Do You Need a Solicitor?

What is a Solicitor can be answered simply – a Solicitor is a type of lawyer who provides legal advice and represents clients in legal matters. Solicitors can work in a variety of legal fields, including criminal law, family law, property law, and more. In Australia, a Solicitor must have a law degree and complete a period of legal training before they can practice. There are two types of lawyers: Solicitors and Barristers. A Solicitor, sometimes called a legal practitioner, a legal advisor or an attorney (although attorney is not often used in Australia), provides legal advice and represents clients in court.

What Services do Solicitors Provide?

A Solicitor provides legal advice, prepares legal documents, and represents clients in court or at official meetings. For example, when you purchase a house, you usually need a Solicitor to help prepare paperwork, conduct the necessary meetings, and check everything is in order. If you have been charged with a criminal offence, you would need a Solicitor to advise you, possibly liaise with the Prosecution, and most importantly, appear in Court for you.

Solicitors provide a range of services for clients, including legal advice and legal research. Legal advice is a Solicitor’s analysis and interpretation of the laws that affect a client’s case or situation. Legal research involves the Solicitor studying existing laws and cases to see how they might apply to a client’s situation.

More specific services provided by Solicitors include: Preparing or perusing contracts for sale and purchase of property, or for business ventures.  Solicitors can assist you with drafting and reviewing business contracts, employment contracts, and other types of agreements.

Family law – Solicitors can help with legal matters related to family life, such as divorce, child custody, and child support.

Criminal law – Solicitors can provide legal advice and representation to people who are under investigation or facing criminal charges.

Property law – Solicitors can help with legal issues related to land and buildings, such as buying and selling real estate, inheritance, and disputes between neighbors.

How to Choose a Solicitor Who is Right for You

When choosing a Solicitor, keep a few things in mind: The Solicitor’s specialty or particular expertise – As already alluded to, different solicitors specialize in different areas of law. Some specialties include criminal law, family law, personal injury law, business law, bankruptcy, or immigration.

This matters because certain specialties require more experience than others. For example, if you have a complicated immigration case, you probably want to seek out an immigration solicitor with significant experience.

Consider the Solicitor’s reputation – It’s important to choose a Solicitor with a good reputation. You can often find reviews or feedback online. This can help you identify any issues with a solicitor before you hire them. Better yet, ask around.

Choosing a Solicitor can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what you’re looking for.

Here are a few tips to help you choose a Solicitor who is right for you:

• Ask for recommendations – family and friends may be able to recommend a solicitor they’ve worked with in the past, in the specific area of law that you are looking to find a solicitor for.
• You could look for online reviews – there are a variety of online review sites where you can leave feedback on your experience with certain solicitors and legal practices.
• Research areas of expertise – certain areas of law, including property law, family law, business law, and criminal law, require specific knowledge and skills.
• You could also contact the Law Society to check that the solicitor you have short listed actually does the type of work that you need assistance with.
• Make sure the solicitor you choose has, preferably, extensive, experience in the areas you need help with. Ask about that experience. You should choose a Solicitor who has the level of experience you feel comfortable with.
• Ask about availability – In addition to experience, you’ll also want to consider the solicitor’s availability. You may need to meet with your solicitor at certain times, and if so, check that the solicitor you choose has reasonably flexible hours so you can schedule meetings when it’s most convenient for you.

So Just What is a Solicitor ? – Summary

We have explored what a Solicitor is and what services he or she may provide. A Solicitor is a type of lawyer who offers legal advice and represents clients in legal matters. Solicitors can work in a variety of legal fields, including criminal law, family law, property law, and many more. Solicitors must have a law degree and complete a period of legal training before they can practice. Experience in the field is also an important attribute, as are the results that a Solicitor has obtained for clients in the past. Choosing a Solicitor who is right for you can be a difficult process. Make sure you ask the right questions, do your research, and choose a Solicitor who is right for you and your needs.

 

For any criminal charges, call Criminal Lawyers Sydney and Suburbs and speak to an experienced criminal solicitor today – (02) 9533 2269