Expert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer - Paul Doran Law

Belfast Office
12 Carnmoney Road
Glengormley
County Antrim BT36 6HN

Leeds Office
West One
114 Wellington Street
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 1BA

London Office
124 City Road
London EC1V 2NX

Newcastle Office
Gear House
Saltmeadows Road
Gateshead
Tyne and Wear NE8 3AH

Telephone: 0808 1687 288
Email: enquiries@pauldoranlaw.com

Expert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer

Expert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyerExpert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer

Choosing an employment lawyer to represent you is not like choosing a pineapple in a supermarket (see pic). Law firms might look similar, but we are not the same!

This article details the main things you need to know when looking for an employment lawyer.

Types of law firm

Boutique firm

Boutique firms specialise in one particular area of law or one particular type of client.

We are a boutique firm as we specialise in employment law, and only ever act for employees, never for employers.

National firm

National firms have offices located around the UK.

We’re a national firm as we’re based in Glengormley (just outside Belfast, Co Antrim, Northern Ireland), with additional offices in Leeds (West Yorkshire), Gateshead (Tyne & Wear), and London.

Our solicitors are admitted to the roll in England and Wales and we can act for clients in the Employment Tribunals in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Regional firm

A regional firm is based outside London, which means fees are typically lower.

High Street firm

This is the type of law firm you’d find on your local high street. They usually deal with legal matters such as wills and conveyancing.

City firm

This could apply to any law firm based in central London, but traditionally refers to law firms in the ‘Square Mile’.

Virtual firm

These provide centralised admin for lawyers who usually act on a consultancy basis. They can charge less as they don’t have the usual overheads that big firm have to pay.

Types of lawyer

Lawyer

The word ‘lawyer’ covers everyone who works in the field of law. Some lawyers have particular qualifications and are licensed to practice in specialist areas.

For example, we are lawyers who specialise in employment law. 

Solicitor

A solicitor is qualified to advise on all areas of law, although they tend to specialise in certain areas. They are regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority.

PDEL Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number: 615380.

Legal executive

A Chartered Legal Executive is only qualified to practice certain areas of law, such as family law or employment law. They are governed by the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives.

Barrister

If you need representation in the higher courts in the UK, your solicitor will usually hire a barrister for you. Barristers are self-employed, often advise solicitors on the trickier points of law, and are regulated by the Bar Standards Board.

Paralegal and Legal assistant

Paralegals and legal assistants work in the legal area. Even though they don’t have a specific legal qualification, they often have have a wealth of legal experience and knowledge.

Levels of lawyer

Partner

Law firms were traditionally formed as partnerships or Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and the top lawyers are referred to as ‘partners’. Partner generally denotes a lawyer with a wealth of knowledge and experience. They usually have a higher hourly rate to reflect that.

Director

Law firms formed as limited companies don’t have partners. The senior lawyers in those firms are usually known by a title such as ‘director’.

The company trading as Paul Doran Law is PDEL Limited, a limited company registered in Northern Ireland, Registered No: NI622116.

Paul Doran is the Director of the firm.

Solicitors 

Qualified lawyers who aren’t partners or directors bear the title of associate, assistant, solicitor or legal executive. These people could have decades of experience or be recently qualified, so their hourly rate can vary widely.

Trainee solicitors and legal executives

Trainees have to work for many years before qualifying. They generally have lower rates than qualified lawyers. The work done by trainees should be supervised so you still benefit from the experience of a qualified lawyer.

Choosing your employment lawyer

Here are the main things to do when you’re shopping around:

We’ve been going since 2013, there are lots of unsolicited testimonials on our website, and you’ll get a flavour of the way we work when you read our blog.

Instructing your employment lawyer

Most lawyers offer the the opportunity to make a free enquiry. During this informal conversation, you should tell us the details of your situation, and we’ll tell you your chances of winning your claim and what happens next.

To do this, phone 0808 168 7288 or complete the online form, top right.

Timing can be critical, so it’s best to get your employment lawyer involved early on.

Most employment law claims have strict timelines, usually three months less one day from the date of the incident you are complaining about.

The lawyer you choose should be upfront about fees, so ask for a quote and discuss ways to pay.

There’s a link below which explains your funding options at Paul Doran Law.

Sign the letter of engagement. This confirms what is to be done and when, together with the agreed costs.

We need this before we can proceed.

Be prompt about providing the documents we request. As well as collecting written evidence to support your claim, we have to do due diligence such as proving you are who you say you are and live where you say you live. Showing your driving licence or passport and a recent household bill will probably be enough. This is perfectly normal, and is required under ani-money laundering legislation.

