Finding a solicitor: costs, regulation, what you should look out for

Need a solicitor but have no idea how you can find one? We reveal what you need to know, including what free online resources are available, how much it might cost, what to expect and how to complain if things go wrong.

When do you need a solicitor?

How to find the right solicitor

What you need to consider

It’s advisable to shop around for a solicitor.

Often, people may depend on personal recommendations or on local solicitors, but there is more that can be done before signing on the dotted line.

You should check whether the law firm is genuine and regulated by the SRA, which you can do via this handy search tool.

It’s also worth checking a solicitor’s record to see if it has had any legal action taken against it via the SRA’s free search tool.

In some cases, the SRA can punish a solicitor for wrongdoing or even strike off the firm completely.

Even if a solicitor has been in legal trouble before, it’s worth considering whether it’s connected to the service you need and if you prefer a solicitor with a completely clean record.

Regulated firms by the SRA can also be identified by logos on a regulated solicitor’s site, which when you click on it will confirm compliance to the regulator’s rules.

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Regulated vs unregulated

How much does a solicitor cost?

Unfortunately, there’s no simple answer to this question as it depends on your case, how complex it is and a handful of other factors.

Regulated firms must give you an indication of the fees to expect, potential additional charges and a likely timescale of how long the case will take on its site.

There may be a breakdown of charges on an hourly basis or based on the complexity of the case, with the simplest cases usually being the cheapest.

For example, a simple employment law case at one SRA regulated firm costs between £3,500 and £5,000 but can jump to around £20,000 for highly complex cases.

Additional charges may include a solicitor attending a tribunal hearing.

If a solicitor is not being transparent about pricing, you should be cautious about using them as you could get hit with higher than expected costs.  

Also, having a list of prices beforehand could help you compare different solicitors if you’re struggling to choose between a few.

How do I get in touch and prepare?

You can get in touch with a solicitor online by email or over the phone to book an appointment.

As for what documentation you’ll need, the solicitor should tell you what they need, which can vary on a case by case basis.

“By way of example, if a person is buying a house, the solicitor may ask to see some form of ID such as a passport, utility bills and bank statements to comply with anti-money laundering legislation,’ says The Law Society.

What should you expect from your solicitor?

Buying or selling a house? Consider a conveyancer

While you can use a solicitor to buy or sell a house, HomeOwners Alliance recommends using a conveyancer, which charge on average between £850 and £1,500, plus the cost of disbursements.

Licensed conveyancers are specialist property lawyers with no extensive training in many aspects of the law, so they are likely to be less expensive than a solicitor.

One exception to using a conveyancer would be if the transaction was particularly difficult, such as a dispute over boundaries or if the sellers are getting divorced. 

Paula Higgins, chief executive officer at HomeOwners Alliance, says conveyancers have relationships with mortgage providers, which makes them particularly helpful.

But the conveyancer must also be on the mortgage lenders panel so the mortgage provider can ensure the money they are lending is safe.

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Check those commissions!

Mortgage deals: can you get cashback?

If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably familiar with the concept of remortgaging but may not be aware that you need a solicitor.

According to Bhagrath, lots of mortgage deals include free legal advice or offer cashback, which can span from £250 to £500.

Using a site like Trussle, you can try and find a solicitor to match the cashback on offer or free legal advice.

In some cases, you may be able to get legal aid from the Government to help with legal advice costs,  but eligibility depends on the type of case and your financial circumstances. 

Mortgage brokers may get a referral fee, but Bhagrath believes you can access good solicitors you may not be able to find elsewhere.

She also advises people to not restrict themselves to local solicitors as you don’t actually have to physically visit them.

You may get better value for money looking outside your local area, while your documents are signed and completed via email or post.

How to remortgage your home

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Unhappy with your solicitor?

If you’re happy with your solicitor, there are several courses of action you can take.

Your first point of call should be your solicitor, who should have a clear complaints procedure if they are regulated.

If you’re not happy with the resolution (or lack of one) and it’s a service issue, get in touch with the Legal Ombudsman.

They can look into your complaint and award compensation of up to £50,000 if need be.

Outside of service issues – such as misconduct or an unethical action – you need to report it to the SRA.

The regulator will look into your case, check if the solicitor is fit for practice and potentially refer them to an independent court, where they could be fined.

In certain instances, you may get your money back but what is more likely to happen is you can claim money via the solicitor’s insurance, which they should have if they are regulated.

You may be able to claim money back from SRA’s Compensation Fund if the solicitor has been dishonest, but this is a discretionary fund, so it’s not guaranteed.

Did you find our guide helpful? Let us know in the comments below.