Bizstartup.ie - NewsFirm set up in Cork to provide affordable advice

A solicitor since the early 1970s, Dillon has run practices in the west of Ireland, Dublin and laterally in Cork since 1986. First Step Consult is based in Coolmoreen, Inishannon, Co Cork.

During his legal career he’s worked in conveyance, commercial and company law and litigation. He has been involved in several high profile legal actions which effectively changed the law in a number of fields.

“The practice of seeking advice from a trustworthy local professional has largely died out but First Step Consult is revitalising the custom,” he says.

The idea sprang from Dillon’s regular encounters early in his career with people in one kind of difficulty or another, looking for a bit common-sense advice, a second opinion or a just a listening ear.

He worries that people are sitting on problems that get progressively worse over time - they’re reluctant to take the legal route because of the costs yet don’t know what to do next. Sometimes legal advice is what’s needed but often it’s not.

For an hourly fee of €75, Dillon will discuss the problem in an impartial way and suggest the most beneficial route to sorting it out.

First Step Consult offers advice on:

• A property matter
• Employment problems
• A social matter
• Difficulties with a family law matter
• Financial difficulties
• Environmental problems
• Problems with a professional adviser or lending institution

All queries to First Step Consult will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. Dillon will make every effort to resolve individual problems or will recommend the most appropriate course of action. No action will be taken without complete agreement between First Step Consult and the client. First Step consult will help clients, where required, to implement recommendations.
Photo: Andrew Dillon