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When you’ve got an issue with your business that you feel requires legal attention, seeing the bigger picture can be a challenge.

Particularly if you’re running a smaller enterprise and must perform a range of different roles simultaneously, finding the time to take a step back in order to gain some perspective can seem almost impossible.

This is where the perspective of an experienced legal professional can be vital.

The right lawyer won’t just hear your current challenge and jump to conclusions, they will ask the right questions and get to know what your business goals are to pave the way for a smoother business journey.

 

Long-term answers to short-term problems

Frequently a business will come to us with an immediate issue, for example, not being able to obtain affordable finance; staffing problems; or issues with suppliers, only for it to become clear that these problems are symptoms of an underlying business concern, rather than the sole matters which require attention.

As well as being a naturally curious bunch of people, the team at Bayberry & Weir are trained to take a holistic approach and see the bigger picture. We ask our clients a wide range of questions about themselves, their business and their circumstances.

Although this may take longer initially, this information gathering enables us to offer options that tackle the root cause of the problem, rather than its symptoms, which in turn helps us work through matters meticulously and efficiently.

 

Opening up some options

We’ve found that the deeper we get to know our clients and their business goals initially, the better we are placed to suggest a variety of ways in which their challenges might be resolved, along with the pros and cons of each.

An example of where this approach worked really well concerns a sole-trader whose business was suffering because he was unable to find a suitable investor. Worried that he would have to shut the business down, he turned to us for some possible solutions.

 

Finding a client-centred answer

After finding out about his business and wider situation, we were able to recognise a number of different paths he could take to get his business back on track. We suggested considering choices such as franchising; selling the business; bringing in a partner as an investor; or licensing.

Initially unfamiliar with these options, our team broke them down and explained them in more detail. In the end, our client decided to opt for licensing.

This choice enabled him to generate the additional revenue required to keep the business going, and enable it to thrive. Not only was this the best financial option, it was also the best personal option for the trader, who had determinedly built his business from scratch.

For business owners the best legal solution is the best business solution.

At Bayberry and Weir Legal, we recognise the power of relationships.

We take our client relationships very seriously, but equally we invest in our network of trusted experts to make sure we are surrounded with great advice, and have the ability to provide an even greater level of service to our small business clients.

When helping our small business clients with their legal issues, we believe it’s smart to enlist the help of industry experts, whether it be accountants, financial advisers, real estate agents or mortgage brokers, to name a few.

Having the ability to ask the right questions of the right people in order to make the best decision possible has proven to lead to more favourable outcomes for our clients.

As such, our team have made it our mission to create and maintain relationships with other business service professionals. The business professionals we work with share our values and respect the way we deliver our services. At Bayberry and Weir, we only work with people we trust – both clientele and industry partners.
 
What are the Benefits of Using a Business Service Professional with a Trusted Network?

There are many reasons why you should use a business service professional with a trusted network.

Trust is the most important element. The business partners that we may bring in to work on your case are people that we have known and worked with for a very long time. They understand the way we work at Bayberry & Weir and can be trusted to do the right thing by you.

We’re also aware of the importance of working with someone you are familiar and comfortable with during what can often be uncertain circumstances. We get to know our clients and their situation in depth, making sure to take the time to understand their goals and values, and relay this information in detail to anyone we may enlist to work on their case.

We know your time is valuable. You shouldn’t have to spend time finding and hiring multiple experts to create a dream team, but having the right people on your side is important. Using our network of experts will save you time, and ensure that the right person is working on your case. We prefer that you spend your time focusing on growing and improving your business.

 

Here is a perfect example of a case we worked on where a member of our trusted professional network was required to create a great outcome for the client

Our client, the owner of a trade-based business, came to us with a number of legal issues around a potentially non-compliant self-managed super fund, a substantial tax debt (business and personal), and shares issued in the incorrect company name.

In addressing the issues with the shares, we discovered the solution would not be as simple as having the share register corrected. The shares had been fraudulently transferred to a competitor.

Following substantial investigations by us and a financial advisor who we brought in to assist with this matter, we are now in the process of negotiating to recover the value of shares as well as the investment opportunity lost.

By having access to a financial experts like in the case above, and many more experts in various fields, our small business clients are in good hands.

