5 Essential Questions to Ask a London Solicitor Before Hiring

Nov 8, 2024

7 min read

Updated: Oct 23

Choosing the right solicitor in London is crucial for resolving your legal issues effectively. The right professional can make a significant difference in outcomes, whether you are facing a personal matter, a business dispute or anything in between. This guide sets out five essential questions to ask a London solicitor. It will help you make an informed choice and get sound legal advice from the start.

Questions to ask a London solicitor: 1. What is your area of specialisation?

Understanding a solicitor's area of expertise is key. Solicitors typically focus on specific fields such as family law, criminal law, property law and commercial law.

Ask direct questions about their specialisation. For example, if you are dealing with a family dispute, ensure they have experience in family law. You might ask how many family law cases they have handled in the last year. A solicitor with a strong track record in your area can provide better insights and support throughout your case.

2. What is your approach to client communication?

Good communication can greatly impact your experience during the legal process. Ask how they keep clients informed.

Do they prefer to communicate by email, phone call or face-to-face meeting? You might want to know, "How often can I expect updates on my case?" Aim for a solicitor who prioritises open dialogue. For instance, a solicitor who commits to weekly updates through your preferred channel can provide reassurance and keep you engaged in your case.

Ask who your main point of contact will be, and who you can speak to if that person is away. Agree at the start how you will receive regular updates, and how quickly you can expect a reply to an email or call. A short written note of these arrangements avoids frustration later.

3. What are your fees and billing structure?

Legal costs can add up quickly, so understanding your solicitor's fee structure is essential.

Ask about their billing practices. Do they charge a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or work on a contingency basis? Rates vary widely in London, depending on the solicitor's experience and the type of work. Ask for a clear written estimate. Also ask about any extra costs, such as court fees or documents that you might need.

Clear guidance on expenses will help you plan financially and avoid surprises later on. For a closer look at pricing, read our guide to the costs of hiring a London solicitor.

Under the SRA Transparency Rules, firms must publish price and service information for some common types of work, such as residential conveyancing and uncontested probate. Look at the firm's website before the first meeting, so you can compare like with like. You can read the SRA Transparency Rules yourself.

Questions about fees if your matter is a property purchase

If your matter is buying or selling a home, ask what the conveyancing fees cover. Check which costs are extra, such as search fees, Land Registry fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax. Ask whether the quote is fixed or may change if the work turns out to be more complex.

Property chains do not always hold. Ask what you will pay if the sale or purchase falls through before completion. Good conveyancing solicitors will explain this clearly at the start, so a collapsed deal does not leave you with an unexpected bill.

4. Can you provide references or case studies?

A trustworthy solicitor should gladly share references or case studies.

Request testimonials from past clients or examples of similar cases they have handled. For instance, if you are approaching them about a landlord-tenant dispute, ask if they can provide a case study showing a successful negotiation outcome. This can give you a clearer picture of their strengths and reliability.

You can also check that a solicitor is properly regulated. The Solicitors Regulation Authority publishes a register of the solicitors and firms it regulates. Look the firm up before you instruct them. See the SRA guidance for the public for what to expect from a regulated firm.

The Solicitors Register on the SRA website is free to search. It shows whether a person is a practising solicitor and which firm they work for. If someone offering legal help does not appear, ask why before you go any further.

5. What is the estimated timeline for my case?

Legal matters can often be lengthy, so timelines are a crucial topic of discussion.

Ask your solicitor about the estimated timeline for your specific case. An experienced solicitor should give you a realistic time frame based on similar cases they have worked on. For instance, many family law cases in London may take anywhere from three months to over a year, depending on complexity.

Understanding the expected duration can ease anxiety and help you stay organised as your case progresses. Ask what could cause delays, and what you can do to avoid them.

What to bring to your first meeting

A little preparation makes the first meeting with a London solicitor far more useful. It also helps the solicitor give you a more accurate view of costs and timescales.

A short written timeline of what has happened so far, with dates.
Copies of key documents, such as contracts, letters, emails or court papers.
The names of everyone involved, so the firm can check for any conflict of interest.
Any deadlines you know about, such as a hearing date or a date in a letter.
Your list of questions, including the five in this guide.

Be open about the facts, including the parts that do not help you. A solicitor can only give sound legal advice on the full picture. Everything you tell them is confidential.

What your client care letter should cover

Once you decide to instruct a firm, you should receive a client care letter or terms of business. Read it carefully before you sign anything. It should set out:

The scope of the work, so you know exactly what is and is not included.
Who will handle your matter and who will supervise them.
How you will be charged, with an estimate of the likely costs.
How and when you will be billed, and whether money is needed on account.
How to complain, and your right to take a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman.

If anything in the letter is unclear, ask the firm to explain it before the work starts. It is much easier to agree the terms at the beginning than to argue about them later.

If something goes wrong

Raise any concern with your solicitor first. If that does not resolve it, use the firm's complaints procedure. If you are still unhappy with the firm's final response, you can usually take the complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. There are time limits for doing so, so do not delay. Concerns about a solicitor's honesty or conduct can be reported to the SRA.

Common mistakes when choosing a solicitor

Many people find the process easier once they know the pitfalls. These are some of the most common mistakes:

Choosing on price alone, without checking what the quote actually includes.
Not checking that the solicitor is regulated by the SRA.
Waiting too long to get advice, when time limits may already be running.
Instructing a firm without reading the client care letter.
Not asking who will actually do the work day to day.

Comparing two or three law firms on the same questions is a simple way to avoid these mistakes. It also gives you a feel for who explains things in a way you understand.

Making the right choice from London solicitors

Finding the right solicitor in London may seem daunting, but asking the right questions can significantly ease this process. Think about their specialisation, communication style, fee structure, references and estimated timelines. Together, these will put you in a much better position to choose someone who meets your legal needs.

Take the time to have detailed conversations and evaluate different solicitors in London. This effort will pay off when you connect with a professional who is dedicated to supporting you through your legal journey. The right solicitor will have the necessary legal skills. They will also make sure that you feel informed and confident at every step.

Ultimately, your goal is to find a solicitor you can trust. Their expertise and approach will greatly influence how effectively your legal challenges are handled. Consider this choice seriously, as your future may depend on the decision you make. For more help, see our guide on how to choose a solicitor in London. As a reputable Solicitor London clients rely on, we provide expert guidance in both family and business law.

Frequently asked questions

How many solicitors should I speak to before choosing one?

There is no fixed number, but speaking to two or three firms is often enough. Ask each one the same questions, so you can compare their answers, fees and approach fairly.

Is the first meeting with a solicitor free?

It depends on the firm. Some offer a short free call, while others charge for a first meeting. Ask before you book, so you know whether you will be billed.

Can I get legal aid?

Legal aid is only available for some types of case and depends on your circumstances. You can check whether you might qualify on the GOV.UK legal aid pages.

What if I want to change solicitor?

You can usually change solicitor during a matter. Check your client care letter for what you owe for work already done, and ask the new firm how the handover will work.