When people think of solicitors, they might imagine legal professionals in courtrooms or drafting wills. These tasks are part of the job, but the role of a legal solicitor is broader and more nuanced. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or Gloucestershire, legal professionals can save you money, time, and stress. Here are five services offered by local solicitors that can prove invaluable.
Legal Advice for Startups
Starting a new business is exciting, but it comes with legal obligations that sometimes trip up even prepared entrepreneurs. Local solicitors offer advice at every stage of business formation, from selecting the proper legal structure (sole trader, partnership, limited company) to registering intellectual property and drafting employee contracts. In cities like London and Manchester, with significant startup scenes, some solicitors specialize in legal support for tech startups and creative industries.
In Gloucestershire, solicitors can help local entrepreneurs meet regulations specific to their sectors, including environmental law and land usage. In Cheltenham and the surrounding area, local solicitors at willans.co.uk can advise on corporate, commercial, and real estate business, as well as employment and business immigration.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Contrary to popular belief, not all disputes require court intervention. Many can be resolved more quickly and affordably through mediation, a process facilitated by an impartial solicitor. Alternative dispute resolution (APR) is becoming more common in civil, family, and commercial conflicts. Citizens Advice says ADR may be helpful if you have a dispute with a neighbor, family ex-partner, or a company/trader/seller (a consumer problem).
Mental Capacity and Court of Protection
Solicitors also offer crucial assistance regarding mental capacity and the Court of Protection. This court deals with individuals who can no longer make decisions for themselves due to conditions such as dementia, brain injuries, or severe learning disabilities. Solicitors help families apply for deputyship orders, allowing them to make financial or health-related decisions for a loved one. The government website says the court is responsible for the following, among other situations:
- deciding whether someone has the mental capacity to make a particular decision for themselves
- appointing deputies to make ongoing decisions for people who lack mental capacity
- permitting people to make one-off decisions on behalf of someone else who lacks mental capacity
Education Law
Parents are sometimes surprised to learn that solicitors can help with education. From securing appropriate support for children with special educational needs (SEN) to challenging school exclusions, legal professionals play an important advocacy role. Legal guidance in this area can prevent years of educational disadvantage, with solicitors sometimes working with independent educational psychologists, speech therapists, and SEN coordinators to build legal cases.
Environmental and Planning Law
Solicitors can provide valuable advice to those involved in property development or rural land ownership. These matters can quickly become complex, involving multiple regulations from both local councils and national bodies. A solicitor can advise on planning permission applications, appeals, and compliance with conservation regulations, especially if the land is part of a protected area.
Why Local Matters
Local solicitors bring community insight and understand the regional landscape. They maintain relationships with nearby courts, local authorities, and other professionals like surveyors and accountants, which can lead to better, speedier outcomes.
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