Getting the Best Out of Your Solicitor – Tips for Business Owners

November 23, 2020

 

As a business owner it’s likely that at some point during the life of your business you will need to engage with a solicitor. There are many reasons why you might need to do so which include buying or leasing commercial property, dealing with HR issues or negotiating contracts with suppliers and customers.

Whilst to a large extent your experience of engaging with a solicitor will be dependent on the individual solicitor or the firm involved, there are a number of things that you can do which will help ensure that your experience is positive and that you get as much out of it as you can.

Siobhan Williams shares some tips for business owners to help ensure that you get the best out of your solicitor:

Understanding

Find a solicitor that you can relate to and who genuinely understands you and your business. Ideally find someone who has undertaken the same type of work before. 

Taking advice early on

If you have engaged a solicitor to advise you on a particular matter, ask for their advice before making any significant decisions or speaking with third parties. There’s no point in engaging a solicitor and not using them before you make key decisions. If you do not consult with your solicitor before making crucial decisions then you may end up in difficulty legally.

Resources and payment

Be clear as to what resources you have for legal costs. It is sometimes possible to agree fixed fees for specific pieces of work, however other matters are usually chargeable by the hour.  Have an upfront honest discussion with your solicitor as to what costs are likely to be for your particular matter. Your solicitor will give you estimates at various stages of your matter, but these estimates are based on the information available to them at the time. If things change, or something unexpected crops up, the fee estimate is likely to be revised and you should be prepared for this.

Costs/Benefit analysis

It is important for you to assess how important your particular matter is to you. You should always carry out a costs/benefit analysis when instructing a solicitor to make sure that you do not end up spending a fortune in legal fees on something that does not have much value commercially.  Similarly, it is worth investing in areas which are likely to protect your business’ position in the future, or if it will yield savings elsewhere. Remember that if your matter is particularly urgent, the fees may be subject to an uplift, so take advice in good time where possible.

Providing paperwork and important information

Make sure you give your solicitor all relevant information and papers. Depending on the matter involved, it might be useful to put together a short narrative or chronology setting out what happened when, attaching all relevant documents. The more you can package up the important information, the easier your solicitor’s task will be.   

Deadlines

Be clear about any deadlines you have for the work, and have a discussion with your solicitor as to whether the deadline is realistic / achievable. 

Digesting the advice

Read what your solicitor sends you. It is important that you read thoroughly and understand the documents and advice that your solicitor sends you. Your solicitor will have spent a good deal of time carefully crafting advice and documents and it is important that you familiarise yourself with what is in them, otherwise you may miss crucial information. If you don’t understand something, then ask for further clarity. It is important that you understand the advice you are being given so you can make an informed decision as to what steps to take next.

Managing expectations

Make sure that your expectations are realistic. Depending on the issue you are facing, there might not be a quick or easy solution. You need to ensure that you keep a level head and realistic approach.

Be patient. Regardless of the nature of the matter, there is likely a process to follow and take its course.

At Darwin Gray, our personal approach means that we’re always just a phone call or email away for our clients. Our teams work closely together, so you’ll have the right person for your case and a wealth of expertise and experience at hand as your needs change.

Contact us to find out more about how Darwin Gray can help you and your business.

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I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”

Becs Beslee
Dice FM Ltd

Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”

Rebecca Cooper
ACT Training

We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”

Karen Gale
Stepping Stones Group

An extremely professional and sincere firm who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the firm to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”

Gwawr Booth
Portal Training Ltd

PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”

Ledia Shabani
Property Support Services UK Ltd

Darwin Gray have acted for myself and my company over a number of years and at all times we have been treated with a professional manner yet maintain a common-sense approach at all levels. We couldn’t recommend them more highly.”

Simon Baston
Loft Co

We have been clients of Darwin Gray for many years; they’ve always dealt with all of our legal matters with such professionalism. They work around us, even during awkward hours, and we feel confident we can always rely on them.”

Louise Williams
ACT Training

Darwin Gray has been acting for Siltbuster for more than ten years. We would have no hesitation in recommending Darwin Gray to other organisations small or large.”

Richard D Coulton
Siltbuster Ltd