How to Choose a Solicitor in London: What to Check Before You Hire

Nov 7, 2024

4 min read

Updated: Oct 10

Want to choose a solicitor in London? The city has a huge number of law firms, so the choice can feel hard. This guide sets out what to check, step by step, so that you can pick legal advice you can trust.

Understand your legal issue first

Start by naming your legal issue. Most solicitors focus on particular areas of law. Common ones include:

Family law: divorce, children and domestic matters.
Criminal law: if you face charges and need a defence.
Personal injury: claims after an accident or negligence.
Property law: buying, selling or leasing property.

If you have a family dispute, look for a solicitor who handles family cases every day. A clear picture of what you need makes the search much quicker.

Research your options

Ask friends, family or colleagues who have hired a solicitor. A personal recommendation is a good starting point. Then look at online directories and the websites of local firms. Build a short list of three or four names.

Check they are properly regulated

A solicitor in England and Wales must be authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can check any firm or individual on the SRA register. The register shows whether they hold a practising certificate and whether any action has been taken against them.

It is also worth asking:

How long have they worked in this area of law?
Have they handled cases like yours?
Do they belong to any professional bodies?

Look at their experience

Experience matters. A solicitor who has handled many cases like yours will usually spot problems early. Ask about the kind of work they do day to day. Be careful with anyone who promises a result. No honest solicitor can guarantee how a case will end.

Ask how they like to work too. Some solicitors try to settle matters by agreement. Others take a firmer line. Pick the style that suits you.

Make sure they communicate well

A good solicitor explains the law in plain words. When you first speak, notice whether they listen and answer your questions clearly.

Ask how they will keep in touch. Some prefer email and phone. Others like face-to-face meetings. You should feel comfortable discussing private matters with them.

Ask about fees and billing

Know the cost before you hire anyone. Fees often work in one of two ways:

Hourly rates: you pay for the time spent on your matter.
Fixed fees: a set price for a defined job, such as a simple will.

Ask for a written estimate and find out when you will be billed. The SRA expects firms to give clear price information. For more on what to expect, read our guide to the costs of hiring a London solicitor.

Arrange a first meeting

Many firms offer an initial consultation or an enquiry form on their website. Use it to judge their skill and to see whether you get on. Ask how they would approach your case and who will do the work.

Pay attention to how at ease you feel. You may work closely with this person for months.

Look at professionalism and reviews

Notice whether they are punctual and attentive. Check the SRA register for any disciplinary record. The Law Society also has a directory of firms. Then read client reviews on sites such as Google or Trustpilot. Look for common themes, such as how quickly they reply and how clearly they explain things, rather than one-off comments.

Choose a solicitor in London: make your decision

Compare your short list on experience, communication, fees and how comfortable you felt. A simple list of pros and cons can help. Trust your judgement: if you need help and one solicitor made you feel at ease, that matters.

Final thoughts

To choose a solicitor in London, know your legal issue, check the SRA register, compare fees and meet them first. If you need a London contract specialist, see our page on a contract lawyer in London. Canko Law Firm also advises Turkish-speaking clients, as described in our guide to Turkish solicitors in London.