How to Find a Good Solicitor in the UK
Finding the right solicitor can make the difference between a good outcome and a costly one. But with thousands of law firms across the UK, knowing where to look – and what to look for – isn’t always obvious.
Here’s a practical guide to finding a good solicitor for your situation.
Always check they’re SRA-regulated
In England and Wales, solicitors must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). You can check any solicitor’s registration on the SRA’s public register at sra.org.uk. This takes about 30 seconds and should always be your first step. An unregulated person providing legal advice has no accountability and no insurance – if things go wrong, you have little recourse.
In Scotland, solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland. In Northern Ireland, by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
Match the solicitor to your type of case
Law is highly specialised. A commercial property solicitor who is brilliant at drafting leases for businesses will not be the right person to help you with an unfair dismissal claim. Before you start searching, be clear on the area of law your problem falls under:
- Buying or selling a home → conveyancing solicitor
- Divorce or children matters → family law solicitor
- Being dismissed or made redundant → employment solicitor
- Writing a will → wills and probate solicitor
- Starting or running a business → commercial solicitor
- Immigration or visa issues → immigration solicitor
- Personal injury → personal injury solicitor (often no win no fee)
Use a verified legal directory
Verified legal directories let you search by specialism and location, and include only regulated professionals. My Legal Hub’s directory covers solicitors, barristers, notaries and other legal professionals across the UK and 190+ countries. Each listing is verified and free to search – no registration required.
Search for a solicitor on My Legal Hub →
Check reviews and credentials
Once you’ve identified a shortlist, look for independent reviews. Google reviews, Trustpilot, and the solicitor’s own website can all give a sense of how they work with clients. Look for specific mentions of the type of case you have – a solicitor praised for their divorce work is a stronger signal than a generic five-star review.
Some solicitors hold additional accreditations – for example, a Resolution accredited specialist in family law, or a Law Society accreditation in a particular area. These aren’t mandatory but are a positive signal.
Ask about fees before you commit
Solicitor fees vary enormously. London firms typically charge more than regional ones. Fixed fees are common for straightforward work like conveyancing or will writing. Hourly rates (ranging from around £150 to £500+ per hour) apply to more complex matters.
By law, solicitors must give you a written estimate of costs at the outset. Ask for this and make sure you understand what is and isn’t included before you sign anything.
The initial consultation
Many solicitors offer a free or low-cost initial consultation – typically 30 minutes. Use this to explain your situation, ask how they would approach it, and get a feel for how they communicate. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s perfectly fine to speak to someone else before committing.
Questions to ask a potential solicitor
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Who in the firm will actually be doing the work day-to-day?
- What are your fees and how will I be billed?
- How long do you expect this to take?
- What do you think the likely outcome is?
A good solicitor will answer these questions clearly and honestly. One who hedges or seems reluctant to discuss fees is a warning sign.
Ready to find a solicitor? Search My Legal Hub’s verified directory →