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Local Firm v city firm ..which one???

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r_elise09
Posted by
New Member

22 Mar 10 #193646 by r_elise09

Topic started by r_elise09

Hi I need help choosing between a local firm ..high street ..or to go for a big city firm for my divorce.. but I don't know. Would appreciate hearing from people's experiences...

Thanks

Elly

londiniumex
Platinum Member

22 Mar 10 #193654 by londiniumex

Reply from londiniumex

Hi Elly,

I went for a local firm, really good quality (highly rated in Chambers) but provincial.

My ex went for a big city firm.

I paid £175 per hour to the solicitor but also took some barrister's advice during the bargaining process (at £175 ph), my ex paid £350 ph to her solicitor for everything.

At the end of the process, the judge humiliated her and her barrister for not having any valid legal arguments - so you could say that I had the right approach.

However, I do wonder whether her solicitor thought that mine would be a "hick from the sticks" and was much less willing to settle because of that...

.Charles
Platinum Member

22 Mar 10 #193669 by .Charles

Reply from .Charles

A solicitor in the suburbs recommended by word of mouth is a better bet than one that is based in the City but an unknown quantity.

The cost of legal representation should be proportionate. If the assets are worth millions and there are complex tax and company issues a larger firm might be better suited to deal with the case as it will have the necessary resources and experience.

However, if the assets are fairly unremarkable there is no point in using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Instructing Paul McCartney's solicitor at £1000 p/h to deal with an undefended divorce would be ridiculous as it would cost £5k rather than £750.

There are some people who insist on instructing expensive lawyers for the kudos of doing so. Unfortunately large firms will drop you like a hot brick if you can't discharge your bills.

Charles

Daisy London
Premium Member

22 Mar 10 #193683 by Daisy London

Reply from Daisy London

Hi. I would have to agree. Word of mouth good town solicitor than a city one. Although make sure it's a relatively large office for example my solicitor has had to run things past the conveyancing team in his office.
Save your money for a specialist barrister should you need one.
Even though I haven't reached the end yet Im happy that I have a good team representing me.

Daisy x

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