So, you’ve made the decision that it’s time to hire a lawyer. But how do you decide which lawyer is right for you?
The first step, is to create a short list of questions you need answers to. But here is the tip. Don’t make them generic like, can I get a non conviction for this offence or will I go to prison? Or, how does the family law system work? Or, how do we work out who keeps what? They are great questions. But everyone asks those questions and lawyers can answer those questions in their sleep.
If you are going to work with a lawyer, the person you are going to have to trust to guide you through the uncertainties that are involved in criminal law, family law, estate planning and probate, you want to make the lawyer work hard and prove that they are good enough to be given the privilege of being your lawyer.
So, make the questions specific to you. Questions like:
Family Law
- What steps do I need to take today to protect myself and my kids financially? What steps should I take today, this week?
- How are you going to help me to feel less insecure?
- Do you have tools that I can use today to start solving some of my problems?
- I can’t reach an agreement with my partner about the kids. What should I do? When? How?
Criminal Law
- What do I need to do today to protect my interests?
- Do I have to tell my employer I have been charged?
- What steps do I need to take to prepare evidence?
If you find a lawyer who listens to you, provides answers to your questions and is focused on solving your problems quickly and efficiently, a lawyer that is knowledgeable, experienced and prepared to give you a clear plan so that you can see a way to the end of your matter, then you just may have found the best lawyer for you. If you don’t feel like the lawyer has listened to you and was really prepared to give you answers which were not generic, then talk to another lawyer, or even a couple of lawyers. It is important to get the right fit.
Finally, every lawyer has an obligation to tell you what they are going to charge you for the work that has to be completed. And, they must do that in writing. Make sure that you get the fee estimate in writing and that you read it carefully before you give the lawyer further instructions. Ask for a further explanation about the costs agreement if there is something that you don’t understand. It is important that you understand the costs contract that you are entering into with the lawyer, and that there are no financial surprises for you along the way.
WHY CHOOSE SYDNEY LAW GROUP?
- We are experienced lawyers with an outstanding track record
- We offer a fair fixed fee in many cases, rather than billing by the hour
- For us, it’s personal – we’re easy to talk to and we’re always on your side
We’re easy to get to with an office in Macquarie Park / North Ryde, conferences available via ZOOM and in the Sydney CBD, and if that isn’t possible, we can come to you.