Hiring a private client solicitor is not as easy as it looks. Solicitors generally offer a range of legal services. Most private solicitors in London generally offer their legal expertise in a variety of matters, including, but not limited to, child care law, family law, divorce law, employment law and criminal law. Whether you are embroiled in a family struggle, have a will issue to settle or wish to set up a trust for your offspring, you will need assistance from a solicitor. Due to the sensitive nature of issues that most people have to discuss with their solicitors, it is imperative that you hire somebody whom you can trust. Here are just some of the most important tips that you should keep in mind when hiring a private solicitor:



Get References

The first thing that you need to do before hiring a private client solicitor is to get references from other clients. You should know how the solicitor handles cases and whether they are cooperative or not. Most private client solicitors in London generally work in firms and offer assistance on a variety of different cases. You can get references from anybody who has worked with the solicitor before, or read reviews and testimonials over the web. Remember, your future might hinge on the outcome of your case, so you need to do your due diligence before hiring any solicitor.



Preliminary Discussions

Preliminary discussions are important before you sign up with a private solicitor. When you first approach a solicitor, they will ask you to discuss the facts of your case. Obviously, your solicitor won’t ask you to disclose everything right in the beginning, as it isn’t protected by attorney-client privilege. However, once the preliminary discussions are completed, the solicitor will decide whether to take up the case or not. Remember, most solicitors generally work on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, so they have to make sure that you stand a chance before taking up the case.



The preliminary discussions held with your solicitor will give you an idea of whether the solicitor can help you or not. Most solicitors will give you legal advice right in the beginning and provide free consultation in order to give you a sense of direction. For instance, if you want to file a lawsuit against somebody for wrongdoing or breach of contract, the solicitor will advise you on whether your case has any merit or not.



Fees

The next most important step that you should consider before hiring a private solicitor is the fee charged by the attorney. The first thing that you need to know is the basis on which the solicitor charges a fee. As mentioned above, some clients charge fees based on whether they win the case or not. If they do, a percentage of the winnings are transferred to the solicitor. However, there are certain solicitors who charge a fixed fee, so be careful when deciding which solicitor to hire.