6 Tips When Choosing or Hiring a Solicitor
A recent case heard before the president of the High Court concerning a solicitor who has been struck off the roll of solicitors for misconduct, highlights the need for every person to make sure that when hiring a solicitor, they are sure that they can trust him/her.
In addition to the above, here are 6 important tips which every potential client should be aware of before hiring a solicitor.
1. Hire someone you feel you can work with
Perhaps the most fundamental and human part of this is, will they get on with the solicitor? If for example if you were bringing a claim for personal injury, you could work with the solicitor for a year or two or maybe, in some cases, even longer. If you don’t like the person you’re working with, this could have an adverse effect on the progress of the case through the Injuries Board and through the courts as the last thing you will want to do is deal with the annoying person who’s trying to bring the action on your behalf.
2. Trust your instinct
If you get an uneasy feeling about a solicitor at the first or second meeting with him, then there’s a good chance that there might be something wrong. Each of us has an innate subconscious understanding of when something isn’t quite right. Go with your gut! If you don’t trust him now you’re unlikely to trust him in 12 months’ time!
3. Make sure they are insured
You should never be afraid to ask what your solicitors insurance cover is like. All solicitors must have professional Indemnity Insurance. There are different levels of cover available to the solicitor to cover different financial levels. If you have a claim which is worth two or three million euros or are buying a house or involving yourself in a commercial transaction which is worth say, €2m then if the solicitor only has professional indemnity Insurance for €1.5m, then you may want to seek your professional assistance elsewhere.
Bonus tip! You can check a law firm’s indemnity cover level here
4. Get an expert for your particular case
What speciality does your solicitor have? Not every solicitor is a general practice solicitor. Most solicitors have a speciality. For instance, my main field of work is in personal injury law although I do practice in other areas also. If you are retaining a solicitor to act in an employment law case, you’re unlikely to seek a personal injury solicitor and, likewise, if you have a personal injury matter you’re unlikely to retain a solicitor who mainly deals in house purchases and sales. Look at the solicitor’s website which would normally tell you what the solicitor does or does not do.
5. Talk about money
Don’t be afraid to ask about costs. A good law firm will try to be as open as possible about future cost for a case and, details in relation to costs should be set out to clients in writing prior to the retaining of the former Don’t just to go for whoever is the cheapest as invariably you get what you pay for. Similarly, if something is very expensive and prohibitively slow, don’t be afraid to shop around.
6. Get ‘Social Proof’
If you still don’t know who to go for, look at their online reviews from reputable sources such as Google. While you may be tempted to think that a lot of testimonials are written by the solicitor themselves on their own websites, there are strict rules surrounding the publication of such testimonials and proof can be sought to ensure that the people involved actually exist. Better again, talk to family and friends to see if they can recommend a solicitor to you who they have used in the past.
To get in touch with the solicitors at Carmody Moran, our contact details are here.
Frequently Asked Questions on Choosing a Solicitor
What should I consider when choosing a solicitor in Dublin?
When choosing a solicitor in Dublin, it’s important to consider whether you can comfortably work with them. Building a good relationship is essential, especially since some legal matters, like personal injury cases, can take a year or longer. For those living in areas such as Dalkey, Ranelagh, or Ballsbridge, working with someone approachable will help ensure smooth communication throughout the legal process.
How do I know if a solicitor is the right fit for my case?
To choose the right solicitor, trust your instincts from the start. If you feel uneasy during the initial meetings, it might indicate that this solicitor isn’t the best fit. Your solicitor should specialise in your specific case type—whether it’s property conveyancing, employment law, or personal injury—so it’s crucial to confirm that they have relevant experience in your area of concern. A reputable firm like Carmody Moran Solicitors, serving clients across Mount Merrion and Sandycove, offers expertise across a range of legal services.
Why is professional indemnity insurance important when selecting a solicitor?
Professional indemnity insurance ensures that your solicitor can cover any financial losses if mistakes are made in handling your case. When engaging with a solicitor, don’t hesitate to ask about their insurance cover to confirm it aligns with your needs. For instance, a commercial transaction worth €2 million may require higher indemnity coverage. Solicitors at Carmody Moran in Dublin, including Dalkey and Ranelagh, maintain adequate insurance to give clients peace of mind.
How much should I expect to pay a solicitor in Dublin, and how can I discuss fees?
When choosing a solicitor in Dublin, it’s important to talk openly about costs before retaining their services. Solicitors should provide an estimate of fees in writing and explain any potential additional expenses. While it might be tempting to opt for the cheapest solicitor, the most affordable option isn’t always the best. Solicitors like those at Carmody Moran in Ballsbridge and Sandycove provide transparency on pricing and strive to balance affordability with excellent service.
How can I verify the reputation of a solicitor in Dublin?
To ensure you are choosing the best solicitor, check online reviews from reputable sources like Google. It’s also a good idea to seek recommendations from friends or family who may have worked with solicitors in your area, such as Mount Merrion or Ranelagh. Carmody Moran
INDEPENDENT GOOGLE CLIENT REVIEWS
Anthony Carmody is a qualified solicitor with over 20 years’ experience in leading Dublin law firms. Anthony has specialised in the area of defending personal injury claims representing Insurance companies and Local Authorities, as well as undertaking claimant cases.