Whether you’re filing for divorce or going through a lawsuit, such situations require the support of a solicitor. Getting help from an expert is critical to handling the legal aspects successfully. A reliable solicitor will put your mind at ease and make your life easier. 

However, choosing a solicitor can be slightly unsettling. After all, you’re looking for someone trustworthy who can empathise with your situation. You’ll most likely have to do some searching before finding the right legal expert. It’s vital to find someone you feel comfortable with since you have to share sensitive information. 

Thus, the solicitor you end up working with should have legal skills and interpersonal ones. Any legal process can get overwhelming, so you want to hire someone who can provide emotional support as well. 

When looking for a solicitor, there are some things you can do to ensure you’re making the right choice. 

Ask for recommendations 

You should do some research before hiring a legal professional to deal with your case. Consider asking your work colleagues, family members or friends for recommendations. There’s a high chance some of these people worked with a solicitor before, and they can provide suggestions. 

 The point is to get the names of law firms and solicitors who have an exceptional track record. Your friends and family members are a reliable source, as they aren’t likely to recommend a solicitor who didn’t provide high-quality services.  

Consider their level of expertise

Nowadays, thanks to Google, you can easily access any information you need, including legal ones. Let’s say you face some technical issues. In such a situation, you may wonder whether you really need advice from a legal professional or can find solutions online. 

But the truth is, no search engine compares with the experience of a qualified solicitor. Although the Internet can help you in many ways, the in-depth knowledge of a solicitor is invaluable when it comes to legal aspects. Additionally, you should look for a legal expert who can provide the services you’re looking for. Most solicitors choose a specific area of the law and specialise in it, so keep this in mind when making a decision – you don’t want to hire someone who doesn’t have the skills to deal with your specific case. 

 Look for client reviews

If you cannot get any recommendations from your friends or family, the Internet may help you make a choice. You can look for reviews on various law firms’ websites to see what other clients say about the quality of their services.

 Another idea is to check online resources like Review of Solicitors and learn about other people’s experiences with different solicitors. However, it’s critical to examine these reviews with caution, as they may be biassed. This may be the case for law firm websites, but it’s less common for consumer review websites. 

Check their credentials

Legal skills and knowledge are essential aspects to ensure your case will be successful. But credentials are another critical factor to consider when looking for a solicitor. You have to be aware of scams, as some people may pretend to be solicitors when they are not. 

Thus, make sure to check the solicitor’s qualifications before signing any agreement. The state bar website provides information regarding solicitors’ licences, as well as their track records. So, you can easily figure out if they are reliable and ensure their disciplinary history is clean. 

Ensure they have enough experience

Choosing a solicitor can be pretty stressful because you have to find someone who knows what they are doing. And trusting they can and will handle the case effectively is essential when hiring a solicitor. The legal profession is not a job where you can get by on charm – you need to have all the tools at hand to get the most successful outcome. 

Reputable law firms should have verifiable experience and be willing to provide all the information you need regarding the legal process. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask them questions – if they have experience, they will be able to clarify all your concerns. 

Think about their location

Due to the Internet, nowadays, it is easy to connect with professionals online. This can be convenient for some reasons, but it’s always better to discuss complicated and sensitive issues in person. If your solicitor lives in a different location, it will be more difficult to reach them. Plus, working with a solicitor online may also slow down the process. 

Emails could get lost, or you may not be able to exchange critical documents due to a glitch in programming. If you cannot deliver the necessary documentation, you may not find online resources reliable anymore. Therefore, choosing a local solicitor is a better choice, as you will be able to see them with ease whenever you need. 

Consider pricing

Legal proceedings are generally pretty costly. Thus, hiring a solicitor may also require a significant amount of money. If you can’t afford the services of a specific law firm, then by no means should you hire it. But you shouldn’t let cheap prices draw you in either. If it seems like the cost is quite unrealistic, that’s because it probably is! 

Thus, make sure to do your research before hiring a solicitor and figure out the average rate for the service you require. This will give you a clear idea of what to look for when choosing a legal expert to represent you. Also, there are several factors you should consider before making a choice, including the solicitor’s experience, the law firm’s reputation, and the particularities of your case. Considering your budget and needs will help you choose a solicitor that can meet your expectations and handle your case successfully.

Examine their interpersonal skills

Lastly, how your solicitor interacts with you is critical to determine whether they are the right choice. Keep in mind you should be able to communicate efficiently with them. If they seem dismissive, you should look for another solicitor. 