People often ask me why I left my job with a bigger law firm to start Bayberry & Weir. The answer is simple. I wanted to create and run a business driven by values that were closer to my own. I was uncomfortable with the style of doing business in bigger law firms.

In a nutshell, I wanted to work in an environment driven by human based values (connection, understanding, transparency) rather than business based values. (profit first, efficiency, productivity)

I didn’t want to stay in what I felt was a dehumanising environment where everything was either black or white, with nothing in between.

 

A good legal system vs. great legal system?

In my opinion there is a distinct difference between a good legal system and a great legal system.

A good legal system takes into account what’s within the rules and what’s not.

A great legal system realises that its primary purpose is to serve the people. It takes the values, morals and ethics of its people into account, as well as the rules and strives to be better for both.

I prefer a great legal system, and come to work every day being the change I want to see in this industry.

 

The “no win, no pay” culture

Nowadays many law firms advertise a “no win, no pay” deal for clients. Conditions apply, of course, and there’s very strict selection criteria where only open and shut cases are accepted.

The problem with this approach is that some of the most important cases are not open and shut, however where one party is still in the right the legal system should recognise this.

But without legal representation that’s willing to stand by them, will they still reach this result?

Clients who find themselves in this situation need an experienced lawyer who is passionate and determined about following the case through to get a fair result. These clients need a lawyer who won’t just settle or allow themselves to be bullied by a bigger company or firm.

These cases light a fire and intrigue within me, and while some lawyers and firms protecting their reputation would advise against representing the client in these circumstances, being a partner at Bayberry & Weir I have the advantage of exercising a personal decision.

I have a track record in the legal industry of being prepared to take on the tougher cases that a “no win, no pay” firm won’t touch (provided that I feel it’s the right thing to do). I am not in pursuit of another notch in my belt to further my career in the law. Frankly, I don’t need it.

 

Why I like the tougher cases

I like cases that are not open and shut for many reasons. First of all, these are the cases that matter, the ones that define the law and add nuance, and often precedent, to our system.

Not too mention I feel confident when I get to know the client well during the initial consultation and in subsequent meetings. I get to hear the case from a human perspective as well as a legal one.

If I feel an emotional buy-in to the case and if the case ignites my passion, then I’ll take it on. I want to pursue what’s right and fair for cases that I genuinely care about.

 

The small firm advantage

As a partner in my own firm, I can say “yes” to the cases that whet my appetite for justice. I can pursue them wholeheartedly without having my puppet strings pulled by a higher up whose main concerns are the firm’s win record and squeezing billable hours out of the clients.

Starting my own small law firm has been one of the most satisfying career moves I’ve made. I can practise law in a human and humane way, letting values and morals drive me all the way.

What I’ve written above might sound like a risky way to do business, but in my opinion it’s what’s right, and what lights me up every day.

Knowing what I know now I would never trade this business, my clients, network or cases in for “safe”

Large law firms and smaller firms both have their place in the legal ecosystem and there are advantages and disadvantages to engaging either one. Let’s take a look at them.

Advantages of big law firms

Big law firms are great for big cases. Why? Because big cases often need the resources and high profile that a big law firm can provide, such as a research team and the perception of many great legal minds working on the complexities of the case. A big law firm can project an image of power, deploying bully tactics if required. This may be exactly what some big cases need, but it comes at a hefty price.

Disadvantages of big law firms

Not many people would want to “rock the boat” by saying this in print, but here goes…

Without wanting to sound like we’re berating big law firms, here is a list of their main disadvantages:

• If you have little confidence and experience in legal matters or the legal process, you can feel like a big law firm is walking all over you.
• Big law firms have been known to protect their records and churn through cases by settling when they shouldn’t.
• Big law firms are expensive to maintain and run. To cover their enormous costs, they’re driven by clocking up billable hours, even if the individual lawyer you’re working with is not.
• Because all staff have to comply with the law firm’s set of values, your representative lawyer probably won’t have the freedom to be human with you.

  Advantages of smaller firms

  Smaller firms in comparison can usually offer the following benefits:

•  They have more time for you and your legal matter during an initial consultation.
• With more time and patience for all clients, there is the opportunity to deal with your case with more “human-ness” – in other words, they’ll treat you like a human being.
• You’ll have easier and quicker access to your representative when you need it.
• They work with fewer clients at any given time so that they can focus better on you and your case.
• They charge less because they have fewer employees and their overheads are much lower.

