find the right lawyer
advertising feature
Keys to getting the right advice FINDING a lawyer isn’t top of mind for many people – until they suddenly need one! As a result, many Australians don’t really know where to start when they do, say Canberran lawyers. But there’s a few key things to look for. According to Steven Fraser, practice principal and property and commercial lawyer at Zone Legal, fees are a major consideration for the average person. “The issue for me is a question of value for money. Lawyers sell time, but there’s a balance there – is what you’re being charged for good value? Sometimes the time being billed isn’t productive time, but it’s charged,”he says. “When you take the fixed fee approach, you look at the value to the client, assess it carefully and put in thought, rather than working to the time sheet.” After also considering a lawyer or firm’s area of specialty – for example, seeking an expert in conveyancing if that’s what we’re after – it’s also important to find someone we can communicate
Family law expertise “EXPERTISE in the law is only the first ingredient to a successful outcome,” says Elrington Boardman Allport lawyer Claire Grogan. “Exceptional results in challenging matters, combined with empathy and a determination to deliver for the benefit of our clients are what mark EBA Lawyers as an exceptional law firm in Canberra and Queanbeyan. “These characteristics are particularly evident in the family law team where Carlos Turini and I put clients at ease through our combined experience of more than 30 years, meaning that we are able to focus on bringing matters to resolution quickly and efficiently.” Carlos and Claire employ mediation and other alternative dispute-resolution methods, but clients know that in the small number of cases that go to litigation, their advocacy is forceful and effective. More information at www. ebalawyers.com.au or call 6206 1300.
Need for flexibility
Director Cheryl Welsh says that Just Law is unusual in that it recognises the need for flexibility in law services.
Specialists in family law At Elrington Boardman Allport we understand the difculties and sensitivities surrounding the breakdown of personal relationships and marriages. Our aim is to resolve all outstanding matters with your former spouse as quickly, fairly and inexpensively as possible and keep you up to date regarding progress and cost throughout your matter. We will also provide strong and effective representation if litigation is required. Our team of specialist family lawyers can assist you with: • Property disputes in family law and defacto relationships • Children’s custody and access arrangements • Child support • Divorce • Adoptions • Prenuptial agreements • Alternative dispute resolution - member if the National Centre for Collaborative Law
Email: lawyers@ebalawyers.com.au Website: www.ebalawyers.com.au 22 CityNews November 4-10
with well, says Cheryl Welsh, of Just Law, particularly where some areas of practice are concerned. Cheryl does a lot of family law, where a good rapport is useful, as well as conveyancing, wills and so on. “Family law cases are often a long process, and we’ve got to get a lot of information over a long period of time, so you have to have trust built up to do the things you need to do.” “We do general law - it’s a mixed practice, working over various areas like conveyancing, wills and family law. “We do after hours appointments, recognising the need to be family-friendly. Mums and dads who work often can’t get out to see their lawyer for an interview during working hours, especially if it’s a family law issue, as these are stressful and can take the most time.” More information on 6238 0192.
Cheaper choice
USING Legal Resolution Services (Legal RS) at the beginning or early stages of a legal dispute can be a less-expensive alternative to legal action, says founder and Canberra lawyer Barbara Campbell. Legal RS can provide disputing parties with the ability to jointly access highly experienced lawyers, who act as settlement facilitators, she says. Legal RS brings both parties together in a conference environment using specialist lawyers of no less than 10 years’ legal experience. “With fees shared between the disputing parties, Legal RS offers the chance for everyone to be fully informed and aware of the real issues of their case before seriously embarking on the draining, expensive option of litigation,” Barbara says. “It can occur in the first months of a dispute being identified, with or without each party’s own lawyer involved. Our experience has shown that it results in 99 per cent of cases in the matter settling.” “Clients are often at their most vulnerable when they seek legal assistance, so it is imperative that they are fully informed and have the chance to receive the best advice possible from professionals.” More information on info@ legalrs.com or 6161 9153.
In the zone
Zone Legal aims to provide personal service, transparent fixed fees and value for money, says practice principal Steven Fraser. “These days, people are more informed about the law and law firms, and more careful – there’s more of a consumer mentality,” he says. “We’re a small firm that does conveyancing, leasing, sale and purchase of businesses, and professional contracts among other things. “These days, clients don’t just go to a law firm prepared to pay anything: they’re more savvy than that. The younger generation in particular get on the web and make a lot of enquiries.” More information at www.zonelegal.org or call 6112 8170.