What makes a good family lawyer?

There are many things that make good lawyers, but family lawyers need a different approach as each case has a very personal impact on the individual client. 

The top 5 traits of a good family lawyer: 

1. Ready to listen to you.
2. Excellent knowledge of the law.
3. Clear and Effective Communication Skills. 
4. Problem Solving Skills.
5. Negotiation Skills.

1. Ready to listen to you.

Getting along and working well with people is not a skill that everyone possesses. This is a core skill in family law because if you don’t trust and respect your lawyer you won’t have the openness where the advocate/client relationship works best.  

Feeling confident in their skills and happy to share personal and sensitive information with them is critical to ensure that your lawyer is able to fight for you. Having a family lawyer that does not make you feel comfortable then you should consider your options. 

2. Excellent knowledge of the law 

A family lawyer’s experience at resolving family law cases and disputes will be important. Where there are complex issues and disputed facts their knowledge of the law and experience in the family court will determine how well your case runs.  

Receiving advice throughout your case is essential. Knowing how the law applies to your circumstances is even more important. All of this is vital to helping you move forward with your life and make the right decisions in your family law matter.  

3. Good communication skills 

Having a lawyer that knows the law is one thing. If they don’t communicate with you in a clear and concise way then you are not getting value for the service.  

PCL Lawyers prides itself on providing concise legal advice in terms that you can understand and that work for you. Our family lawyers ensure that you are kept well informed of your matter along every step of the way. No question is too small and we are more than happy to answer any question that you may have.  

4. Problem Solving Skills 

You know the issues in your own case more than anyone. It is our role to work with you to identify these issues and discuss with you the potential avenues that your case can take.  

Having a family lawyer that has good problem–solving skills is crucial to finalising your matter and allowing you to move on.  

 5. Negotiation Skills 

Negotiation is a key component of family law matters. Working with the reality of the commercial circumstances of your case (by looking at things from a cost/benefit perspective) is critical and is always at the forefront of our lawyers’ minds.  

Clients in many other matters will be more commercial and make more considered decisions than what they do in family law matters. It is fundamental that your lawyer understands how to negotiate and this does not mean that the loudest voice in the room gets what they want. Good negotiators are able to get the otherside to start thinking beyond their own position and to start considering the other party’s point of view. They can reduce the tension and stick to the core issues in negotiations without getting sidetracked on the emotional aspects of family law cases.  

Our family lawyers work to bring a quick resolution to the matter and are able to remain calm under pressure and in control of the situation. They can read the room, anticipate issues and change the mind of other hostile parties to consider their perspective. 

PCL Family Lawyers 

If you are looking for a family lawyer it is important to not only consider the person you are talking to but also the team that supports them. PCL Lawyers is very focused on the client experience and everyone from your lawyer to the receptionist is there to look out for your best interests.   

We hold ourselves to a high professional standard. This is reflected both in our interactions with you and also the documents that we prepare on your behalf.  

We have particular skills in providing clients with complex family law assets pools and businesses navigate separation and family law mattes. 

Speak to an experienced family lawyer today to discuss your matter on 1300 907 335 or complete an online enquiry form. 

All enquiries are treated confidentially. 

Please note: The above is not intended to be legal advice. Every circumstance is different. Always seek legal advice in relation to your individual situation.

© PCL Lawyers 2020