Frequently asked questions

Three of the most important factors when choosing a solicitor are expertise, service and value for money.

Expertise

STEP is the leading worldwide organisation for solicitors working in this area of law and they allow certain members to use the letters ‘TEP’ after their name. For a solicitor to call themselves a TEP they must first prove to the board of STEP that they have sufficient expertise and experience. This often involves completing a two year diploma and meeting the minimum requirement of years of experience. This is in addition to any qualifications as a solicitor. TEPs are considered to be the foremost experts in this area of law and by choosing a TEP to handle your legal matters, you can be sure that they have sufficient expertise to handle your legal matters.

Service

Good service is very subjective and every person has a different interpretation. Service to us means answering telephone calls and emails promptly. It means being available at a time to suit you rather than a time to suit us. It means dedicating the time to listen and fully understand you. It also means being friendly, approachable and being there whenever you need us. If you work during the day, you want to be sure that your solicitor can speak with you outside of your normal working hours. If you prefer face to face meetings, it is important that your solicitor is prepared to meet you at a time to suit you. Chemistry is very important and you must be able to trust your solicitor.

Value

Good value doesn’t always mean the cheapest. Equally, paying the most doesn’t always mean you receive the best. Value means you receive the expertise and service that is equal to the price you pay. When comparing quotes, it is important to take into account what you receive for your money.

The word solicitor is a protected term and only those who are named on the roll of solicitors may call themselves solicitors. Lawyer is a catch all term that includes solicitors but can also include anyone that works in the legal professional such as barristers and paralegals.

Solicitors are required to undergo extensive training before they are allowed to qualify and call themselves solicitors. The most usual route is to complete a degree course (often three years) followed by practical training on the Legal Practice Course (usually one year) followed by a two year training contract with a solicitors practice. Once qualified, solicitors are required to undergo continual professional development and must keep a record of their training plan.

Solicitors are strictly regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). If a solicitor breaches any of their duties, they are liable to sanction by the SRA and this can include being banned from working as a solicitor. All solicitors practices are required to obtain Professional Indemnity Insurance so that if a mistake happens, their clients are protected. The minimum insurance required is £2,000,000 although higher insurance can be obtained.

As a comparison, Will Writers are not regulated to the same extent as solicitors and anyone could start a business and call themselves a Will Writer.

There is no dress code and you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable wearing. We usually wear a suit and tie although we will dress for the occasion. For example, if we are meeting you at work and your dress code is jeans and t-shirt, we will dress accordingly.

We also understand that meeting a solicitor can be intimidating and this is especially true for people with learning disabilities. Therefore, in some circumstances, we avoid wearing suits in order to tone down the formality of the meeting as we have found that this can help establish a relationship.

STEP is the leading worldwide organisation for solicitors working in this area of law and they allow certain members to use the letters ‘TEP’ after their name. For a solicitor to call themselves a TEP they must first prove to the board of STEP that they have sufficient expertise and experience. This often involves completing a two year diploma and meeting the minimum requirement of years of experience. This is in addition to any qualifications as solicitor. TEPs are considered to be the foremost experts in this area of law and by choosing a TEP to handle your legal matters, you can be sure that they have sufficient expertise to handle your legal matters.

A link to their website is below.

https://www.step.org/for-the-public

The answer depends on the legal service you require. However, you will usually require the following:

• Identification: Photo ID and proof of address
• National Insurance Number
• Your contact details (telephone numbers and email addresses)
• Contact details for anybody that you would like your solicitor to contact
• A list of any questions that you would like to ask (writing it down helps)

Listed below if additional information that will be required for services offered by Spall Clark Solicitors. The list is intended to be a guide and additional information may be required.

Wills

• Details of family members (names, addresses and dates of birth)
• Details of your finances including approximate values (your financial adviser can provide you with the appropriate details)
• Thoughts about what you would like to happen when you die
• Your existing Wills (if available)

Lasting Powers of Attorney

• Details of family members or friends that you wish to appoint as your attorney (names, addresses and dates of birth)
• Details of your finances including approximate values (your financial adviser can provide you with the appropriate details)
• Any wishes you have about what should happen if you can no longer make decisions yourself. For example, if you should receive life sustaining treatment or who should manage your money for you.
• Your existing Powers of Attorney (if available)

Estate Administration / Probate

• Death certificate for the person who has died and their spouse (if they died before them)
• List of assets and liabilities including the approximate values
• Property deeds (if available)
• Last known Will (if available)
• Names and addresses of people named in the Will