I Need Legal Advice – What Should I Do First?
Finding yourself in a legal situation can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re dealing with a dispute, facing redundancy, going through a divorce, or just need a contract checked – the first question most people ask is: where do I even start?
This guide cuts through the confusion and tells you exactly what to do.
Step 1: Don’t panic – and don’t delay
Legal problems rarely get better if you ignore them. Time limits apply to many types of claim in England and Wales – for example, personal injury claims typically have a three-year window, and employment tribunal claims for unfair dismissal must usually be filed within three months of your dismissal date. The sooner you seek advice, the more options you’ll have.
Step 2: Work out what kind of legal help you need
Legal professionals are specialists, much like doctors. A family law solicitor handles divorces and custody disputes; an employment lawyer handles workplace issues; a conveyancing solicitor deals with property purchases. Getting the right type of professional for your situation saves time and money.
Common areas of law include:
- Family law – divorce, children, financial settlements
- Employment law – unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination
- Property law – buying/selling, landlord and tenant disputes
- Immigration – visas, right to remain, citizenship
- Wills and probate – writing a will, dealing with an estate
- Business and commercial – contracts, company disputes, intellectual property
- Criminal – police interviews, charges, court appearances
Step 3: Find out if you qualify for free legal advice
Before paying for a solicitor, check whether you might be entitled to legal aid or free advice. In England and Wales, legal aid is available for certain types of case – including some family law matters, immigration cases, and criminal defence. Citizens Advice also provides free guidance on many everyday legal issues.
You can use our Legal Aid Eligibility Checker to find out in a few minutes whether your situation may qualify.
Step 4: Search for a verified legal professional
If you need a paid solicitor or lawyer, it’s important to use someone who is properly regulated. In England and Wales, solicitors must be registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Barristers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. Using an unregulated person for legal work carries serious risks.
My Legal Hub’s directory lists verified, regulated legal professionals across 190+ countries. You can search by specialism and location to find someone suited to your specific need – and it’s completely free to search.
Find a legal professional on My Legal Hub →
Step 5: Ask about costs upfront
Legal costs are one of the biggest concerns people have, and rightfully so. Before instructing any solicitor, ask:
- Do you offer a free initial consultation?
- What are your hourly rates or fixed fees?
- Will you send me a written estimate before starting work?
- Are there any no-win, no-fee options available?
Many solicitors offer a free 30-minute initial call. Use this to explain your situation and get a sense of what you need before committing to anything.
Step 6: Prepare before your first appointment
Make the most of your time with a solicitor by arriving (or calling) prepared. Bring any relevant documents – letters, contracts, emails, court notices – and write down a brief timeline of events. The clearer you can be about what has happened and what you want to achieve, the faster and more cost-effective your legal advice will be.
Summary
If you need legal advice: don’t wait, identify the right type of lawyer for your situation, check if free advice is available, and use a verified directory to find a regulated professional. My Legal Hub is free to use and connects you with verified solicitors and lawyers across the UK and worldwide.