Pay funds on account. This is like a deposit so we can get started and pay any expenses (called ‘disbursements’) that we incur while working on your case.

Further reading: Expert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer

Need help? Expert tips on choosing your Northern Ireland employment lawyer

For a FREE assessment of your case, call 0808 168 7288 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.

We have already helped thousands of people to win millions of pounds in compensation.

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You have a choice of ways to pay, including ‘no win, no fee’.

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I found all the staff to be knowledgeable and highly professional. Stephanie W

My experience has been a very professional one. The case ran smoothly from the get go. I was always kept in the loop. Dinah T

Up to date information. Easy to contact. Knowledgeable solicitor. No win without him. Audrey S

Very good. Always stayed within the timescales given. Sound advice, would recommend. Ken S

Efficient and helpful. Takes the claimant points into consideration. Angela R

Paul Doran Law has been extremely helpful and supportive in very difficult circumstances. I would highly recommend them as professionals to others and have a lot of faith in their advice. David R

Although a lengthy case I have been constantly updated throughout. Susan R

Paul answered me promptly, was very helpful and advised me what to do. Winifred P

Paul Doran was very helpful during my communication. Friendly and professional. Adrian M

Cormac is a very reassuring person, he made sure I was kept up to date as my case progressed and was always supportive when I got the jitters. He was very diligent and methodical whilst representing me. Iain M

Professional approach and positive attitude. Shirley M

Competent and efficient and very pleasant to deal with. Cloda McN

Cormac explained my options and talked me through each step and advised me of the best possible outcome. Gerard McL

Very helpful. Emma McA

Satisfied with service. Susan H

Very satisfied with the professional way case was handled. Evelyn H

Staff and solicitor very helpful at all times. Solicitor very knowledgeable and took my case and concerns seriously, and in a very professional manner. Deborah H

Friendly, efficient and very professional. Charlotte G

Very friendly and competent service. Peter G

My experience using Paul was very professional at all times. Kept me up to date at all times throughout the process. Blanche G

Very professional, friendly and efficient. Kept me informed throughout the process. Straight forward service which is exactly what I needed. Paula F

Good end result, Paul did a lot of work. Thank you. Lyn E

Felt at ease and was listened to; got excellent advice. Gemma D

Very professional and always willing to help and offer advice when needed on the situation. Lytreena D

Outstanding, friendly service from start to finish. Matthew C

Very professional and always left valued as a client. I feel that the company has worked very hard to get me a good result. Christine C

From day one there was a plan of action. I feel I was listened to and heard, after which the process was then easy. Kanta C

I would highly recommend. Karen B

Confident in representation. June B

Very happy with all aspects of my experience from initial contact to finish. Andrew B

Understanding and very prompt. Michelle W

Completely professional, and secured a settlement beyond my expectations. Cormac was exceptional – very many thanks. Joan W

Very happy with results. Very grateful for all Paul and his team have done for me. I feel valued as a client, my questions were always answered very quickly. Thank you. Anna V

Very good, professional. Amida S

Always responsive, courteous and supportive. Would recommend to friends and family without hesitation. David S

Easy and efficient and professional at all times. Stephanie R

Very good. Yusuf O

Excellent, efficient and prompt legal advice. Very satisfied with service provided. Lisa N

It took me a long time to find a solicitor who would support my case. I’m so glad I found Paul Doran Law who brought me success. Shirley N

I have had a very pleasant experience using Paul Doran Law and would definitely use again. Rebecca McM

The service was always informative, dignified and respectful. Chloe McL

I would definitely recommend. Colleen McB

Cormac was excellent from start to finish. I have already recommended him to friends and family. Sam M

Paul Doran Law were professional and very concerned about my feelings and what I had been through. I felt that they cared. Lisa M

Professional, helpful, very knowledgeable. Highly recommended. Bekki M

I found Cormac very compassionate and was always there as I had a lot of queries. Stephen McG

Impressed with accessibly, speed of response and professionalism. Edna L

Cormac was very professional and reassuring at all times. Kat K

Great, a good experience. Thank you. Mary K

Professional, efficient and friendly. Tabitha K

Very well treated throughout. I was always listened to and my questions answered. Allan H

I found Mr Rice to be professional, amiable and my overall experience was a positive one. Marcel G

I received valued information initially and came back later to receive a very satisfactory outcome. Lyn F

Put at ease very early on which helped me feel less stress. Harry D

I can’t thank you enough. I am so glad with the outcome and will recommend you. Christopher B

