If you’ve ever needed legal advice, you’ll understand the importance of engaging a lawyer who is experienced, knowledgeable and a clear communicator. The last thing you need, whether your legal matter is complex or straightforward, is to be steered in the wrong direction. That includes whether you need assistance with a will, compensation, conveyancing, a criminal matter or any other type of legal issue.
But where do you begin choosing a law firm you can 100 per cent count on? Selecting the best can seem daunting.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a lawyer, and share where to find the best on the South Coast.
What makes a great lawyer?
Choosing the right lawyer can help fast-track your legal matter and take the stress away from what can be an emotionally draining experience. It gives you confidence you’re on the right track and armed with the best information and advice.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing a lawyer:
- Experience. Choose an experienced lawyer who can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Inexperienced lawyers are less familiar with the law and legal proceedings.
- Honesty. It’s important to select a lawyer who is honest. That’s one who won’t get your hopes up, promise you the world and then not deliver. You’ll want a lawyer who is realistic and 100 per cent honest about your situation and options.
- Prompt. If you need legal advice, you won’t want to be kept waiting for your lawyer to return calls or emails. You’ll also want a lawyer who is efficient, especially since they charge by the hour.
- Specialist knowledge. If you need help with a specific area of law, do your research and choose a lawyer with specialist knowledge in that field, not a generalist one.
- Understanding. Not all legal advice is for stressful, complex situations, but some is. If you’re having a tough time, it’s best to choose a lawyer who is empathetic and understanding.
The best lawyers on the NSW South Coast
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Jake Cartwright Legal
With experience in a wide range of practice, Jake Cartwright Legal provides tailored services to clients in their homes, places of work or in the office. Offering a boutique experience, Jake is happy to provide mobile service and out-of-hours appointments.
Jake Cartwright Legal services the NSW South Coast and beyond.Owned and operated by Jake Cartwright, the firm provides clear, quality legal advice that is easily understood and accessible to all.
Unlike other legal firms where your initial meeting may be with a senior lawyer and then the work assigned to a junior, Jake manages a small team and handles cases personally.
Jake Cartwright Legal’s main services are conveyancing, property law, business sales and purchases, wills, power-of-attorney documents and enduring guardianship documents. The firm also provides corporate law, civil litigation and applications for probate services.
A local who understands the South Coast, Jake has been in the industry for several years and provides truly professional services to each and every client. He’s a great listener and is skilled at assessing issues and advising on the best solutions, always applying sound judgement.
Jake and his team are detailed, organised and highly personal. They’re also highly responsive and never make clients wait to hear back. Jake and his team understand that clients seeking legal advice can be facing complex and uncomfortable life challenges. That’s why they are empathetic and reassuring, and happy to meet clients where they are most comfortable.
On Facebook, Terri Samantha Harrigan-Crapp wrote, “Absolutely recommend Jake Cartwright. He is outstanding in his legal work. A very respectful and very honest solicitor. We wouldn’t go to anyone else. A1 solicitor.”
Kennedy & Cooke Lawyers
Kennedy & Cooke Lawyers has seven locations spanning Bega Valley, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla. A premier law firm, Kennedy & Cooke Lawyers provides a range of legal services for South Coast clients. Services include leases, conveyancing, and criminal and traffic matters. Also, family and de facto law, family provision claims and wills, probate and estate services. Kennedy & Cooke Lawyers opened in 1974. All lawyers live in or near the towns in which they practice.
McPherson Park Lawyers
McPherson Park Lawyers is a boutique, modern and professional legal practice situated in Batemans Bay that offers a broad range of trusted legal services. Its services include conveyancing, wills and estate planning, estate administration and family law. McPherson Park Lawyers also provides business and commercial law, land development, civil disputes and litigation, and criminal and traffic legal services.
Daniel Jansen wrote on Google, “Really friendly and helpful staff.”
Hozack Clisdell Lawyers and Conveyancers
Hozack Clisdell Lawyers and Conveyancers has been providing legal services to the Shoalhaven area since 1981. It provides a wide range of services to local, state and international clients. Services include buying and selling property, leasing (commercial and retail), and general litigation. Other services by Hozack Clisdell Lawyers and Conveyancers include wills and estate planning, family law, and probate and estates. The team operates with the highest professional standards.
On Google, Aaron Tanner wrote, “Great advice. Very compassionate and friendly.”
Narooma Law
Narooma Law provides quality legal services to clients and the community through a team of friendly, professional lawyers and legal support staff. Services include conveyancing, family law and divorce, wills and estate planning, and criminal law. The firm was established in 2006 and originally traded as Richard Busuttil & Co.
Paulette Harris wrote on Google, “We could not have completed our sale and repurchase without Narooma Law. Spot on throughout, professional, friendly, knowledgeable and timely.”
If you’re looking for more information on legal matters further afield than the South Coast, you might like our articles on the best conveyancing lawyers, best law firms, best commercial lawyers, best insolvency and liquidation services, best business lawyers, best consumer lawyers, best bankruptcy lawyers and advisers, best divorce lawyers and best criminal lawyers Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with lawyers on the NSW South Coast
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the lawyers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the duties of a lawyer?
Lawyers have a wide range of duties and support clients with business and personal affairs. They research options, provide advice, sort out documentation, help manage assets, and support you with important financial and legal decisions. They can also represent you in court.
Why do I need a lawyer?
Lawyers have expertise, experience and specialist knowledge that you don’t have. They help you make the best decisions possible, and avoid unnecessary risk (due to lack of knowledge).
Can I engage more than one law firm?
If you have different legal needs, you can certainly engage more than one law firm. You may, for example, choose one firm for conveyancing and another if you’re facing a family law or criminal matter. It’s best to choose a firm specialising in your area of need.
What qualifications do lawyers need?
In Australia, lawyers gain their qualifications by graduating with a Bachelor of Law, completing time in practical training, and then gaining a practising certificate. This ensures that all qualified lawyers know the law when they enter the workforce, and are armed with experience before officially serving as a lawyer.
How do I choose a law firm that’s right for me?
The best way to choose a law firm that suits your needs is to do your research. Check their websites and social media presence. Read online reviews. Call and have a preliminary chat.