  Disadvantages of smaller firms

  The main disadvantage of smaller firms is that they lack the resources to handle large, lengthy legal cases.

  A short story 

  Once upon a time when people went to the bank, they used to get their own banker. The banker would take all of the client’s circumstances into account for each and every important banking transaction, and the client would often stay connected with that banker creating a relationship.

  Fast forward to today and we have a very different scenario. The size of banks and the competitive environment in which they operate has forced out the old way of doing business. Making money and having vast numbers of clients are the priorities. Good service and “human-ness” have fallen by the wayside.

  At Bayberry & Weir, we haven’t thrown out the old school style of building relationships with our clients. We offer all the advantages of a smaller law firm and we keep “human-ness” well and truly alive.

When it comes to buying a product, it makes good sense to shop around for the best price. After all, why pay more for something that will deliver the same end result?

Services are different to products though, and the same principle does not always apply.

 

When it comes to buying services, price is important, but so is getting great value for the price. In the case of legal services, getting good value for money is particularly important because the end result is likely to have a significant impact on your business, property and/or life.

Providing value through fixed fees

What does getting good value mean in terms of legal services? It means getting access to expertise, understanding and flexibility at an affordable price.

Fixed priced services provide good value to clients because this type of pricing structure ensures all parties are absolutely clear on which specific services are covered. Any requests that fall outside the normal scope of the service can be agreed on upfront.

When making a decision about which fixed price lawyer to hire, there are generally two different ways clients can go – they can go for Lower Price or Better Value. Which is the better choice? Let’s look at the example of conveyancing to get a clearer picture.

Low cost conveyancing services

Some lawyers offer attractively low prices for conveyancing services. There is a catch, however – they’ll charge you extra for contract reviews, any amendments that need to be made, and any additional documents required.

This can be particularly frustrating when there are other stakeholders involved. These other stakeholders may wish to make changes which are beyond your control, yet you’ll be the one who has to organise and pay for them.

Not only is this often very fiddly, but it can be time-consuming too. And it can occur when there are already many other things to organise to get a deal over the line. If you have time and patience on your side, and you’re fairly confident that the contract will go through the first time, then opting for the lawyer with the lowest price might be a good way to save a bit of money.

Value for money conveyancing services

The alternative for people who don’t have a lot of extra time and who don’t want a lot of extra hassle, is to hire a lawyer who charges a reasonable fixed price that includes valuable features such as flexibility and a quick response time.

Fixed price conveyancing services at Bayberry & Weir

I provide fixed fee conveyancing services because I know from experience that it provides clients with better value for money. Rather than wasting time haggling over price and bombarding the same client with a small invoice for every amendment or additional service, I offer a comprehensive service at a fixed fee that includes:

• unlimited contract reviews and amendments;
• access to me, Amanda Weir, for questions about the process and contract;
• 24-hour turnaround of contract review; and
• peace of mind that there will be no hidden costs.

At Bayberry & Weir we offer clients the quality legal services that they need at cost-effective and transparent prices. We are a law firm that will always compete on value, not on price.

 

Bigger is not always better and this is especially true when it comes to law firms.

I stopped working with bigger firms some years ago to set up my own firm, Bayberry & Weir, and I can honestly say I’ve never looked back!

While it’s true that I gained a lot of valuable experience at these bigger firms and I developed an excellent network, something was missing for me. That something was the personal touch.

 

Why building relationships matters.

When I started my own firm, I was freed from delivering legal representation in an impersonal manner. I was able to start providing the kind of legal representation I value – one where strong connections with clients are cultivated.

This is the best kind of legal representation because it allows the client to be heard out in full.

In the legal industry, it’s more important than ever to understand the person behind the situation, whatever that situation may be. Many clients need to be guided step by step through the legal process to ensure they get the fair and just result they deserve.
This is precisely what I do and I love it.

 

The disadvantages of larger firms.

Sure, some big firms have extensive paralegal and research teams on hand. This is fantastic if you have a life or death legal situation and lots of money to splash about.

