ABSTRACT
The purpose of counsel’s opinion is, as the title suggests, to give a view or opinion or to advise the clients of what their chances are in relation to their case, and whether the matter is worth pursuing from a litigation/negotiation point of view. The opinion is written by counsel and is seen initially by a solicitor who then has a conference with the client to inform them of counsel’s advice or view about the matter at hand. The style and format of the opinion, therefore, should be practically oriented and written in a way that allows the solicitor to translate counsel’s view clearly and easily to the client, without confusing them with complex issues of law. What the client wants to know from his legal advisers is what his chances are of succeeding in his action or defending it.
