Where to find the right legal help for your business
Need legal help for your business? Find out where to find the right assistance, whether it’s a solicitor, paralegal, barrister or other.
For most of us, the only time we think of hiring a solicitor is when we buy a property. But if you run your own business, you may need help more frequently.
For example, you may need assistance with things like business contracts, if money is owed to (or by) the business, or if there is an employment matter. And when you do, finding the right person to help can be a challenge.
To help you, Amanda Hamilton is Chief Executive of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), shares her tips on how to find the right legal help, and how much it might cost.
Finding the right solicitor
If you need to hire a solicitor, you can find one by visiting the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (SRA) website and checking the solicitors register. Solicitors charge anywhere between £250-£500 per hour.
If you are unable to afford the fees of a solicitor, then you can look elsewhere for assistance. For example, just as there could be free legal assistance included with your house insurance or your car insurance, you may find that any professional or business membership you have may well also include access to lawyers & solicitors for free legal advice; always check this.
Finding the right paralegal
Another less costly avenue to finding help and assistance is to search for a licensed paralegal. While paralegals are not solicitors and the paralegal sector is not regulated in the same way as solicitors, they are nevertheless trained and educated in law, legal practice, and procedures. Some may even be retired solicitors or non-practising barristers.
The National Paralegal Register is the place to search for one. Generally, paralegals will charge between £30-£80 per hour, depending on what work is required. Please make sure that you check the credentials of any potential paralegal that you may instruct to ensure that they are affiliated with an appropriate membership organisation, such as NALP, the National Association of Licensed Paralegals.
Paralegals cannot undertake ‘reserved activities’ such as conducting litigation and having an automatic right of audience. This means that they cannot receive or send correspondence (as an agent) to or from either the court or the other party on their clients’ behalf nor can they represent you in court and advocate on your behalf without special permission from the court.
Nevertheless, they can draft letters and assist in completion of forms for their clients as long as the clients themselves sign and submit them. They can also guide you through the court process and give advice if you decide to represent yourself as a litigant in person (LIP).
Finding the right barrister
Another way to reduce costs if the necessity of going to court is imminent, is to instruct a barrister directly. Barristers are the specialist advocates. In other words, they will not only be able to give you a good assessment of the merit or otherwise of your case, but they can appear in court if necessary to represent you.
Traditionally, barristers could only be instructed by solicitors if the client’s case warranted a specialised overview and/or if they were a requirement to appear in court. The client would therefore have to pay two sets of fees.
Now, consumers can go directly to a barrister as long as they are registered as public access or direct access barristers. It is just a question of searching online and finding pages of barristers to suit the circumstances. Barristers generally charge from £150 – £300 per hour for a junior and £350 – £600 per hour for a senior.
If you are having trouble locating a barrister, you could check their ‘chambers’ status. Every barrister has to work from a set of chambers and each chambers has a reputation in a certain area of law. As with most solicitors’ law firms, barristers’ chambers also have a ranking system.
Other options that may help
In addition to this there are ‘pro-bono’ units. These can be found all around the country and are made up of legal professionals (solicitors, barristers, paralegals) who offer their services for free. Citizens Advice Bureau and legal centres are also included amongst these.
Finally, there is a website online called Legal Choices which clearly sets out the type of lawyers both regulated and unregulated, what work they can assist you with and how to make an informed choice.
Find the right legal help for your needs
In conclusion, finding the right legal help for your business can be a daunting task. However, there are numerous alternatives available, depending on your budget and needs.If you need the services of a lawyer, you can find it here or on the website of the Body for Regulating the Activities of Lawyers.
Paralegals are a less expensive option, and you can find them through the National Paralegal Register. Barristers are specialist advocates, and you can search for one online. If cost is an issue, there are pro-bono units made up of legal professionals who offer their services for free.
Additionally, some professional or business memberships may include free legal advice, and insurance policies may also include legal assistance. It is essential to verify the credentials of any legal professional you engage and ensure that they are affiliated with an appropriate membership organization.
Ultimately, it is necessary to make an informed choice and discover the right legal help that meets your business’ specific wishes and budget.
Amanda Hamilton is Chief Executive of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals (NALP), a non-profit membership body and the only paralegal body that is recognised as an awarding organisation by Ofqual (the regulator of qualifications in England).
Through its Centres around the country, accredited and recognised professional paralegal qualifications are offered for those looking for a career as a paralegal professional.
Photo by DocuSign
