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01787 277375Choosing a solicitor isn’t just about finding a reputable local firm; it’s about finding one with real experience in the specific area of law that you need. Someone going through a divorce may place particular importance on the solicitor’s approach to conflict, whilst someone making a personal injury claim may need experience with a particular type of injury or accident. So, how do you choose a law firm for family law, divorce, or injury?
Knowing what matters for your type of case can make it much easier to compare solicitors and decide who you feel comfortable instructing. Below, we’re taking a look at what to consider when choosing a solicitor for family law, divorce or a personal injury claim, as well as the checks that are worth making regardless of the type of legal advice that you need.
Family law covers a broad range of matters and many of them aren’t a single event with a clear end point. Things such as arrangements for children often need revisiting over the years as circumstances change, whether that’s a parent starting a new relationship or a change in one parent’s working pattern. Continuity can be particularly important in family law; ask upfront whether you’d be dealing with the same solicitor if you needed to come back in a few years, since that consistency often matters more than people expect.
How a firm approaches conflict matters, and as members of Resolution, our own solicitors commit to a non-confrontational way of working wherever possible. If your finances are more complex, for instance because you own a shared holiday let or a business that isn’t straightforward to value, it’s also worth asking whether the firm has dealt with similar assets before. Dividing savings and property can raise very different questions to that of dealing with a business interest, so relevant experience matters.
Not every personal injury claim is the same kind of case; for example, a road traffic accident and an asbestos-related illness sit under the same broad heading but can involve very different medical and legal issues. A firm’s day-to-day road traffic experience doesn’t automatically transfer, so check for experience with your specific type of claim rather than personal injury work in general.
Beyond the type of claim and the firm’s relevant experience, ask what would happen if your case didn’t settle through negotiation. Some claims can take considerably longer than expected and court proceedings may sometimes become necessary. It’s worth knowing from the outset whether the firm has experience of taking cases through the later stages of a claim and how they would keep you informed if your case became more complex.
Some things genuinely do apply regardless of the type of case, including checking that a firm is regulated by the SRA, as well as looking at independent reviews rather than only the testimonials on their website. We’ve written a separate article about what should be on a general checklist here, covering how to verify credentials and weigh up local firms against national brands. The main takeaway is that these checks are a starting point rather than the whole picture, you also need to ask questions that are specific to your circumstances. A firm that scores well on the general checklist but has never handled a case like yours isn’t necessarily the right choice, and a firm that’s newer to reviews but has genuine, relevant experience might be worth a closer look.
Wayman & Long advises Suffolk families and individuals across family law, divorce and separation, personal injury and a wide range of additional areas. Having different legal teams within the same firm can be particularly useful when one situation raises more than one issue, as the appropriate colleagues can be involved without you having to start again with an entirely separate firm.
At Wayman & Long, our solicitors and support staff are happy to have an open conversation about whether we’re the right firm for your circumstances. If you’d like to discuss your situation and find out how we may be able to help, get in touch with our team to arrange a consultation.
How do I check if a solicitor is regulated by the SRA?
You can search the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s register directly on their website using a firm’s name or SRA number, which will confirm whether they’re currently authorised to practise.
What’s the difference between a solicitor and a claims management company?
A solicitor is legally qualified and regulated to provide legal advice and representation. A claims management company provides services relating to making a claim and isn’t necessarily a law firm. If you’re considering using one, check who will actually handle the legal work and how the service is regulated.
Do I need a family law specialist if my divorce is straightforward?
Even a straightforward divorce can raise questions that aren’t obvious at the outset, particularly around finances or assets. It’s worth at least a brief conversation with a family solicitor before assuming that you won’t need one.
Is a higher success fee always a sign of a worse deal on a personal injury claim?
If you’re considering a personal injury claim under a Conditional Fee Agreement, ask the solicitor to explain how their success fee will be calculated and what deductions could be made from any compensation that you receive. Success fees in personal injury cases are subject to a legal cap, although the amount that you actually pay will depend on the funding agreement which you enter into. Comparing the terms at the outset can help you understand what you may ultimately receive if your claim succeeds.
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