The term ‘solicitor’ is liable to be a source of confusion unless you specialise in law. Often used interchangeably with ‘lawyer’ and ‘barrister’, it can be difficult to understand unless you have an understanding of legal terminology. This post will look to explain the responsibilities of a solicitor, listing the various types that exist and what a solicitor will do on a daily basis. From civil disputes to helping sell a bungalow, read on to discover what solicitors really do, and find out more about our expert team of professional solicitors here.
The Areas Of Law A Solicitor Can Specialise In
The world of law is a complex one, with a huge number of legal practice areas to cover for anyone hoping to become a solicitor. Commercial and financial law come under the same umbrella as criminal and immigration law, so effectively a solicitor can work within any of these broad areas as well as many many more. Family law and tax law are just another two of the sectors, so you get a general idea of the depth of knowledge solicitors may need, although most specialise in one particular area. A solicitor will act directly on behalf of clients, responsible for preparing documentation and representing or defending their broader legal interests.
General Responsibilities
In the United Kingdom, the role of a solicitor is to take instructions from clients, including individuals, groups and companies. The solicitor then advises clients on necessary courses of legal action relevant to their circumstances. Solicitor responsibilities may vary dependent on their firm or position within a legal department. General duties might include but aren’t limited to:
● Communicating with barristers and instructing them on cases that go to court.
● Researching complicated legal practices.
● Remaining updated on new developments in the law.
● Gradually building relationships with a firm’s clients.
● Meeting with clients to explain complex legal subjects.
● Defending clients in court.
● Researching cases of interest to provide clients with worthwhile advice.
● Training junior solicitors.
● Advising clients about appropriate behaviour during ongoing cases.
Negotiating Separations
A solicitor can advise you on your rights if you want to make a claim against your former partner for a share of the family home or other important assets. You can use solicitors to give you independent legal advice, either if you’re negotiating a settlement through mediation or considering taking court action separately. A solicitor can negotiate on your behalf with your ex-partner’s legal representative or draw up a legal agreement based on what you’ve agreed independently with them. A solicitor may be able to give you information about your financial entitlement that you would otherwise be unaware of, therefore using a solicitor might be more effective than trying to sort things out directly.
As specialist divorce solicitors, we have a great understanding of the best ways to approach all sorts of disputes, and aim to do this out of court if possible. We can help with a range of negotiations from financial settlements to child custody and our biggest priority is ensuring you are happy with the outcome. If you’re looking for ‘solicitors near me’, look no further than DJP Solicitors.
Serving Eviction Notices
Often residential landlords need to take extra measures to recover their rental property, and solicitors are able to provide detailed advice and expertise in relation to evicting tenants. Discussing the grounds of your claim and relevant notice periods with a professional solicitor can ensure that you have the best prospects of success. A legal professional can advise you on the various stages of the process depending on your individual needs. Although you don’t need to use a solicitor to recover possession of a property, there are a number of rules that must be met before a valid notice can be given to a tenant to end a tenancy agreement, which a solicitor will be extremely familiar with.
Whether you’ve experienced a breach of contract, have been served an eviction notice, would like to evict a tenant, or need legal advice on the process, DJP solicitors are pleased to help. With our wealth of experience, we offer expert legal advice from beginning to end, prioritising clarity and thoroughness.
Making Legal Cases Against Criminals
The role of criminal solicitors can be incredibly varied due to the array of circumstances which require the knowledge and abilities of a criminal law expert. Considering the elaborate and confusing nature of criminal law, solicitors are integral to the system and the administration of fair and proper justice. Legal advice, support, protection and representation are the main duties of a solicitor overseeing a criminal case. Solicitors can be found who advise in specific types of criminal cases, from financial crimes to illegal misconduct in the workplace. The experience, training, and expertise of a lawyer can affect a case, which is why you should consult a suitable legal representative.
Helping You To Buy A Property
The main reason a solicitor is needed when purchasing a property is to ensure that all legal requirements are met, however they are also there as the main person to help navigate you through the complicated process. When taking the step to buy a property, a solicitor may assist with handling contracts, dealing with land registry, and transferring the money to pay for the property. Solicitors are qualified lawyers, so they can offer a full range of legal services alongside the home buying process - A home is likely to be the biggest asset we will ever own, so it is important to ensure that we aren't met with unforeseen issues later down the road.
Overseeing An Unfair Dismissal Claim
Anyone who feels that they have been unjustly treated at work and found themselves unemployed as a consequence may have a claim for unfair dismissal. It is important to assess whether an employer has followed fair procedures when dismissing an employee, and this is where a solicitor may be able to help. A Solicitor will attempt to provide legal advice on whether a dismissal is likely to be fair or unfair based on a range or criteria, including the reason your employer gives for dismissing you, and how closely they followed the company's formal disciplinary or dismissal process. Your dismissal is likely to be unfair if you have been let go for:
● Needing time off due to jury service.
● Requesting flexible working.
● Applying for maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
● Were on your entitled maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
● Exposed wrongdoing in the workplace and were dismissed as a consequence.
● Have been forced to retire.
Regardless of your employment-related issue, our expert lawyers at DJP Solicitors can help. Whether you’ve experienced unfair dismissal, workplace discrimination, wrongful termination, or anything in between, you’ll benefit from more than 15 years of experience. Our employment law advice is based on a wealth of experience in the field which is taken to each case. As a law firm in Aberdeen, we’re dedicated and proud to offer legal advice and representation over employment law claims.
Assisting You With Will Writing
Getting a solicitor to draw up a will can give you peace of mind that it has been done properly, and can save you and your loved ones a lot of stress. It is advisable to use a solicitor or agree to have a solicitor check a will you have drawn up to make sure it has been constructed properly and conveys what you have intended . It can be easy to make mistakes within a will if you lack will writing knowledge. To save time and costs when going to a solicitor, it is crucial to consider the major components of your will, including how much money and what property/possessions you have and who you would like specifically to benefit from the terms of the will.
DJP Solicitors: Find A Solicitor To Suit Your Needs
If you need professional and reliable solicitors in Aberdeen, DJP Solicitors offers excellent and affordable legal services. As a local law firm, we have been providing professional advice for a range of disputes and cases for over 10 years. We are able to provide legal services for a range of cases including family law, separation and divorce, employment law, civil law, contract disputes and much more. Our affordable solicitors will guide you through the process and work efficiently to sort your case and ensure you get the result you’re looking for.
As your local law firm in Aberdeen, we have experienced lawyers with the legal understanding to assist you in your legal proceedings. If you’re looking for ‘solicitors near me’, look no further than DJP Solicitors. Our affordable lawyers are on hand to help you in any situation. To learn more about our legal services and affordable consultations from civil disputes to unfair dismissal, contact us today.
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