Legal issues can cause stress and anxiety, so it’s essential to work with someone who can also be there for you emotionally. You need someone who is patient and listens to you with empathy. Working with a solicitor requires close collaboration, and this is why you should hire someone who has excellent communication skills and makes you feel comfortable. 

I must be channeling This is Us. I don’t know why.

Yes, I watch all the episodes. But no, I have not shed a single tear over the Pearson family tragedies. And Barb and I nearly came to blows over my dismissal of last week’s episode. After six years of being ignored, we were suddenly supposed to care about Miguel? I didn’t get it.

So as we sat through last night’s episode (only interrupted once by Cooper’s need to get out of the house) I had my attention split between the show and a leftover crossword puzzle from the weekend Trib.

When I looked up at the screen I wondered why a past son-in-law and a past not-quite-daughter-in-law were part of the family gathering. I laughed at the last-minute arrival of Kate, now an international tycoon.

And then there was the train. As Rebecca in her fugue state was led from car to car, I kept thinking back to Snowpiercer, Bong Joon Ho’s futuristic masterpiece about a train hurtling around the earth, its occupants the only survivors in a frozen world. You never knew what would be in the next car, only that death was the ultimate destination. Did Rebecca have Rip Wheeler drive her to the station…

So with my obvious lack of appreciation for six seasons of This is Us, why do I feel that it must have been reaching across the ether to tap into my brain? A strange thing happened yesterday evening. When doing the dishes and making my lunch for the next day, I often as Alexa to play some music. I usually request something from the classic rock oeuvre (Bruce, U2, Steely Dan, et al.), but last night I inexplicably called for Joni Mitchell. Ever obedient Alexa came through with Joni classics “Freeman in Paris, Help Me, and The Circle Game. And those of you who watched This is Us know where this is going.

Halfway through the Pearson’s goodbyes to Rebecca, they leaf through a box of LPs. The camera focuses on Joni’s Clouds album. And the sounds of The Circle Game fill the air.

Call it synchronicity. Call it an amazing coincidence. Call it witchcraft. I just know it has me spooked. I may not care much for This is Us, but I sure am going to watch next week’s final episode. I think Rebecca is calling my name.

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Kevin Alcantara (Photo by Stephanie Lynn)

MLB

Rookie Performers

You couldn’t ask for better debuts from Brandon Hughes and Christopher Morel last night.

The MLB debut for @Brando_Hugs:

1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. pic.twitter.com/m3lHZnc6PM

May 18, 2022

The Friendly Confines can’t contain Christopher Morel. pic.twitter.com/GUh9loc1jo

May 18, 2022

Brandon Hughes of the @Cubs is the first pitcher in the modern era to get 5+ outs in his MLB debut with all of them coming via strikeout.

May 18, 2022

Hughes showcased exactly what has made him a such a fast riser in the system since the start of last season. The converted outfielder has a deceptive four seam fastball that plays much higher than the velocity he throws it with (often 91-93, T95). Opposing hitters are often late or swing through it. There is nothing outrageous in the movement profile of the pitch which indicates why it is so difficult to hit, so there is likely an added element of deception created by the arm path and delivery Hughes utilizes. The same goes for his slider, which doesn’t have crazy lateral or horizontal movement, but generates a ton of whiffs regardless. It must tunnel extremely well off his fastball and also benefit from the same arm path/delivery deception. Hughes also throws a changeup which has improved this season which adds yet another weapon to utilize against RHB.

To give you an idea of how freaky Hughes ascension as RP was. He was an OF in ST 2019. He started pitching that summer in Mesa and went through 3 levels in 1 year. No season in 2020, dominated SB and TN last year, TN and Iowa this year.

Grand total of innings….91.2!!!!!!!

May 17, 2022

Readers here are likely pretty aware of Christopher Morel. I’ve longed preached about his defensive versatility, bat speed, and infectious energy. He began his career very raw offensively. He swung at everything during his disastrous stint with Eugene in 2018 (0 BB in 93 PAs) which got him sent back to Mesa. The physical skills were apparent though. The quick twitch athleticism, bat speed, and arm strength all showed through if you were willing to look past the ugly triple slash line.

I expected him to eventually break out, but was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it occurred. He spent the first month or so of 2019 in EXST, but then got jumped up to Low-A South Bend and immediately began to perform. He still wasn’t showing enough patience to draw many walks but he was showing enough to wait for better pitches to swing at, and thanks to getting a little bigger and stronger in the offseason was able to do damage when he got a good pitch to hit.

