Global Village – We hear of the fees that doctors and dentists charge. What do the solicitors charge for the average consultation without any follow-on work? Seamus. Dublin 9.
Hi Seamus.
It depends on the nature of the case on which you want a consultation because it will be based on the time that will be necessary to give that consultation.
Generally speaking, solicitors who deal with accident cases will give a first consultation free because it is usually possible to determine within the first ten to fifteen minutes of a meeting whether or not a person has a case.
In a family law case the first consultation will usually take two hours because it is very detailed with a family background going back to the time of the marriage. Although we don’t practise family law, I hear fees of €150.00 to €200.00 for first consultation in family law cases plus VAT.
In relation to employment law it would usually take one hour for a first meeting and we along with another solicitor that I know in Tallaght charges €75.00 for this fee.
Generally though it is a matter of making phone calls and checking how much if anything a first consultation costs.
It is very important to shop around based on experience rather than just on cost because in specialised areas such as personal injury law, family law and employment law as well as property conveyancing experience is vital in order to deliver the result the client needs.
The issues raised in the answer to this NewsTalk listener's question are dealt with in a general way as can only be the case on live radio. Before relying on the advice given in this answer, whether you heard the broadcast or are for the first time reading the issues here please do not rely on the broad advice given. For a detailed professional opinion please consult a qualified legal advisor and for further details read our disclaimer on the Home Page.