Cormac was great. Tom B

I would recommend Paul’s legal service as it is professional and thorough. Shelia H

This claim has been handled professionally and without delays. I am totally satisfied. Kelly L

Should the need arise I would definitely use Paul Doran’s services again. Suzie U

Any queries were answered quickly with detailed responses.  Sharon H

Everything was written very simply and in plain English which was good. Sylvia B

When time lines have been set, they have been met. I did not just feel like a case number. Karen S

When I emailed, Paul replied straight away.Very friendly and easy to talk to. Rita C

Paul was very thorough and helpful and successfully brought my case to an end. Margaret C

I feel strongly that Paul cares about clients. Pamela R

Paul was very reasonable and fair regarding the fees deducted from my claim offer I was awarded. Deborah McM

Very professional all the way through the process. Sharon C

I found all the staff to be knowledgeable and highly professional. Stephanie W

Well informed and easy to contact. I wouldn’t have won my case without him. Audrey S

Very good. Always stayed within the timescales given. Sound advice. Would recommend. Ken S

Efficient. Helpful. Take the clients points into consideration. Angela R

Paul Doran Law has been extremely helpful and supportive in very difficult circumstances. David R

Although a lengthy case, I have been constantly updated throughout. Jenny R

Professional and efficient service with helpful and friendly staff. Susan R

My case was handled professionally and my solicitor was very understanding and quick to respond. Eleanor P

Paul was very helpful and friendly. Adrian M

Cormac is a very reassuring person. He was very supportive when I got the jitters. Iain M

Kept going when it did not good and achieved a successful outcome. Shirley M

Competent, efficient and very pleasant to deal with. Cloda McN

Cormac deserves a salary for counselling alone! Lesley A

Cormac explained my options and talked me through each step and advised me of the best possible outcome. Gerard McL

They were quick to get things sorted. Emma McA

Very satisfied with the outcome to my case. Evelyn H

Solicitor very knowledgeable and took my case and concerns seriously in a very professional manner. Deborah H

Friendly, efficient and very professional. Charlotte G

I liked the personal touch. I received phone calls with updates instead of relying on letters all of the time. Sharon C

Very friendly and competent service. Peter G

Very professional. Kept me up to date at all times throughout the process. Blanche G

Straightforward service which is exactly what I needed. Paula F

Good end result. Paul did a lot of work. Lyn E

Very professional and always willing to help and offer advice when needed. Lytreena D

Very pleasant manner from staff and solicitors. Sara C

Outstanding. Friendly service from start to finish. Matthew C

I feel the company worked very hard to get the result. Christine C

From day one there was a plan of action. I feel I was listened to and heard after which to prove the case got easy. Kanta C

I would highly recommend. Karen B

Very good overall service. Judith B

Very happy with all aspects of my experience from initial contact to finish. Andrew B

Very professional, friendly and efficient. Kept me informed throughout the process. Paula F

Very professional. I always felt valued as a client Christine C

Paul was extremely professional and efficient Lesley A

Outstanding – friendly service from start to finish Matthew C

Paul Doran was very helpful during my communications, friendly & professional. Adrian M

I found right from the beginning Paul was very friendly and easy to ask questions at any time. Rita C

Paul is prompt, friendly and approachable. I liked how he was committed to my case and kept me informed. Judith P

I appreciate the thorough and expedient manner to which the task was completed. Barbara H

I feel Paul really cares about his clients and works to get the best outcome and justice for them.  Elaine S

My claim has been handled professionaly and without delays.  I am totally satisfied. Kelly L

Paul’s legal service is professional and thorough. Sharon H

I entrusted him with something that was very important to me and he did not let me down. Deborah McM

I was in contact with Paul on many occasions and all queries were dealt with personally and politely. Judith C

It has been a pleasure using Paul Doran Law. I would recommend him to friends and family. Sylvia B

Cormac was an absolute pleasure to work with – very polite, helpful, and thoughtful. Jessica D

Paul was polite and considerate and efficient. I would highly recommend this firm Geraldine A

I have been very impressed by the industry knowledge and the level of service provided. Nuala M

Quick, honest and responsive.

J Chambers

The service provided has been delivered beyond expectation.

K L Stokoe

Recommend without reservation.

J Taylor

If Paul had not taken on my case, I would not have received monies owed to me. E Shefford

I would recommend Paul’s legal service as it is professional and thorough. S Hall

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Why Choose Us?

  • We only work for employees
  • 25+ Years' Experience
  • No Win, No Fee available
  • Insurance to protect against Tribunal fees