Why Bennett Carroll is different
Experience, no jargon, co-operation
It’s difficult choosing a law firm. There are no real guidelines and there is no objective set of criteria. Many law firms are chosen either on recommendation from a friend or on “gut feel”.
There are certain things you can ask though.
Provision of information
Ensure that you are happy that you are going to receive up to date information as your matter progresses. Ask if there is a policy regarding copies of correspondence in and out being sent to you.
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, providing you with information and copies of correspondence is automatic. You do not have to chase us for information.
The comfort factor
Make an assessment when speaking to each law firm of whether they have an approach which makes you comfortable. Are you going to be able to work with these people?
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, we are intent on taking away the stress and working closely with you to ensure complete satisfaction.
A language you can understand
Look at the style of communication used in these initial telephone calls. Do they respond to your questions using your kind of language or is it “Legalese”?
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, we talk commonsense no frills English that you can understand.
Co-operation versus belligerence
Ask about their approach to resolving disputes over your matter. Some firms will automatically take a belligerent, aggressive and obstructive attitude.
At Bennett Carroll Solicitors, we protect your rights and work in a co-operative manner to ensure settlement at all times.
Questions to ask a law firm before choosing one
- How long have you been in business? Experience (and the freshness of that experience) is particularly important. The hourly rate charged by lawyers increases with the years of experience. If your matter is simple, you may be able to get away with a junior lawyer to complete it for you. If it is complex, you want someone senior in your corner. Likewise, experience needs to be on point and fresh. Ask, “how many of these types of matters have you done, and how recently?”
- How accessible are you by telephone and email?
- Can I choose the method of contact with you?
- Will I get a team of advisors where junior staff can do the simpler tasks to keep my cost down?
- Explain how this team works together.
- Can I contact anyone in the team, and will they have all the information available to them?
- Do you still have to use a paper file?
- What is your communication style and can I have a sample?
- Battleship verses speedboat – which one are you?
- Explain your engagement and billing processes to me.
- What if I’m unhappy with the service?
- What are your hourly rates?
- Do I get a copy of everything that comes into or goes out of your office?
- Will I get drafts of correspondence before they go out of your office?
- Do these services cost any more?
- How much will this cost?
- How did you come by that estimate?
- Will you update the estimate throughout the course of the matter, and if so when and how?
- How do you keep control of that estimate?
- Do you have any testimonials that I can see?
- Is there a finance arrangement available or can I pay off my bill?
- Do you regularly charge interest on arrears?
- Do I get regular progress reports on my matter?
- Do you use plain English when speaking to me and can I have an example?
