Have you got yourself into a bit of legal trouble that you need advice and help getting out of? Here are seven tips that, if you follow, will mean that you get the most out of any legal advice you have to pay for:

1) Listen – The advice your solicitor gives you may not be what you want to hear, but listen to it anyway. Generally they will be talking from experience and from an independent, objective point of view.

2) Watch The Clock – Most solicitors charge by the hour (starting at around £120, about £2 per minute!) So don’t waste time. Send any information they need to them in advance if you can, take them with you if you can’t.  Most solicitors also charge by the unit, so if you call them, even if the call is just 10 seconds long, you could be charged for a 5 or 10minute unit, costing you about £10/£15 per call.

3) As Early As Possible – Getting legal advice for a problem early on can sometimes save grief and expense later. Sometimes a letter from your solicitor is all that’s needed to sort out a problem or prevent future problems. If you leave action too late, you could face pricey court or legal action.

4) Get A Specialist – If you are looking for advice on a particular area, choose a solicitor that specialises in that area rather than a general lawyer. A specialist will know all the details they need, saving you time and money even though their initial hourly rate may appear to be higher.

5) What Exactly is the Problem? – if there are problems with your company that may affect the legal advice you are given, tell your solicitor about them straight away and keep them informed of any changes to your situation.

6) Ask Questions – If money is an issue, set limits on the amount of money or work your solicitor does and ensure these are in writing. If these limits get reached, you can then decide if you want to carry on. Ask your solicitor how much their advice and help is going to cost, they have to tell you.

7) When To Stop – On top of the legal costs, you also need to think about the overall cost legal action will have on your business and the lost time and morale among your staff. Is the case really worth taking on? What will you get out of it in the end? Don’t let the idea of justice go to your head!

What Do You Think?

Do you have any other recommendations when it comes to seeking legal advice? Have you been ripped off in the past because of something you weren’t aware of? We would love to know your thoughts and opinions. Leave your comments here.

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