When Minor League play resumed last season Morel was aggressively pushed up the ladder by the Cubs once again, skipping High-A and instead finding himself assigned to AA Tennessee. There were some expected struggles, he hit just .223 with 134 Ks in 110 games between AA/AAA, but once again he made small strides with his plate discipline and pitch recognition. He also continued to hit for increasing power (18 homers) all while adding CF/RF to his defensive repertoire.

Morel returned to Tennessee to open this season, and it was no surprise to see him once again become a bit more patient and show a bit more power (.306/.380/.565 in 28 games). Morel generates exit velocities on par with any prospect in the Cubs system so if the 22 year old can continue to refine his approach he can definitely ascend to great heights.

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Daniel Norris exited the game with a sore Achilles tendon.

AAA

Columbus 9, Iowa 3

Top Performers

Robel García: 3-4, 2B, R, RBI (.311)Trent Giambrone: 1-1, 2B, RBI, BB (.185)Carlos Sepulveda: 1-1, RBI, BB (.250)Nelson Velázquez: 2-4 (.273)Nelson Maldonado: 1-4, 2B, R (.265)Jared Young: 1-4, 3B (.265)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

Clint Frazier kicked off his rehab with an 0-4 night, but he did just a miss a homer in one at bat. He is coming back from an appendectomy a couple of weeks ago. It is expected that Frazier will remain in Iowa for the week before rejoining Chicago.

AA

Chattanooga 9, Tennessee 8

Game Recap

Any hope for a repeat of a no-hit performance by Peyton Remy was short lived. The righty struggled to throw strikes, walking one, hitting another, and giving up three hits without making it out of the 1st inning before being lifted for pitch count reasons. The bullpen tried to pick up the slack and the offense, led by Bryce Windham and Levi Jordan, even managed to claw their way to a lead in the middle innings. But more control issues, this time by Burl Carraway in the 8th, doomed the Smokies.

My guy, Bryce Windham, just destroyed a baseball. The Smokies were down 5 to 0 and now lead 7 to 6 pic.twitter.com/H3nnT1o01R

May 18, 2022

Top Performers

Bryce Windham: 2-3, HR (1), R, 3 RBI, BB (.233)Levi Jordan: 2-3, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB (.348)Bryce Ball: 2-4, R, BB (.323)Chase Strumpf: 0-2, 3 R, BB, 2 HBP (.219)Yonathan Perlaza: 1-4, R, RBI (.194)Wyatt Short: 3 IP, 4 H, R, 2 BB, 2 K (1.29)Blake Whitney: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (L, 2-1, 3.75)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

One of South Bend’s hottest hitters, Matt Mervis, has received a well deserved promotion to Tennessee.

It took a bit for Bryce Windham to find his footing at the plate this year, but he’s now 8-for-23 in May.

High-A

Wisconsin 3, South Bend 1

Game Recap

Manuel Espinoza and Bailey Horn held Wisconsin at bay for seven innings, but the Cubs offense struggled to get runners on all night and eventually Jeremiah Estrada had an off night, giving up a homer in the 8th.

Espinoza doesn’t have overpowering stuff but he knows how to throw it for strikes and change speeds. He’s just 21 and getting good results in High-A, but I still struggle to project him as a noteworthy prospect. But it is also more difficult than ever to project pitchers. All of them tend to show up each spring with better velo or a new pitch, so who knows. Stay healthy and throw strikes and maybe additional stuff will come later.

Top Performers

Manuel Espinoza: 4 IP, 4 H, R, 2 BB, 3 K (1.88)Bailey Horn: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 3 K (0.00)Cole Roederer: 1-3, 2B, BB (.192)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

It has been confirmed that Ed Howard will miss the remainder of the season with an unspecified hip injury. It is reported that he is expected to make a full recovery though.

Low-A

Myrtle Beach 15, Columbia 5

Game Recap

Not sure what to say at this point. The Pelicans offense rarely goes more than a few days without lighting up the scoreboard and they did it again last night. All nine batters reached. Eight recorded a hit, six recorded at least two.

Ezequiel Pagan homered for the third time in five games. He maybe doesn’t have the highest upside, but he’s a guy who has hit whenever given consistent playing time, and I think there are fair odds he can make it into the upper levels of the system.

Ezequiel Pagan with his third home run in his last five games!

A solo shot gives the Pelicans a 9-4 lead in the top of the sixth. pic.twitter.com/8UFRWsdHYV

May 18, 2022

Ceiling is not an issue for fellow outfielder Kevin Alcantara though. He’s not even close to his full physical maturity but that doesn’t stop him from hitting lasers out to the opposite field.

