What to Look for When Hiring a Solicitor in the UK

Choosing the right solicitor can have a significant impact on the outcome of your legal matter—whether you're buying a home, starting a business, drafting a will, or going through a dispute. The UK has a well-regulated legal profession; however, not all solicitors are equal in terms of experience, communication style, or areas of expertise. Here’s what to consider when hiring a solicitor in the UK to ensure you get the best possible representation and advice.

1. Identify the Area of Law You Need Help With

Legal practice is highly specialised. Solicitors often focus on particular areas such as:

• Conveyancing (property transactions)

• Family law (divorce, child arrangements)

  
  

• Employment law

• Wills and probate

• Criminal defence

• Immigration

• Commercial or corporate law

Look for a solicitor who has proven experience in the area relevant to your issue. For example, if you're going through a divorce, you’ll want someone who specialises in family law, not a general practitioner.

2. Check for Regulation and Accreditation

In the UK, solicitors must be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can check whether a solicitor is registered via the SRA’s website or by searching the Law Society's ‘Find a Solicitor’ tool.

Additionally, look for relevant accreditations. Some key ones include:

• Law Society Accreditations (e.g., Family Law, Children Law, Conveyancing Quality Scheme)

• Resolution Membership for family solicitors

• STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) for wills and probate

Accreditations show that the solicitor meets recognised standards of expertise and ongoing professional development.

3. Reputation and Reviews

Online reviews and testimonials can give insight into the solicitor’s approach and effectiveness. Check platforms like:

• Google Reviews

• Trustpilot

• Lawyer Sorted

• Legal 500 or Chambers and Partners (for higher-end or specialist legal services)

A well-reviewed solicitor with a reputation for clarity, efficiency, and client care is likely to provide a smoother experience. However, always look for consistency in feedback rather than relying on one or two glowing (or negative) reviews.

4. Clear Communication and Responsiveness

Good communication is vital. In your initial contact with a solicitor, assess how well they explain legal concepts and whether they listen to your concerns. Key questions to consider:

• Do they explain things clearly, without excessive jargon?

• Are they easy to reach via phone or email?

• Do they respond promptly to queries?

• Are they upfront about timelines and expectations?

A solicitor who takes the time to ensure you understand your options and likely outcomes will reduce stress and make better decisions on your behalf.

5. Transparent Fees and Billing Structure

Legal services in the UK can be expensive, so clarity around fees is crucial. Solicitors may charge in several ways:

• Hourly rates

• Fixed fees (common for conveyancing, wills, some immigration matters)

• No win, no fee (used in some personal injury cases)

• Retainers or monthly billing (for ongoing legal needs)

Ensure you understand:

• What services are included in the fee

• Whether VAT is included

• How disbursements (third-party costs) are handled

• Whether estimates are binding or likely to change

Ask for a written quote or engagement letter outlining the terms. If costs escalate unexpectedly, you have the right to challenge them with the Legal Ombudsman.

6. Accessibility and Location

While many legal matters can now be handled remotely, some situations (e.g. court appearances, in-person document signing) may require face-to-face contact. If this is important to you, consider hiring a solicitor with an office within reach.

Even if you're comfortable working remotely, make sure the solicitor is accessible and uses secure, convenient methods of communication, such as encrypted email, client portals, or scheduled video calls.

7. Compatibility and Personal Rapport

Legal issues can be personal and emotionally charged. You’ll want a solicitor who you feel comfortable talking to and who respects your perspective. Trust your instincts after the initial consultation—did you feel heard, respected, and informed?

Particularly for sensitive issues (e.g., family disputes, personal injury, or immigration matters), having a solicitor you can trust and who genuinely cares about your outcome can make a big difference.

8. Experience and Track Record

Ask about the solicitor’s recent cases or experience handling matters similar to yours. Important questions include:

• How long have they been practising?

• Have they dealt with cases like yours recently?

• What was the outcome?

• How do they approach challenges or disputes?

A solicitor with a strong track record in relevant cases is more likely to anticipate issues, negotiate better outcomes, and represent your interests effectively.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a solicitor is not just about qualifications—it's about finding someone who is the right fit for your needs, both professionally and personally. Take your time to research, ask questions, and trust your instincts. A good solicitor will be upfront, communicative, and aligned with your goals.

Investing time at the beginning to choose the right legal representative can save you considerable stress, time, and cost down the line.

To simplify your search, platforms like Lawyersorted.com can help you find and compare regulated solicitors across the UK based on location, legal specialism, and client reviews. It’s a convenient starting point to connect with trusted legal professionals tailored to your needs.