If you’re looking for lawyers in Melbourne and you’ve never had to search for one before, it can be pretty confusing to know who to pick. You can search online for lawyers, but how do you know which one is right for you? Fortunately, there are a few questions you can ask to determine whether a lawyer is right for you. This article will go over some of the best questions to ask to help you make an informed decision.
What Area of Law Do You Practice In?
Law is a very big subject, so just because someone is a lawyer, that doesn’t mean they’ll know all the different facets of the law. When you search for lawyers in Melbourne, you’ll no doubt find plenty of results, but they’ll each have their own niches. Some lawyers will work in property law, while others will work in family and divorce law, business law, tax law, and so on. The first question you’ll need to ask is if your particular issue is in an area of law that the lawyer has experience with. Sometimes lawyers will not take clients on if they fall outside of their niche area. Ideally, you want to find a lawyer with previous experience and expertise with your particular issue.
How Much Are Your Services?
This is an important question to ask if you have a budget you need to stock to. You should be given a costs agreement upfront and in writing that gives you an idea of what you’ll be charged. Some things to keep in mind include:
- Even if you win a court case, legal fees can leave you out of pocket
- Legal fees can be structured in a way that’s very confusing for laymen
- “No win, no fee” agreements can sometimes still have obscure costs hidden away in the fine print
- Fixed fee agreements can help avoid hidden fees but are not appropriate for all situations
What is Your Typical Client Like?
This can be a very beneficial question to ask to get a true idea of the lawyer’s competency in dealing with issues similar to yours. If their typical client is similar to you and they have a good track record, this is a strong indication that the lawyer could work well for you too. If their typical client is completely different to you, then it’s worth questioning why they’re taking you on when you’re far outside the type of client they usually deal with. It doesn’t mean they can’t help you, but it may be better for you if you can find a lawyer that fits you better.
Are There Other Ways to Deal with My Situation?
This question will depend a lot on your situation and the lawyers in Melbourne you ask, but it’s always worth asking. Involving lawyers in a dispute and potentially going to court consumes a lot of time and money, so if there’s another less costly means of resolving your issue, it may be worth looking into. Sometimes other options such as out-of-court settlements or arbitration are a possibility, and a good lawyer should be able to give you a brief rundown of your options.