How to choose a lawyer in Sri Lanka

Every lawyer in Sri Lanka is an Attorney-at-Law

Since 1974 there has been one legal profession in Sri Lanka. Every practising lawyer is enrolled by the Supreme Court as an Attorney-at-Law. Some are also Notaries Public, which allows them to attest deeds for land, and some are President’s Counsel, a title given to senior members of the Bar.

You can ask any lawyer for their Supreme Court enrolment number. A genuine lawyer will give it without hesitation.

Match the lawyer to the court

Most cases are heard in the court closest to where the dispute arose: the land, the incident or the defendant’s residence. A lawyer who appears in that court every week knows its procedures and its registry, and will not charge you for travel. If your case is in Kurunegala, a Colombo lawyer may still be right for you, but ask how they will cover each date.

Questions to ask at the first meeting

• How many cases like mine have you handled in the last two years?
• Which court will hear this, and roughly how many dates should I expect?
• What will you charge for each appearance, and what other costs should I expect (stamp fees, surveyors, translations)?
• Who else in your office will work on my file, and how will you tell me the outcome of each date?
• Is there a way to settle this without a full trial?

How fees usually work

Many lawyers charge a fee for the first consultation, then a fee for drafting papers and a fee for each court appearance. Senior counsel may be retained separately for trials and appeals. Fees are a matter between you and your lawyer, so ask for them clearly and ask for a receipt for every payment.

Warning signs

Be careful of anyone who guarantees a result, asks for large cash payments without a receipt, or will not tell you the case number after filing. You are entitled to know the court, the case number and the next date at all times.