Attention to all lawyers - if you want cost effective representations in courts that are not within a reasonable distance from your office, consider appointing a 'solicitor agent' who is local to the court in question, and able to represent you and your clients competently and at an affordable rate.

If you are a lawyer who is required to appear in a court which is not within your local area, what do you do?

Here are some solutions...

You could not appear!

As most lawyers would know, this is probably the most risky solution for a client - and may in fact be no solution at all. Parties who do not appear in court when they are required face the possibility of the court making a decision in their absence, and result in consequences that are far beyond what the party may be prepared to accept. A word of advice on this solution - "Think carefully, advise properly, and ensure to insure."

You could travel to court

Travelling in the Sydney metropolitan area is a problem. Unreliable public transport, increasing fuel costs and poor road infrastructure means that the cost of travelling is either a substantial burden to your bottom line or an undesirable cost to your client. Aside from the actual cost of travelling, what about the time taken? Time is money, so do you charge for travelling time? Some lawyers do and there is nothing wrong with that solution provided the client is willing to pay. But if they are not, then consider other alternatives.

You could use technology

Technology is a cost effective solution. Geography is no longer a barrier with current technology. Telecommunications and information technology, especially the internet and the mobile office, allows lawyers to service clients who are not within their local areas, and appear in courts without travelling to them. However, when it comes to court appearances, personal appearance is always preferred over anything that technology can offer. Although solutions such as telephone or video conferencing are convenient, they can be distant and lack the personal interaction that is often very important in appearing in court. Being present in court to assess the 'vibe' is often the difference between a well argued case and an unhappy client.

You could engage a Solicitor Agent

Ultimately, if you want competent representation in a court, without having to travel to that court, consider engaging a solicitor agent. Normally, solicitor agents are lawyers with offices or who practice in an area that is local to the court in question. Being local means that:

• they may have lower travelling costs, or not charge for travelling at all
• they may charge a fixed fee for their appearance instead of an hourly rate
• they may be familiar with and know the court, court staff, and court processes
• they may know the judicial officer

The first two points can be tangible cost savings for your client, but the second two points are intangible benefits that come from the personal interaction between the solicitor agent and the professional environment. While they are intangible, the ‘human’ side of law is very real and has an enormous influence on whether you can achieve the desired result or not.

If you weigh the cost of transport and the cost of time in travelling to and from a court that is not within your local area, you will find that in more cases than not, a solicitor agent who is local to the court in question will offer you and your client the most cost effective solution available.

Achieving results and lowering costs is paramount to having a happy client – with a solicitor agent, your job just became a whole lot easier.

Example of a solicitor agent

At PHANG LEGAL, we provide fixed fee agency services and appear in all Parramatta courts, Bankstown Local Court, Blacktown Local Court, Burwood Local Court, Fairfield Local Court, and Ryde Local Court. If you require the services of a solicitor agent, call us today for a very competitive quote on our fixed fee agency services.

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Ern Phang
Solicitor & Public Notary

PHANG LEGAL
www.phanglegal.com.au

About Phang Legal

Phang Legal is a progressive and dynamic law firm offering a different attitude to the practice of law and a different approach to the delivery of legal services. The firm continues to honour the traditions and standards of the legal profession, while remaining current and relevant to ever changing client requirements and expectations. Phang Legal provides cost effective and practical solutions across a wide range of practice areas including conveyancing and property law, corporate and commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, wills and estates (elders law), legal aid and criminal law, and notary public services.

6/83 George Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 AU
PO Box 1375, Parramatta NSW 2124 AU
Telephone: +61 2 9687 8885
Facsimile: +61 2 9687 8883
Web: www.phanglegal.com.au