Why it's Important to Find a Great Lawyer
- rizmughal
- Dec 12, 2022
- 4 min read
There are several reasons why clients should seek proper legal advice and I discuss these below.
Firstly, the law is a complex and constantly evolving battlefield, which can be challenging. In the UK, the government have priced out many lawyers and attempted to persuade ordinary citizens that they can conduct lower value claims on their own - Litigants in Person (or "LiP's"). In reality this just creates an extra burden on lawyers, court staff, and the individuals bringing or defending their claim. Without the help of a trained and experienced legal professional, it can be difficult for clients to navigate the legal system and ensure that their rights and interests are protected.
It is not uncommon for clients to feel intimidated, overwhelmed and confused by the legal process, especially if they have never dealt with a legal issue before. It is not an easy process, or an enjoyable one. The legal process is often slow and cumbersome and you need to be able to deal with that, as the duration a case runs for is largely out of your hands.
A good lawyer can help clients understand the legal process and provide them with the information and support they need to make informed decisions. Think of a lawyer as a tour guide, guiding you through this unknown territory pointing out all the important sights, and highlighting the dangers.
Secondly, legal issues can have significant consequences for clients. For example, entering into a contract without fully understanding its terms and conditions could result in financial loss or legal liability, which the untrained eye may not have understood or anticipated.
For clients who think instructing a lawyer to review or draft a contract is too expensive, you need to consider whether you would rather spend $500 now to get peace of mind, or $500,000 if you get sued for non-compliance or breach of contract? That's the reality. By reviewing your own contract or downloading a ready-made template online, you may think you are saving time and money and that you will be protected, but it's commercially naive to think that way, and it will only be a matter of time before the contract is tested. I see it time and time again and often clients are re-purposing contracts that are several years old, oblivious to the fact that a relevant law may have changed.
Similarly, failing to properly handle a legal dispute can lead to costly and time-consuming litigation. Lawyers do not generally charge unreasonable rates; Clients are paying for their lawyer's time and years' of experience. Considerable time and effort goes into case preparation and devising tactics, and there is no 'one-size fits all' approach. Every case is dealt with on its own merit. Litigation can become very expensive, but despite what you may think, lawyers will try to avoid litigation at all costs.
Costs can range from a few thousand to the millions, depending on the nature and complexity of the dispute, and the appetite of the parties. Technically, whilst that means the more a case is delayed the more a lawyer gets paid, litigation is tiring and can be unpredictable. It can also become unprofitable because lawyers will not always be able to recover all of their costs. It is for these reasons why most lawyers will not want a case to drag on and I will often advise clients to consider negotiating settlement or undertaking mediation, before we get to the latter (more expensive) stages of litigation.
I'm a litigator by trade, and I can thankfully say that I have never lost a case at trial, but if a case reaches that stage, even with solid case preparation and unwavering evidence, things can go south very quickly, and it is a nerve-wracking experience hearing your claim (or your defence) unravel before a High Court Judge. It is this uncertainty that forms part of the risk in litigation.
Thirdly, proper legal advice can help clients avoid potential problems and conflicts. A good lawyer will be able to identify potential issues and offer advice on how to avoid them, saving clients time, money, and stress in the long run. For instance, a lawyer can help clients understand their rights and obligations under the law, and provide advice on how to protect themselves from potential legal liabilities. This can be especially important in cases where clients are dealing with complex legal issues, such as cross-border contracts or construction disputes.
Fourthly, legal professionals have access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that are not readily available to the general public. They can provide clients with specialist advice that takes into account the specific circumstances of their case, using the most up to date legal developments. The law constantly evolves and I have even had to change tact during a case, based on the decision reached in another, completely separate, case (because that case set a common law precedent and became binding). Other lawyers can also an invaluable resource and so lawyers will often speak to one another for a second opinion or a sense-check, so you immediately have access to a network of lawyers through your own lawyer.
Fifthly, lawyers are rarely generalist. We have specialist skillsets which we have focused on over the years. If you have an Intellectual Property dispute, such as a copyright infringement claim, then you should hire a specialist IP lawyer. If you have a matrimonial matter which needs dealing with then you should hire a Family lawyer. Arguably, having any lawyer is better than having no lawyer, but we have specialisms for a reason. The law is far-reaching, and it is impossible to keep up to date with all the legislation, rules, regulations, and customary practice of every single practice area.
Whether it's negotiating a complex commercial negotiation, drafting a bespoke cross-border distribution agreement, or defending a hotly contested dispute, it is crucial that clients seek professional legal advice, so that their rights are protected, pitfalls are avoided, and their interests are fully represented. By working with an expert lawyer who understands their needs, has commercial nous, and the expertise to handle their case, clients can feel at ease that they stand the best possible chance of succeeding.
Contact me to see how I can help. This website was set up to link you to the best lawyers using my personal network, so if there is an issue I am unable to assist you with, I will be able to connect you to an expert.
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