Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of its publication date. Any updates after that date are not reflected here.
People and organisations who require professional legal advice have many solicitors to choose from. Trying to find the right solicitor for your matter can feel overwhelming, at a time when you may already be under significant stress.
To help you pick the right lawyer, here are seven qualities of an effective solicitor.
Table of Contents
SRA Regulated
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) is the regulatory body which regulates solicitors in the UK. All lawyers who are registered with the SRA must abide by a strict Code of Conduct and principles. These are designed to ensure solicitors not only serve their clients with honesty and integrity, but the public maintains a high level of trust in the profession.
If an SRA regulated solicitor is subject to a complaint, the SRA has the power to conduct an investigation into their conduct and issue severe sanctions, including shutting down the firm and striking a solicitor off the Roll of Solicitors.
Honest
Honesty is a core trait of an effective solicitor. The reason honesty is such a vital quality in a solicitor is that they are entrusted to provide advice on matters that can drastically affect the lives of their clients. An immigration lawyer advising a person on their Indefinite Leave to Remain application literally holds that person’s future in their hands.
Credible
Credibility encompasses several qualities, such as integrity, sound judgment, professionalism, and likeability. The latter element of credibility may not seem important, until you realise that you may have to work with your solicitor for many months to ensure your legal matter is resolved. It is difficult to sustain a trusting relationship with someone who is cold and unapproachable. A credible solicitor can demonstrate their knowledge with five-star reviews, regularly published articles, and a strong track record of successful cases which they can point to.
Reliable
One of the biggest complaints clients have about solicitors is their lack of reliability. An effective solicitor is also a courteous one. They will return your phone calls, reply to your messages and emails, and deliver things on time.
Having a reliable solicitor means you can relax knowing that they are taking care of your problem. For example, if you are a business who has had their Tier 2 Sponsor Licence suspended, having a lawyer on your side who you can rely on, provides you with the confidence that the matter is in hand, leaving you to focus on other aspects of your business.
Passionate
Every successful person has a passion for what they do. Passion drives a person to work that bit harder, give a little extra service, reassure a client more regularly, and tenaciously pursue a matter towards a best possible conclusion. Choosing a solicitor who is passionate about the sector of law they specialise in, greatly enhances your chance of achieving a successful result.
Accessible
An effective solicitor is accessible, not only in the conventional way, such as by phone or email, but also in person. They take the time to listen to what success means to you, and your objectives, and then create solutions specifically for your matter.
Accessible solicitors are also polite, friendly, and work hard to make people feel comfortable. They know that to get the best results, their client needs to feel relaxed enough to explain their problem and the solution they are seeking.
Successful Record of Results
The ultimate quality of an effective solicitor is the results they achieve for their clients. A good lawyer will be proud of their record of accomplishment and make it simple for you to access past case studies.
Whether it is having a Sponsor Licence granted for a business or reuniting a family who had been separated due to a Spouse Visa refusal, the best solicitors can quickly point to their successes, giving their clients the confidence.
Final words
An effective solicitor can completely transform your life and/or business. Take the time to look for someone who embodies right qualities. The more carefully you select who will advise and represent you, the greater your chance of achieving the good result.
A Y & J Solicitors are specialists in immigration law based in central London. If you would like to have more information, please contact us at contact@ayjsolicitors.com or call +44 20 7404 7933.
Disclaimer: No material/information provided on this website should be construed as legal advice. Readers should seek an appropriate professional advice for their immigration matters.
