Five Important Pointers When Selecting A Silverdale Lawyer
Whatever you need a lawyer for, you want the reassurance that your case is in the hands of a competent professional. Since most people rarely have the need for legal representation, choosing the right legal professional can seem like a daunting task. Here are five pointers which can make the task much simpler.
Know Where To Find a Silverdale Lawyer
Although using an online Internet search may put you in touch with a good lawyer in Silverdale, it is more reliable to use a recognised directory of legal professionals such as the Auckland District Law Society. This will provide you with a comprehensive list of professionals in your area, as well as giving an option to select a lawyer by different filters.
Ask For Personal Referrals
If you have had legal representation in the past you can go to that same lawyer and ask if they have experience with your type of case. Most lawyers will be honest about this and say if it is not their area of practice. They will often recommend another lawyer in their own law firm or even a specialist in another firm if they are not able to help you. This can provide you with further information which you may not be able to find from other sources, such as the lawyer’s professional reputation when it comes to practice and ethics.
Check The Law Firm’s Credentials
Even if you have followed the previous two pointers and believe you have found a great legal representative, it is a good idea to do a quick background check into their law firm. A law directory can tell you whether the lawyer has ever been subject to previous disciplinary action. This information is easy to locate online.
Always Meet A Lawyer Before Hiring Them
Once you have found a potential lawyer in Silverdale you would consider hiring, it is essential that you arrange to meet with them face to face. Almost all legal professionals will provide a free initial consultation. This allows you to further reassure yourself that they are knowledgeable and professional, but it is also a good way to determine if their personality and manner of dealing with you is in line with your preferences and needs. Lawyers are human and as such each has their own personality.
Do not forget to bring a list of questions you want to ask the lawyer. This may include questions about similar cases they have dealt with, or a request for a breakdown of their firm’s pricing structure.
Request A Tour Of The Law Office
Although not as important as meeting with your potential legal representation, it is also a good idea to ask for a brief tour of the law office. What you see during the tour can tell you a great deal about the lawyer’s professionalism, for example, how organised the law firm is or if they have sufficient support staff. Look for potential issues such as poor data protection practice, unhappy staff or the lack of a coherent filing system. These are all indications that you might encounter problems if you hire the lawyer to deal with your case.
Hiring the right lawyer is an important step in achieving a favourable outcome. These five pointers can help you to find reputable legal representation.
McVeagh Fleming is a medium-sized law firm serving clients in Orewa, Silverdale and Warkworth with a broad range of legal services including property, commercial, and family and estate issues.