Why Choose Us
Legal advice starts with understanding what matters to you
Choosing a solicitor is about more than finding someone who knows the law. You need someone who will listen, understand what you are trying to achieve, explain the issues clearly and give you practical advice about the decisions you need to make.
That is how we approach our work at Watt & Severin.
We take the time to understand
Every matter has a legal side. Most also have a human side.
There may be family circumstances behind a property sale. Years of work may sit behind the decision to sell a business. A move into a retirement village may involve financial considerations, changing needs and difficult decisions about the family home. Estate planning may require conversations about family relationships as much as assets.
We want to understand that context.
Our clients are encouraged to talk openly with us. The better we understand the circumstances surrounding a matter, the better placed we are to identify what is important, anticipate potential issues and give advice that is relevant to you.
We explain, rather than simply advise
Knowing the legal answer is only part of our job. We want you to understand what it means. We explain contracts, legal obligations, risks and options in clear language and put them into the context of your particular circumstances.
Where there are choices to be made, we explain the consequences of those choices. Where we see a risk, we make sure you understand it. Where there is a practical way of dealing with an issue, we will discuss it with you.
Our role is to give you the information and advice you need to make informed decisions.
We look beyond the immediate transaction
Sometimes the legal task we are asked to perform is only one part of a larger picture.
Buying property can have implications for ownership structures and estate planning. Selling a business may involve a lease, property, employees, guarantees and ongoing obligations. Moving into retirement living can involve the sale of a home, significant contractual commitments, estate planning and enduring powers of attorney.
We do not treat those issues as though they exist in separate boxes. Where something outside the immediate transaction may affect you, we will raise it with you and, where appropriate, help you consider the broader position.
You know who is looking after you
We believe there is considerable value in having a relationship with your solicitor. You should know who is responsible for your matter and feel comfortable contacting them when you have a question or something changes.
We work as a team, but that does not mean becoming anonymous within the firm. Our aim is for you to know who you are dealing with and to have confidence that they understand both your matter and your circumstances.
We give practical advice
The law is important, but legal advice also needs to work in the real world. There can be a difference between identifying every theoretical legal risk and identifying the risks that genuinely matter to a particular decision. We help you understand that difference.
Our advice is directed towards helping you protect your interests, manage risk and move forward with a clear understanding of your position.
We value long-term relationships
A client's legal needs rarely begin and end with one transaction. The person buying their first home today may later purchase an investment property, start a business, prepare a will, help ageing parents or eventually consider retirement living themselves.
When clients return to us, there is value in already knowing something about them, their family, their business or their affairs.
We want to build those relationships. Not simply because we would like you to come back, but because knowing our clients helps us provide better advice when they do.
Start with a conversation
You do not need to have everything worked out before you speak with us. If something is concerning you, you are considering a transaction or you simply need to understand your legal position, talk to us.
We will listen, ask the questions we need to ask and help you work out what comes next.
Talk to Watt & Severin →