Specialist solicitors in scotland please help.

[OnlyGodKnows]

hey,

I need help regarding finding a specialist solicitor in scotland as things are not progressing as i hoped please any help will be much appreciated.

[lawlessone2009]

What 'area' are you in in Scotland? Like REGION.

Ayrshire/Lanarkshire/Aberdeenshire etc...

[Izzy]

I think it was Glasgow. I've had a look on the internet and come across a couple but am uneasy about recommending when I don't know for sure if they are any good.

I would look for a well established Law firm that has a experienced Solicitor in Criminal Law that has been on the go for many years. Don't be afraid to ask about the cases they have been involved in similar to yours and what advocates they use.

[OnlyGodKnows]

thanks a lot for getting back at me,well i am taking the day off tomorrow to go look for lawyers and get their opinion on the case.I will keep everyone informed on whats going on.

Cheers

[Izzy]

We had to wait nearly two weeks for an appointment with the one we went to see OGK, so maybe worth phoning first.
Can only emphasis my last point of going for someone who has a good few years behind them in Criminal Law and I would write down everything you want to ask so you don't forget anything.

[lawlessone2009]

I wouldn't only recommend checking out your solicitor but also enquire as to who they use as their Advocate.

http://www.blackchambers.co.uk/index.php/advocates/

Lists all the junior and senior Advocates in Scotland. Don't be discouraged by a 'junior' as they are nothing like what people would take a junior to be. They are all highly skilled. You can check out each individually.

Being in Glasgow, do not under any circumstances believe that it is ok to turn up in a football top!!! Not expecting you would but a friend sat on a jury panel hearing a rape case at the High Court and the defendant was very nearly found guilty because he turned up on the first day with a Celtic top on........... Not saying it was strictly only the top but it sure didn't go down well!

Scotland has 15 jurors mind and three verdicts, two are favourable.

I would actually recommend possibly going to the High Court and see if they can direct you towards a recommended solicitor. There IS a chance of finding a good one simply by word of mouth. If you are stuck then I can PM you a solicitor who is reasonably close to you, does legal aid (if you're needing it) and is a real fuss-pot so a good defence is more than possible. He works in the high court with a very very experienced Advocate. Just let me know, I can provide his details and also show you the Advocate he uses.

[Faith]

If he is a good solicitor Lawlessone, you could put his name up here and you may help other members in the future, including those who are too scared to post.

[lawlessone2009]

http://www.mccluskeybrowne.co.uk/

There you go. Man you want is Alexander Currie.

He is a little strange upon first meeting him but over time you will realise that rather than seeing pound signs he susses out you entirely and generates a profile in his mind. Well, at least that's what I think he's doing........

He is very very very careful and at times seems distant. In the early stages there isn't really a lot that can be done and it's really just a matter of collecting paperwork and having little meetings as things progress. The pressure is none stop and he does not for one minute make you believe he is going to work miracles. He is straight cut and straight to the points although in a subtle manner.

If you want a fancy lawyer that promises everything and delivers nothing then this is not the man for you. This guy spends time (although it may not seem that way!) checking out paperwork and formulating everything into his vision of what is being alleged and where it's all going to go. He is busy so at times misses the entire picture but he leaves plenty scope for your input and never shoots you down.

It's hard to explain and already I'm a few paragraphs in............. Ha ha. Guy knows his stuff and doesn't bull.

I've already met with the Advocate he uses:

http://www.blackchambers.co.uk/index...derick-nelson/

Man has experience of BOTH the prosecuting and defending sides. He's been involved in some rather strange cases and not always successfully BUT I would imagine that the more normal cases are easy for him and he sure never turns down a complex case if his past is anything to go by. Rather than a guy that successfully defends easy stuff he chases the harder stuff both on the prosecuting and also defending!

The two together certainly seem a very good team and they appear to have a very friendly and determined attitude when in each others company.

The solicitor is based in Kilmarnock. This isn't too far from Glasgow and I can promise you that you will not regret it. He is also pretty regularly in Glasgow. Rather than trooping about the streets looking for the nicest sign or biggest promise I would give his practice a call and book an appointment.

[Casehardened]

The two together certainly seem a very good team and they appear to have a very friendly and determined attitude when in each others company.

This is an interesting aspect of selecting a defence team which I hadn't considered before.......rather than picking a solicitor & barrister independently based on recommendations and relevant experience and hoping they will work well together; stick with finding the best solicitor and let him use a barrister who he has worked with before.

......bit like a football team I suppose: each individual does his very best because a failure might drag the team down in the professional league tables.

[Izzy]

Is it different in England CH?

In Scotland it's what you need to look at first, you need a good Criminal Court Solicitor with plenty years experience of criminal defence work behind them who can secure the services of a good Criminal Advocate.

[Casehardened]

Is it different in England CH?

Hi Izzy,

I used to think that the only difference between north and south of the border was the design of the banknotes but the information coming out in MerlinScot's thread, in particular regarding corroboration, is an eye-opener.

But yes, in England, a potential client can instruct a barrister, as well as a solicitor, directly.

[lawlessone2009]

I believe that you can have the choice I just don't see the point in attempting to over-rule the solicitor. It's the one area where I believe the solicitor must have a strong working relationship. Him and the Advocate give the impression that they've shared many a rare whiskey whilst debating complex pieces of legislation...

I'm happy and I do recommend them. If it goes to trial then I will know for absolute definite but then I can't blame anyone if I don't do enough of the leg work myself...

[Faith]

I agree with lawlessone

A prime example would be Chris Saltrese...you wouldn't dream of instructing him but asking for a different barrister to Tania QC.

When a solicitor and barrister work well together and have a track record of doing so then your chances must be higher.