentially difficult to get timely advice.
What’s the advantage of using a solicitor?
If you use a professional solicitor, initial consultations are usually free and can be had without an appointment. By using your free initial consultation, you will be able to find out exactly what your solicitor can do to help and there is no obligation to use any further services. There is nothing to lose.
If you do choose to use a solicitor for further advice, you will be covered by their indemnity insurance which will compensate you in the event that the solicitor acts negligently.
Things to consider when choosing a solicitor
When choosing a solicitor, it is vital that you use a professional who is registered with The Law Society. The Law Society has a code of conduct and all solicitors must follow this in order to continue their membership. Breaches of this code can result in disciplinary hearings and suspension from the society. It is the solicitor’s interests to make sure that this code is strictly adhered to.
You also need to consider the nature of your problem. Choose a solicitor who has a track record in the area of law your issue relates to. Check whether there are any relevant qualifications for the area they specialise in. Immigration solicitors, for example, have a separate qualification to certify their expertise in immigration law. T
Also check whether the solicitor possesses the relevant credentials. Solicitors will usually have a degree (LLB, BA or Bsc), the Legal Practice Certificate (a one year vocational course) and two years of training. Without these qualifications, your advisor will most likely be acting in the capacity of a paralegal or legal executive. Experienced paralegals and legal executives will be more than capably of dealing with many different problems and will usually have lower fees than a solicitor.
As mentioned before, you should also check whether the solicitor has professional indemnity insurance. Whilst we hope any solicitor you deal with conducts themselves in a diligent, professional manner, this insurance exists to cover any instances of professional negligence. Rather than having to go to court again, a claim can be bought against the insurer who will more often than not settle out of court.
Legal Aid
If you need help with your legal costs, you might be entitled to legal aid which depends on your circumstances and the nature of your problem. Relevant circumstances include your income, the value of the assets you own and whether there is a reasonable chance of winning your case. Legal aid can be used for both criminal and civil matters. If you have been arrested, you are entitled to free legal aid at the police station you are being held.
To prove your entitlement to legal aid, you will have to show evidence of your income, including pay slips, benefit documentation, tax returns etc.