When you are involved in a potential legal dispute, the first thing you want is a good barrister on your side. Lawrence Jones, Barrister stresses the importance of doing thorough research when choosing a barrister to represent you.

A barrister is a lawyer who can provide expert advice on the law, in addition to representing you in the Courts. Many people are unaware that under the direct public access scheme it is often possible to directly instruct barristers without the need to going to the additional expense of retaining solicitors. Lawrence Jones, Barrister understands the pressures and uncertainties that impending legal disputes cause to individual and business clients alike. He stresses it is important to instruct an expert barrister early in proceedings in order to avoid litigation where possible or at least to improve the prospects of succeeding at trial. “Choosing a good barrister early on is crucial in order to vindicate your rights and secure a positive outcome in any legal proceedings,” says Lawrence Jones, Barrister.

Lawrence Jones, Barrister says people should always ask the following questions when making their decision. He says they should check the experience and expertise of the barrister in question. Lawrence Jones, Barrister advises that clients should check that the barrister’s expertise matches the requirements of the case and that the barrister is of the appropriate level of call (seniority). You do not want to choose a criminal lawyer for a civil case or a civil lawyer for a criminal case. Ask whether the Barrister has conducted similar types of cases before.

Another point Lawrence Jones, Barrister makes is to ask friends and family for referrals. Friends and family members who have used lawyers can make informed recommendations based on their first hand experience. Lawrence Jones, Barrister states that if friends and family cannot help you in your decision, you can always try the Findabarrister.co.uk directory. This website will give you the information you need on all the barristers listed.

Lawrence Jones, Barrister says it is very important to have a consultation with the barrister’s clerk and if necessary a conference with the barrister, before he or she agrees to take your case. It is important that you reveal all the details involved and what you hope to achieve. Lawrence Jones, Barrister says hiring a barrister can be expensive, so you need to be aware of the amount of money you are going to spend. Investigate whether you qualify for legal aid, or whether you have legal expenses insurance included in your household insurance policy. For businesses it can often make more commercial sense to obtain the services of a barrister on the basis of a retainer. This enables you to seek advice when you require it, but with the benefit of fixed costs.

Lawrence Jones, Barrister will rarely charge for the initial consultation and will take time to satisfy himself that the client fully understands the implications of taking the matter under consideration further.

Lawrence Jones, Barrister is a lawyer at 33 Bedford Row Chambers, where he is Head of the Commercial Division. He specialises in commercial, financial and re/insurance law, but frequently takes cases falling into other legal disciplines, particularly where there is an international dimension. Lawrence has rights of audience in the Courts of England and Wales and Grenada and is qualified as a Legal Practitioner in News South Wales. He appears in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Privy Council and Supreme Court.