If you have a complex legal problem involving a considerable sum of money, handling the situation without involving a lawyer is not advisable. Apart from dispensing legal information, lawyers also provide strategic advice and can apply technical skills to resolve legal issues. However, it is not easy to find a trusted lawyer, as many claim to be excellent but can end up disappointing their clients. Do not expect to find a good lawyer by looking in a phone book, as it won’t contain sufficient information to help you make a sound judgment. This article will help you identify trustworthy lawyers in Melbourne for all your legal requirements.
Referrals
A reliable and quick way to find a trustworthy lawyer is through referral or word of mouth. Ask your colleagues or friends who have previously been in a similar situation about the lawyer they engaged and where they found them. Referrals often provide unbiased comments and feedback on a lawyer your family member or friend has a vested interest in. Hopefully, this will give you plenty of suggestions on trustworthy individuals. By asking for a referral from a family member or friend, you will have somewhere to start when contacting lawyers in Melbourne.
City Bar
You can find a lawyer licensed to practice in your city by looking at your state or city bar association’s directory. Licensed lawyers in Melbourne can be found on the Victoria Bar website. You should be able to locate them using their first or last name or their bar number. The lawyer’s profile will contain their contact information, whether they can practice law actively, and any ethical issues they may have been involved in.
Lawyer Referral Services
This is another reliable source of information on a lawyer’s credibility. There are a number of lawyer referral services that cautiously screen lawyers and only list those with specific qualifications and a particular amount of experience. Other referral services list any lawyer in good standing with the state or city bar association with liability insurance. Before you choose a lawyer referral service, enquire about its qualifications for listing a lawyer or how they screen lawyers.
The Internet
The internet is probably the most extensive resource you can use to find lawyers in Melbourne, despite the long-winded and intricate options. You can quickly narrow down the expertise area, your locality and cost. However, this may consume a lot of time and require you to be tech-savvy to find the right lawyer. You will also need to call any shortlisted options to check they’re a suitable option before you proceed.
The Lawyer’s Website
You can use a lawyer’s website to find testimonials, publications and accolades. Even though a poorly designed website might not be an indication of the lawyer’s incompetency, it’s not a good sign either. Do extensive research on any lawyer that you’re interested in. Recommendations and reviews about a lawyer will give you some insight into who you will be dealing with.
