Sources of advice Flashcards
Solicitors
Solicitors are confidential advisors providing legal expert advice, they work undertaken by solicitors including personal matters protecting rights of individuals, defending claims, helping business
Advantage : professional, easy to access confidential
Disadvantage: can be expensive, may not specialise in the area you need
Barristers
Specialist legal advisors and court room advocates independent highly trained professionals, have specialist knowledge, experience in and out of court can make substantial difference to outcome of case
Advantage: professional, confidential, specialist
Disadvantage: expensive, access usually through your solicitor, not always local
Citizens Advice
Independent charity provides free confidential impartial advice, where a person can’t get the legal help they need everyone is able to access, help resolve peoples problems
Advantage: free, wide range of advice available, usually local , quick advice
Disadvantage: may not be able to do more than suggest to go to solicitor
Law centre
Debt , discrimination mental health welfare benefits , employment + housing. Purpose to work within communities to defend legal rights of people.
Advantage: cheap, free , experts in their field of work
Disadvantage: under pressure for funding , relatively few exist
Insurance companies
To offer protection if faced with expensive dispute
Advantage: easy to access , can specialise in particular claims such as cars
Disadvantage: client must pay a premium for the policy whether they use it or not
The internet
Plenty of advice on legal matters
Advantage: instant availability, free, wide range of info
Disadvantage : not always accurate, not always based on English laws and laws in different places have different systems
Legal aid
Helps pay for all of your legal costs
May be able to get legal aid if your on a low income and problem is serious. Helps meet costs of legal advice.