Big firms, however, don’t have much time to devote exclusively to each client. They also have massive overheads and huge caseloads. They stuff their calendars with more and more client appointments AND their attention is divided, even at the best of times. They tend to be slow to respond and let’s not forget, they also have their precious reputations to preserve.

Clients of larger law firms often feel as though they’re being treated like a number, rather than a human being.
More about the personal experience.

My firm is the polar opposite of the bigger firms. I am able to give my clients my full, undivided attention and I have the advantage of being able to provide a speedy service.

Because my firm is smaller, there is a limit on the number of clients I take on at any one time. This ensures that each and every client receives the necessary time to be heard out. I don’t rush my clients. That’s not my style.

All clients have direct access to me, Amanda Weir (principal and owner), at all times. They can rely on my availability, flexibility and attention when they need it.

And because our clients deal with the same person on an ongoing basis, the communication channels are always open and flowing. The same cannot be said for larger firms where cases often get passed around the firm. Clients are lucky if they get to talk to the same lawyer more than twice!

I am genuinely interested in all of my clients and always want to know where their cases are at. That’s why I chose to start my own small law firm where I can deliver legal services with the kind of personal touch that can really make a difference.

For most people, the stress and uncertainty caused by interactions with the legal system can create a difficult environment for sound decision making. When we’re placed under pressure, we can react and be led by our emotions.

Before and during legal proceedings, the right decisions need to be made on a consistent basis in order to ensure the best possible outcome. That is why one of the most important roles of a lawyer that isn’t in the job description, is the ability to create stability for the client in these difficult times.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need legal help, you aren’t alone.

While it might seem like an extremely daunting and difficult task, it doesn’t need to be. I know first-hand how challenging the legal system can be, I work within it every day!

For those who are not familiar with the ins and outs of the law, it can be stressful to try and navigate a way towards the desired outcome. Or you might feel afraid that your case won’t be believed, or scared to share your story at all.

As a lawyer, I see one of my most important roles as not only providing expert counsel but also creating stability for my clients in these sometimes volatile situations.

Genuine empathy and providing a solid support structure for your client is not something that’s taught in law school; it is something learned through years of practical life experience. In my case, as a mum, business owner and over hundreds of negotiations and trips to the courtroom.

It only makes sense that we are uncomfortable when faced with uncertainty about our case. When we don’t know what is going to happen next, aren’t equipped with all the right information, or don’t have a clearer picture of how this situation is going to play out – our mind races with hundreds of possibilities, and we feel overwhelmed.

I get it.

I’ve seen it hundreds of times.

And there are some very clear steps you can take to help in this situation.

So, what can you do?

1. Talk to someone you can trust.

Find a lawyer who isn’t just a legal whizz, but is also a real person. When I first meet a client, I like to get to know them, find out them and their legal problem, and talk about the different options available. For me, it is important that the client feels stable and can make their own informed decisions on how to progress.

2. Don’t sweat the unknowns until you’ve spoken to your lawyer and found out the next steps

While it’s hard not to play through your day in court 100 times before it happens, it doesn’t pay off to start projecting the decisions that will be made without talking to a trusted lawyer first. It is my job to seek the best possible legal outcome for you, so I like to tell my clients to leave the if’s and maybe’s to me as well.

3. Let the system work for you.

We all know that the law is there to protect, and to provide fair outcomes. While it isn’t always perfect, and often we hear about some bad cases, overwhelmingly our legal system gets it right and the outcome is fair for both parties. I always make every effort to make sure the law is working FOR my clients in every possible way so that we can reach the best possible outcome.

At the end of the day, it might not be your choice to use the legal system, but sometimes it is a necessity. Just remember that even when things seem scary, or out of your control, you can have someone standing by your side and fighting for you.

For many businesses, finding legal advice which is realistic and also in line with their priorities can be a real challenge.
All too often, business owners find that the legal counsel they’ve taken isn’t of use in a real life, operational environment. In addition, the way in which legal professionals operate can also stand in the way of obtaining useful advice.

A lack of transparency over fees, for example, can lead many businesses to forego the legal advice they need because there’s no way of accurately calculating how much it will cost.
Similarly, many legal firms operate a strict appointment schedule, with legal professionals being unavailable for a quick chat or to answer a crucial query.
Taking these concerns into consideration, Bayberry & Weir have made this (like so many other common challenges in accessing sound legal advice) a priority to do differently, providing a responsive, helpful legal service that’s grounded in real life business experience.

