Video chapters
Quick answer
Lawyers do not all perform the same work or have the same experience. Match the lawyer to the legal area, jurisdiction, urgency and work required, and ask about who will handle the matter, the proposed scope, likely fees and the next decision before engaging them.
About this historical recording
This recording is retained because it explains the issue in plain language and forms part of the Go To Court video archive. The current answer, practical steps and official sources on this page take priority wherever legislation, terminology, institutions, deadlines, penalties or service arrangements have changed.
What to do now
- Identify the work: Write down the legal area, jurisdiction, next date and specific task you need completed.
- Ask about experience: Ask who will do the work and their recent experience with that type of matter.
- Confirm the scope: Get the proposed work, exclusions, fees and responsibility for disbursements in writing.
- Share the whole record: Provide the lawyer with complete documents and disclose facts that may be unhelpful as well as helpful.
Transcript
Do all lawyers do the same thing? No, they don't. Generally, lawyers tend to specialise in one area. You can get family lawyers, you can get commercial lawyers which deal with contracts, conveyancing lawyers, personal injury lawyers, lawyers that just deal with insurance matters. There's a range of different things. Some lawyers might just deal with wills and estates, there's a big range.
You can get lots of lawyers that will do bits and pieces over several areas, but it is important to make sure that the lawyer you choose has a lot of experience in the area you need assistance in, and that's where we can assist by making sure we get you a lawyer that's suitably qualified for your needs.
Current sources
Sources checked 4 September 2026.
Important
This page provides general information only; it is not legal advice and does not take account of your circumstances. The embedded video is a historical recording. Laws, court arrangements, procedures, fees, deadlines and official guidance can change. Check the current sources above and obtain advice from a qualified lawyer about your situation.