sources of advice Flashcards
solicitor
easy to access - numerous offices in most towns and cities, and they have direct contact with clients
specialise in all areas of law - offer expert advice
able to offer initial advice on how successful claim is likely to be request and obtain reports and evidence
strengths of solicitor
easy to access
professional
confidential
properly regulated and insured concerning poor such as delay, mistakes or overcharging
weakness of solicitor
can be expensive
local firm may not specialise in the area you need
barristers
deal with serious and high-profile cases
located in cities and larger towns
specialist source of advice and drafting legal documents
advise clients strengths and weaknesses of their case
work in partnership with solicitors
strengths of barristers
professional
specialist
confidential
weakness of barristers
expensive
access through a solicitor
not always local
citizen advice
offer conditional advice online, over the phone and in person
also give advice on consumer rights, support witness in court
advice for person claiming compensation for personal injury hearing by phone or video call
strengths of citizen advice
free
wide range of advice available
relatively local
quick advice
weakness of citizen advice
may not be able to do more than suggest going to a solicitor
law centre
work with communities to defend the rights of local people
support people who cannot afford legal representation
specialise in social welfare law
offer advice on civil matter such as housing or immigration
strengths of law centres
free or cheap
experts in their field of work
weakness of law centres
not always local
under pressure for funding
relatively few exist
