The UK has three legal systems: England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The rules are similar in spirit but differ in detail, so the first step is to find a solicitor qualified where your matter is. This guide covers the essentials.

Solicitor or barrister?

A solicitor is usually your first point of contact. Solicitors advise you, draft documents, negotiate and run your case day to day. For most matters, such as buying a home, a will, an employment dispute or a divorce, a solicitor is all you need.

A barrister (an advocate in Scotland) specialises in court advocacy and expert legal opinions. Your solicitor normally instructs a barrister when a case goes to a hearing. Some barristers also accept work directly from the public under the direct access scheme, which can be cheaper for simple advice.

How solicitors charge

  • Hourly rates are common for disputes and complex work. Rates depend on seniority and location; London rates are the highest.
  • Fixed fees are common for conveyancing, wills, probate and uncontested divorces.
  • No win, no fee: under a conditional fee agreement you pay nothing if you lose, but a success fee if you win. It is widely used in personal injury claims. Ask what happens to court costs and insurance if you lose.

In England and Wales, firms regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority must publish price information for certain services, including residential conveyancing, probate and employment tribunal claims. Compare these pages before you call.

At the start, your solicitor must give you a client care letter that sets out the scope of work, the fee basis and how to complain. Read it carefully.

How to check a solicitor

  • England and Wales: search the Solicitors Register run by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
  • Scotland: use the Law Society of Scotland's find a solicitor service.
  • Northern Ireland: check with the Law Society of Northern Ireland.

If something goes wrong, complain to the firm first. If that does not resolve it, the Legal Ombudsman (England and Wales) or the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission can step in.

Legal aid still exists but is limited, mainly for some family, housing, criminal and immigration matters, and usually depends on your income. Many firms offer a short free or fixed-price first call instead.

Compare firms near you

On Lexrova you can browse law firms in the United Kingdom or start with a city such as London, Birmingham or Edinburgh. Filter by practice area, for example immigration lawyers in London or employment lawyers in London.

Questions to ask before you instruct a solicitor

  1. Are you qualified in the part of the UK where my matter is?
  2. Is the fee hourly, fixed or no win no fee, and what is the total estimate including VAT and disbursements?
  3. Who will handle my file day to day?
  4. Will we need a barrister, and what would that cost?
  5. What are the time limits for my case?

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