Choosing a personal injuries Solicitor

Choosing a personal injuries Solicitor- what to look for!

Make sure you retain a Law Society Accredited Specialist. It is important to note that not all Solicitors practice in Personal Injuries Law. Using a Solicitor who does not have experience in this area can be costly both in terms of a failed claim and/or unnecessary costs outlays and time. Furthermore, the wrong Solicitor may compromise the claim or accept inadequate compensation.

What is an Accredited Specialist?

An Accredited Specialist is a solicitor / lawyer who has extensive experience and has completed an advanced study program in a particular area of law.

There are many lawyers who are experienced practitioners in a range of legal matters, and who provide their clients with the benefit of their experience and practical knowledge. However accredited specialists are those solicitors / lawyers who have proven their expertise by undertaking a series of assessments and an examination about their area of knowledge.

Specialist Accreditation helps consumers recognise solicitors / lawyers who have demonstrated their ability and experience in this complex area of law.

How does a Lawyer become an Accredited Specialist?

To qualify as an accredited specialist a lawyer must:

1. Be a member of the Queensland Law Society and hold a current Queensland Practising Certificate;
2. Have at least five years experience in the practice of law and at least three years substantial experience in the area of practice;
3. Provide references from other lawyers or professionals which confirm the ability and experience of the solicitor; and
4. Successfully complete a series of assessments of their knowledge of all facets of practice, including a written examination.

How long does Accreditation last?

Accreditation lasts for one year. After a year, an accredited specialist must APPLY FOR RE-ACCREDITATION.

Accredited specialists are required to be active in continuing legal education, and to maintain a high level of involvement in their area of specialisation.

How can you tell whether a Lawyer is an Accredited Specialist?

Although all lawyers may advertise their expertise, and the areas in which they practice, only those lawyers accredited by the Specialist Accreditation Board of the Queensland Law Society may state in any advertising material that they are accredited specialists. Accredited specialists may display in their offices a Certificate of Accreditation provided by the Queensland Law Society:

This logo also includes the name, qualification and speciality of the lawyer, eg. Accredited Specialist Personal Injuries.