When dealing with complex medical issues, most people would not hesitate to ask for a second opinion. However, when it comes to the law, many are often more hesitant to request this.
In most cases, everyone has the right to ask for a second opinion, or to have their case transferred to another lawyer of their choice if they are unhappy with the results or the progression of their case. There are many reasons why someone may want to request a second legal opinion.
Dr Edgar Paltzer is a lawyer specialising in a variety of areas including estate planning, wealth structuring and giving a second opinion on legal advice.
Reasons to Request a Second Opinion
One of the primary reasons why someone may decide to seek a second legal opinion is feeling they are not being properly represented by their current lawyer. This could be because their lawyer is always too busy to return phone calls, because they refer the client to other people too frequently, or because they are not experienced enough at representing people with the issue in question. The embedded infographic looks at some of the key areas of legal specialisations.
It must be stressed that obtaining a second opinion doesn’t always mean that the lawyer giving the first opinion is doing a bad job. Often, the first lawyer has done a good job but has become worn down or too cautious over time; getting a second opinion can bring in a much-needed fresh perspective. In many cases clients do not disclose that they have obtained a second opinion, and they have no legal obligation to do so.
You can learn about the difference between a lawyer, solicitor and barrister in the PDF attachment to this post.
Where to Find a Second Opinion
Many people who need legal representation will have a family lawyer – someone they have used previously and been happy with. However, these may not be the best lawyers for the case. For example, someone who specialises in conveyancing will not be the best choice for representation in a criminal trial.
Everyone has the right to choose their own representation. Some solicitors may turn down cases, perhaps because they do not believe the case is winnable or they feel it does not fall into their primary areas of practice and expertise. However, spending some time researching can help anyone find the best representation for their case and circumstances.
The short video attachment looks at some of the best ways to find the right lawyer for your case.