If you need legal advice or representation, a local lawyer is often your best option, providing unrivalled access and support, and a far more personal service than you would get from a big city firm.
10 reasons to choose a local lawyer
Early Preparation
Never underestimate the benefits of early preparation when it comes to success in legal matters.
The best lawyer in the world could show up in the courtroom with no prior knowledge of the details of the case and would be no match for a local lawyer with a clear gameplan based on the facts.
You wouldn’t want your very first meeting with a brain surgeon to be on the operating table, so why risk going into legal proceedings unprepared?
Using a local lawyer means that you will be able to meet, in person at the earliest possible stage, giving them the best chance of building a strong case on your behalf.
Attention to detail
Meeting in person on a regular basis will enable you and your local lawyer to go over the facts of the case in minute detail. This will ensure that nothing important is missed that may prove fatal later down the line.
They will also know all the inner workings of the local legal system, any paperwork that needs to be submitted, or proceedings that need to be instigated.
Easy Access
Even if you can get a national major law firm to take your case, it can take weeks to arrange an appointment with an actual lawyer. You will be passed from middleman to middleman and by the time you spread to anyone who can truly help you a huge amount of valuable time will have been wasted.
With a local lawyer, you will be able to consult with your attorney anytime and for any reason, without having to make a pre-arranged appointment.
Knowledge of local rules
In Scotland, the legal landscape is pretty universal, and legislation does not vary from place to place as it does in different states of America, for example.
However, this is not to say that there are no intricacies of different local courts that need to be learned.
A local lawyer will know all the local rules and policies of judges and courts, and make sure that you abide by them. Failing to do so could result in you offending and annoying the judge before the case has even begun. As you can imagine this is not something that is likely to help your case.
Medical contacts
Many of the cases that we deal with involve dealing with the local doctors and medical professionals in the area.
Whether a workplace injury claim, car incident, assault, or anything else involving physical injuries doctors are responsible for making records and observations that can be critical to the outcome of the case.
Local lawyers will have plenty of contacts with doctors, neurologists, physios and more.
They will also know which local professionals are the most well respected in court and whose observations will carry the most weight.
Constant review
Being in constant communication with your lawyer means that any changes that ned to be made can be done swiftly and at a moment’s notice.
If either party has concerns over the approach that is being taken to the case it is easy to meet, go over the details once more, and make any required changes.
Availability
Many city law firms simply won’t be able to take your case, they’ll be too busy with other clients.
This isn’t an insult to the importance of your situation; it is simply the reality of firms with many hundreds of clients. By the time you find one that is willing to take you on you may already have wasted time that a local law firm would have spent on your case.
Community spirit
Having a lawyer who not only works nearby, but also lives nearby, can be critical in ensuring that they put their full attention and care into the case.
They will want to see businesses in the area thrive, and if you are facing legal challenges that could threaten your success at no fault of your own, it is in their best interest to do all they can to assist you.
Local trust
Many cases, both criminal and corporate, come down to the quality of the witnesses presented by each side.
If your lawyer is well-known and liked in the community, witnesses will be more forthcoming and trust that they will be treated with the utmost respect.
Reputation for success
No matter if you choose a national, international, or local law firm, reputation is vital.
Before you agree to hire a lawyer, check out some experiences of their previous clients. This is a lot easier to do if you use a Local Solicitor Clarkston as you may well be able to find a lawyer that comes recommended by someone you know, either through business or personally.