If you want to become a solicitor in England and Wales, you will have to familiarise yourself with this Civil Process.
Step 1
The client enters a solicitor’s office or contacts the solicitor for help.
Step 2
The solicitor conducts an interview with the client, and decides whether to take on the case.
Step 3
If the solicitor accepts the case, he will then draw up a statement which will be signed by the client.
Step 4
The solicitor decides if an expert witness is required.
Step 5
All relevant documentation is passed from the client to the solicitor at this stage.
Step 6
The client makes notes of all relevant events.
Step 7
The solicitor ascertains whether a claim is worth pursuing.
Step 8
The solicitor discusses the matter of payment with the client.
Step 9
The solicitor will estimate the fee and payment arrangement.
Step 10
The solicitor enters into correspondence with the other party to the dispute.
Step 11
A series of negotiations takes place prior to court proceedings.
Step 12
If negotiations fail, either the case will be dropped or court proceedings will follow.
Step 13
If the case is dropped, no further action will be taken.
Step 14
If court proceedings begin, the decision on where the dispute should be heard will be made.
Step 15
The client has a free choice to issue the claim in the High Court or in the county court.