In my experience, nothing gives you the knowledge you need to run a business successfully until you do it for yourself.
As a business owner, and seasoned legal professional who has worked for multi-nationals, I have first-hand experience of the challenges that running your business can create.
From cash flow problems through to supplier difficulties, property matters and personnel issues, I have had to personally deal with many of the challenges every business owner faces.
Nevertheless, I’m thankful for all of these challenges as it has shaped the way in which I work, enabling me to offer advice which is based not only on my legal training and experience, but also on my everyday, lived experience as a business owner and manager.

Real advice for business owners based on real experience.

When you reach out to me for legal advice with your business, you will be working with someone who understands the reality of running a business. This enables me not only to empathise with your situation but also to offer advice that’s relevant and useful.
This places me in a unique position to provide legal counsel on most business-related matters including: contracts, compliance issues, employment issues, work-based disputes, restructuring and buying or selling.

Accessible and responsive.

I understand that it can be difficult for business owners to stick to rigid appointment schedules and so ‘bottle up’ pressing issues until a time can be found in the diary to discuss them. That’s why I develop, and welcome, a relationship based on transparency and open-communication with my clients where I’m able to provide timely advice as their situation evolves.

If you are a business owner that appreciates the benefits of experience and qualifications in your legal representative, then we should talk, I’m here to help.

Choosing a legal representative should not be done lightly.

You want to make sure you select the right lawyer for your case. Any lawyer worth her salt will make a genuine effort to fully understand your legal issues so that you can decide together if you are a good fit.

What’s the best way for a lawyer to get a full understanding of your legal situation? An in-depth initial discovery consultation is a vital starting point.

An in-depth initial discovery consultation is one where the lawyer is present, asks great questions, and really listens to the potential client.

She allows the client to tell their story, asking the right questions to ensure that she gets all angles and details on it, and thereby ensuring that she gets the full picture of the challenges this person is facing so that she can give quality, informed advice.

This can’t always be done over the phone or in a matter of minutes.

This initial consultation also allows both lawyer and potential client to decide if they are the right fit, an important step for both parties.

If they do choose to work together, they will have already created the foundations of an excellent working relationship from the outset, based on trust and transparency.

This is the foundation from which good lawyers are able to do their best work, and should be a fundamental pillar that the legal system in this country is based on.

A lawyer who’s willing to take the time to understand their potential client and their situation, and to build a great working relationship before proceeding, knows the importance of an in depth initial consultation.

I chose to leave bigger law firms because I wanted to adopt a more personal approach with clients. I knew I could do this best by establishing my own firm alongside a select group of people who place a high value on client relationships.

At Bayberry & Weir, our approach involves providing free initial consultations that allow us to get to know new clients as people, not just as the problem they’re facing.

Our consultations are warm, open and conducted in the manner of a conversation, not interrogation. We are people before we are lawyers after all.

To make this service accessible to those who really need our services, we are happy to hit the road and travel to the client for this free initial consultation. A decision we made as a business that has resulted in some of our most memorable conversations and client relationship.

We did not want to be those law firms that force you to come to them, only to charge you for every minute of your time before you’ve even decided if you want to work together.

So why does Bayberry & Weir provide free consultations if it means travel and possibly not getting paid for our time?

We offer this service because we firmly believe the legal system should be accessible and approachable to all.

Our free initial consultations help people to use the legal system to their best advantage and in the easiest and fastest way possible.

We’ve also noticed that being proactive starts the relationship off ‘on the right foot’, allowing for a better understanding of who the PERSON is behind the legal challenge.

How does it help us do our job better?

Taking the time to ask the right questions and piece together the person, AND the story, means a tighter brief with all of the information on the table from the start, allowing us to do our job more efficiently and with greater confidence.

In our experience this leads to a better, faster outcomes for our clients which in turn equals happier clients, an impressive referral record, and maintains the excellent reputation of Amanda and Bayberry & Weir.

If you are in need of sound legal advice, why not contact Bayberry & Weir today, for a free initial in-depth consultation? Let us discover your real legal needs.