For the majority of consumers the engagement of and with legal professionals is an uncomfortable one. This is because there are so many varied and personally challenging elements involved that must be comprehensively addressed and dealt with. Generally, and certainly until the publication of this guide, that engagement has involved little, if any, knowledge or understanding of the protocols that should be determined by the consumer for the service from the outset and throughout the arrangement.
What is special about this much appreciated and long-needed guide is that Bart Daly provides Irish consumers with specialist information and education in clear and readily understandable terms – something of a rarity in the area of legal tomes. Here he provides what will be for a great many readers an illuminating and positive step-by-step pathway that permits full insight into and a clear understanding of our varied legal services and their providers. He achieves this by setting out those steps that must, of necessity, be taken by both customer and advisor if they are to jointly, affordably and successfully engage.
Importantly too, this is a guide for both the personal and the business consumer of these essential inescapable life-demanding service engagements. For many, the choice of solicitor or legal advisor comes through the recommendation of family or friends. Word of mouth plays a large part here. Now though, at long last, we have here the means to exercise personal consumer choice from an informed position. This is because the practicalities are addressed comprehensively in the guide. The dos and don’ts are well-signalled and allow the consumer prepare and outline, specifically, what are their needs and expectations. We learn of the importance of communicating, of questioning, of comprehensively conferring and of keeping records, notes and copies of all documentation. Of primary importance, always, is cost and Bart does not glance across the issue in general terms but rather he focuses clearly on the need to know, at all times, what are the costs and why they are necessitated. He balances his advice by reminding the reader that we are dealing with experts here whose expertise has a value that must also be acknowledged and regarded. Quid pro quo takes its rightful place alongside caveat emptor.
The provision and protection of our rights, the entitlement to our due respect and the protection of what is ours – whether it be our land, our family, our good name, our personal information or our last wishes for those we hold near and dear – all require the oversight and professional consideration of lawyers. Bart ensures that he equips us with the means of determining our needs, of preparing our questions and of communicating them with confidence. With this guide comes a rare opportunity to take control of your requirements and in so doing dispense with that worry that has until now left you uncomfortable and therefore at a distinct disadvantage at these most important of occasions and interactions with members of the legal profession.
It is a pleasure to introduce a book that presents the opportunity to benefit so many consumers on what will be the many different occasions occurring throughout the course of their lives and the lives of their families. This gem provides a clear, concise and understandable explanation for the consumer that empowers them to personally facilitate a resolution of their legal problems and requirements.
Bart Daly has written this guide for you. It is your need that is prioritised here and you will not be disappointed.
Dermott Jewell
Chief Executive
Consumers’ Association of Ireland
31 August 2012