What area of law do you need?
It’s easy to get bogged down in jargon and complications. You may not know exactly what it is you’re looking for when it comes to a type of law. For example, some people approach us looking to change the deeds on their property without realising that this would be called a transfer of equity.
We try to make it simple on our site so you can see which area of law your query might fall into. From there, you can pick a more specific service if it applies.
Do your research and read up on what you need. You’ll probably find that solicitors have lots of experience in what you need, even if your situation feels complicated.
Do you need a local solicitor?
In some situations, people prefer having a local solicitor they can visit or drop paperwork off to. If you’re dealing with family law or employment law, it’s often better to use a local high street legal firm. This way, you can easily have a friendly face-to-face meeting. Similarly, if you’re having a will drafted, you may want to take advantage of home visits.
However, many legal services can be done remotely. This gives you more choice and a wider range of prices. Conveyancing, for example, whether you’re buying or selling, can be done almost completely online.
Online legal support can also cover lots of other property-related services, such as a property transaction, registering with the Land Registry, or a transfer of equity.
Have you looked at reviews?
Whether you’re buying a holiday, a new piece of clothing, or the services of a legal professional, you’ll want to look at reviews. You’ll want to know how a firm handled previous clients and whether they were left happy. This can make a big difference to how comfortable you feel when choosing a solicitor.
Accreditations and key features
You’ll want to know that the law firm you choose has all the official accreditations and memberships. This way, you can ensure that they’re trustworthy and up to date with any industry changes.
For your peace of mind, we only list firms on our site who are fully regulated.
Don’t forget to look at the other factors that may set a firm apart. Perhaps they have longer opening hours so you can visit after work. Perhaps having a female solicitor is a priority for you, or you need disabled parking or access near the office. We list these extra features on our site, along with any awards or accolades, so you can find the right firm for you.
Do you have an idea of costs?
Legal costs are often difficult to compare, so it’s common to assume the worst. Every legal situation is different, but it’s important for pricing to be transparent and for you to know exactly what your options are.
That’s what The Law Superstore is for. Just put in your details and get up to 4 quotes from solicitors. Then you can get an idea of the cost, read reviews, and talk to companies before deciding to proceed.
How much does a good solicitor cost in the UK?
Solicitors’ costs vary in the UK based on experience, location, and area of expertise. Some firms offer fixed fees, while others charge by the hour.
A good conveyancing solicitor’s fees may exceed £2,000. If you petition for a divorce, costs might reach £1,500. A complex will could set you back around £300.
Luckily, The Law Superstore is here to help you reduce legal costs while still getting support from highly rated professionals. Every legal firm we partner with is accredited and reviewed by previous clients. Compare prices for the legal support you need with us.
Have a chat!
You need to be able to trust your lawyer and believe that they have the knowledge and ability to take your case on. Whether it’s a simple process or a more drawn-out one, speaking to them on the phone will give you a clearer idea of who they are and what they can do for you. They’ll also be able to give you more detail on timings, pricing, and expectations.
Some questions you can ask
Once you’ve got a shortlist, there are a few more questions you can ask a potential lawyer to see whether they’re right for you.
Who will be handling my case?
Depending on the complexity of your case, you may find that several different solicitors work on it. If it’s simple, it may be delegated to a junior team member. Make sure you know who your main point of contact is.
How do you usually contact your clients?
Knowing whether a company prefers to email, phone, or use an online system is helpful. You can discuss how you prefer to be contacted and the best times for updates. If it’s likely to be a longer, ongoing service, you may also want to know how often you’ll be updated.
Are there any extra costs?
Costs are estimated at the beginning, but it’s worth asking whether there are any extras you may have missed. As conversations with the firm progress, you should be able to get a more detailed breakdown. Anything from extra hours to printing additional copies of contracts can add up, so make sure you know in advance whether there may be extra costs.
When you’re not sure where to start with choosing a solicitor or will writer, The Law Superstore is there to make it easier. Put in a few key details about what you need and get up to 4 quotes from local, professional firms, so you have all the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
What is the golden rule for solicitors?
The golden rule for solicitors is to act with integrity and uphold the rule of law. This principle requires solicitors to earn trust and confidence in the legal profession.
They are expected to demonstrate honesty, fairness, and respect for the legal system and its participants.
This is not just a guideline but a professional expectation. It helps ensure lawyers act properly when working with clients, courts, and other legal professionals.
What are solicitors not allowed to do?
Solicitors in the UK must follow strict professional standards. There are several actions they are expressly prohibited from undertaking.
- Breaching confidentiality: Solicitors cannot disclose information about a client’s case without permission, except in very specific legal circumstances.
- Conflict of interest: They must avoid situations where there is a conflict between the interests of two or more clients, or between their own interests and those of a client.
- Misusing client funds: Solicitors are trusted to handle clients’ money and must not misuse these funds or mix them with their own.
- Engaging in unlawful activities: Solicitors cannot engage in illegal activities or do anything that compromises their integrity or the reputation of the legal profession.
- Providing false statements: Solicitors cannot knowingly make false statements or misrepresent facts to the courts or any party involved in legal proceedings.
Do solicitors need to be honest?
Yes, honesty is a fundamental requirement for solicitors in the UK. The Solicitors Regulation Authority states that solicitors must act honestly and with integrity.
This means they are expected to be truthful in all their professional dealings, whether with clients, courts, or other legal entities.
Dishonesty, even outside their professional role, can lead to serious consequences, including disciplinary action, fines, or even being struck off.
Honesty is both a legal ethic and a professional obligation. It is essential for maintaining public trust in the legal system.
Looking for a legal service?
It can be overwhelming to look for a lawyer, but we make it easy to compare reviews, prices, and features.