The dictionary definition of Experience is “the knowledge or skill acquired by a period of practical experience of something, especially that gained in a particular profession”.
In the practise of law, experience accounts for a lot in being able to help clients. In family law experience gained over decades is invaluable in assisting clients to get the best outcome for them regarding children and finances.
An experienced lawyer has encountered and dealt with most situations which can arise. He/she has also had to undertake legal research on issues and case law. The practice of family law, unlike most other specialties in the law, requires the lawyer to have skills in almost all areas including commercial law, property law, company law, criminal law, trust law, superannuation law, the laws of evidence, as well as skills in advocacy.
The longer you practice law, the more experience you gain in those areas for the benefit of your clients. You also gain the skills to deal with the emotional side of family law issues.
In our firm we have a number of Directors who have more than 20 years’ experience in the law, some (I modestly confess) have more than 40 years. It is trite to say that you cannot buy experience like that.
The clients benefit in so many ways from being able to have the advice of somebody who has been a successful practitioner over such a long period.
Moreover, experienced lawyers share their knowledge and judgment with other younger lawyers within the firm. In our firm we have regular meetings as well as informal discussions, at which advice and opinions of experienced lawyers are shared with enthusiastic and smart, but less experienced, younger lawyers.
The knowledge that is obtained by those lawyers through those processes gives them great ability to be able to advise and assist their clients.
There are many firms undertaking family law in Canberra. We are the most experienced.
Denis Farrar is a Family Lawyer and Director at Farrar Gesini Dunn, Canberra Office