Kevin Alcantara HAMMERS one to right and the Pelicans are on the board! Fourth home run of the season for Alcantara.

Fireflies 2, Pelicans 1 in the bottom of the second. pic.twitter.com/Fz9UqCkQHM

May 17, 2022

First James Triantos began to find his groove, and now in recent weeks Reginald Preciado has followed. He’s still not lifting the ball much and a future swing alteration seems likely but he’s now hitting well over .300 in May. Preciado went 3-for-4 last night with hits from both sides of the plate.

How is Reggie Preciado doing this month? Let’s take a look. This double puts them at .314 for May pic.twitter.com/byfoppy2Zp

May 18, 2022

Reggie Preciado it is now three-for-four on the night including this single from the right hand side of the batter’s box. pic.twitter.com/jgBLdoLjkY

May 18, 2022

We’re likely getting close to a promotion for 1B/3B B.J. Murray, Jr. (.311/.425/.525). The 22-year old was a late bloomer out of Florida Atlantic who the Cubs took in the 15th round last year. I haven’t done a deep dive on him yet, but the switch hitter is quiet at the plate and has been killing it for a few weeks in Myrtle Beach. There’s a spot opened up in South Bend with Matt Mervis heading to AA.

Here is one of the breakout hitters of the first half. His name is BJ Murray and he is just destroying baseballs in Myrtle Beach pic.twitter.com/68aTAtr7KK

May 18, 2022

Top Performers

Kevin Alcantara: 2-4, 2B, HR (4), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB (.261)Ezequiel Pagan: 2-5, HR (3), 2 R, 3 RBI (.211)Reginald Preciado: 3-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB (.218)B.J. Murray Jr.: 2-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB (.311)Juan Mora: 2-5, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.267)James Triantos: 2-6, 3B, 2 R, RBI (.276)Jacob Wetzel: 1-5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, HBP (.194)Pete Crow-Armstrong: 1-5, R, 2 RBI, BB, (.357)Richard Gallardo: 6 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, BB, 7 K (W, 3-1, 2.67)

I take you back to the olden days. It was far from the good old days, though. Spring of 2020. It was the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. At that point, I’m not sure we even knew it was a pandemic yet. All I know is people were scared. When people get scared, they also get set strange. And, does it get any stranger than hoarding toilet paper?

Remember walking into a grocery store. heading for the paper goods aisle, and finding empty shelves where the toilet paper was supposed to be? If you were lucky enough to find some, you’d take enough to last the rest of your life. It was bad enough that stores put a limit on the amount of tp you could buy. One grocery store had a manager come to the checkout counter to make sure you weren’t taking more than your arbitrary limit.

Two years later we’re on to the next crisis. No, not toilet paper again or any other type of paper product. In 2022, the world is on the hunt for baby formula.

I started my search for the elusive formula on Monday. NOOOOO! It’s not for me. I’m not Tony Randall or Mick Jagger. We need some for people coming to visit who have a three-month-old baby. Stop one, Walgreens-nothing. Next came trips to two different Targets-nada. Off to Walmart-zip. Later came two grocery stores-nope. Finally, we went to CVS. They had cards that you brought up to the front counter. That’s where they kept their canisters of formula. Was this going to be the formula breakthrough? Was CVS the place to score? BUZZ! BUZZ!! BUZZ!!!!! Tease!!

As we headed home empty-handed, I commented that the only way to get formula was to go on the black market. I was sort of joking….sort of.

Monday night, I was perusing Facebook when I came across this: “If anyone is out and about and sees this formula, Enfamil Gentlease, please grab one for me.”

Hey, that’s the same stuff I was looking for. When I responded with my black market formula sarcasm, her response was, “On Ebay right now selling for $140, plus $20 shipping. The regular price is $49.”

Seriously?! Are you fucking kidding me?! There really is a black market for this stuff. I can find hard drugs easier than Enfamil or Similac or name your drug formula of choice.

While the last four hundred-plus words have been somewhat satirical, there is nothing funny about the formula shortage. Obviously, babies need this stuff to survive. Parents are going to take drastic matters to find it. There are already stories of people thinking it would be easier to order formula on Canada’s Amazon site and have it shipped across the border. It was a good idea. Very creative, except it didn’t work.

But back to this black market scam thing. I do have two cartons of the Enfamil Gentlease in purple. Each carton makes fifty-four-four ounce portions. How much do you think I can sell these for? Two hundred a carton? Three hundred? Plus shipping, right?! Hmmm…I think I need a partner in crime to do this? As they said in the movie Casablanca, “We can make a fortune if you work with me through the black market.”

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