Though the pandemic significantly lowered the number of civil and criminal cases filed and litigated in the UK last year, it doesn’t mean that the judiciary rests. With cases involving divorce, domestic violence, assault, motor vehicle collision, and estate partition still continuously being filed in court, the need for Solicitors London is at an all-time high. But with many lawyers offering their services, the competition can lead you to settle for the more popular but not experienced in the kind of litigation service you need.
Whether you’re looking to file a civil, criminal, or extradition case, you need to be keen on the law firm you’ll work with. Instead of merely relying on referrals, research on your own and list down the qualities you require from a lawyer. Here are some of the best qualities you should keep your eye on to help you fill out your criteria list.
Expertise and focus in a specific field of law
A case filed in the court of law is classified as criminal, civil, or administrative. Each of these laws includes a subgroup of other laws outlining its substantive and procedural aspects. If you’re filing a family case, that would fall under the ambit of civil law and may include such subtopics as marriage dissolution, child custody and paternity, protection against domestic violence, guardianship, adoption, juvenile matters, and emancipation.
If you’re filing a case involving contracts, properties, estates of the deceased, or torts, that would be under civil law and are regulated by the Rules on Civil Procedure. However, if you file a case involving damage or injury to another human being, that would fall within the province of criminal law.
These different law practice areas require expertise in both the pleading writing, interpellation, and litigation aspects. A good lawyer may have a good grasp of the substantive laws, but it takes a seasoned one to interpellate and litigate with ease. Make sure that the lawyer you’re working with is excellent in both the writing and litigation parts. Also, if you’re looking to file a civil case, make sure that they specialise in the kind of particular case you’re filing.
Track record
When you run to the court because someone stepped on your right, your goal is to penalise that person, uphold your rights, and ensure that justice is served. But these goals can only be achieved if you win the case. When the court rules in your favour, you get the accused jailed, fined, or both, and you also paid for the damages you suffer. The other party will also be liable for the attorney’s fees. On the other hand, if you lose, you’ll end up paying for the other party’s attorney’s fees and other expenses they asked for in their prayer.
Simply put, you’ll have to suffer the consequences twice when you lose the case. This is precisely why it’s essential to work with lawyers who have high chances of winning the case. Ask for referrals from people you know, or from people who filed a similar lawsuit as the one you’re filing. Though you may end up paying a higher price for their professional services, at least you know that you’re well-represented. Plus, you have higher confidence that your case is in excellent and capable hands.
Experienced in litigating cases like yours
Some lawyers are excellent in theories, interpretations, and explaining themselves in pleadings. But it doesn’t follow that they’re as confident before the bar and bench. Litigation and moot court techniques may be taught in law school, but it takes experience to be good at it. And this experience isn’t something that you gain overnight. Seasoned litigation lawyers started as mere lawyers who only have textbook knowledge. Over time, they learned more about how the judges preside, how to interpellate to intimidate the opposition, and even how to present themselves before the judge.
Go for lawyers who are as confident on paper and in court. They can build your case in writing, and prove your right while fighting it out in the judge’s sala. They can present the evidence clearly through pleadings, and also extract the truth by framing questions that yield answers in your favour during questioning.
Takeaway
Your right shouldn’t be left in incapable hands. Going to court is more than just a test of who has a more commanding presence, who charges more, or who asserts a better right. It’s a battle of who can better prove to the judge that you deserve vindication of rights through a penalty imposed to another in the form of jail time, pecuniary penalty, or both. Don’t hesitate to seek the help of willing, able, and experienced Legal Solicitors.
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