How to Choose the Right Solicitor in the UK
Whether you're buying a house, making a will, going through a separation, or dealing with an employment dispute, choosing the right solicitor makes a significant difference. This guide covers what to look for and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Check the Solicitor Is Qualified and Authorised
All practising solicitors in England and Wales must be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Verify any solicitor's registration at sra.org.uk. In Scotland, the Law Society of Scotland regulates solicitors; in Northern Ireland, the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
Find the Right Specialism
Match the solicitor to the work needed:
- Conveyancing — buying or selling property
- Family law — divorce, separation, children disputes
- Wills and probate — writing wills, administering estates
- Personal injury — compensation claims
- Employment law — unfair dismissal, discrimination
The Law Society's website (solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk) has a 'Find a Solicitor' service filtering by specialism and location.
Typical Costs
- Conveyancing (buying a house, £300k property): £1,000 to £2,500
- Basic will: £150 to £400
- Uncontested divorce: £500 to £2,000
- Hourly rate (general): £150 to £400 depending on seniority and location
What to Ask Before Instructing
- Who will handle my case day-to-day?
- Can you give me a fixed fee, or are you billing by the hour?
- What is your estimate of the total cost, and what could cause it to change?
- How will you keep me updated?
- What is your complaints process?
Online vs High Street Solicitors
For transactional work — particularly conveyancing and basic wills — online fixed-fee firms are regulated identically to traditional firms and can be significantly cheaper. For complex advisory work or cases requiring regular face-to-face meetings, a local firm with a dedicated case handler is usually more appropriate. Compare quotes from at least two or three solicitors for any substantial piece of work.