At your first meeting, or when you first speak to a solicitor, you might like to ask some of these questions.  They’ll help you explore the solicitor’s range of services, and understand more about the fees and administration involved in meeting your needs.

It’s a good idea to contact a number of solicitors before choosing one to act on your behalf.  Having a good working relationship is vital, when you’re talking about personal issues or a sensitive matter in particular.

How long have you been a solicitor?

If you don’t feel comfortable dealing with someone who is newly qualified, say so.

Have you handled cases similar to mine?

Again, if relevant experience is very important to you, don’t worry about asking for details of the solicitor’s background.

Do you charge on an hourly basis or use fixed fees?

Depending on your needs, solicitors may offer a ‘menu’ of fixed fees – for conveyancing, in particular – or charge an hourly fee for their services.  If you are told there is a fixed fee involved, ask for a breakdown to find out what that fee includes.  Check to find out whether or not ‘additional fees’ (such as land registry charges or bank transfer fees) are included or charged for separately.  It’s also important to find out in advance which, if any, elements of a charge will incur VAT.

Will you take my case on a ‘no fee, no win’ basis?

For litigation cases, it’s worth asking whether a ‘no win, no fee’ arrangement is possible.  You must remember that all fees will be deducted from compensation before you receive any money, and that you’ll have to pay for your solicitor’s fees if you don’t win your case.  It’s important to find out whether those fees are fixed, or charged as a percentage of your claim.

How often will you update me on progress?

Almost every point of contact with a solicitor – whether it’s a phone call, an email, or a letter – is charged to your account.  Find out in advance what these charges are, and ask how often you will be kept updated on progress.

Will I need to visit your offices?

This all depends on the type of work that your solicitor is doing for you.  Most legal issues require you to sign documents at some point, in which case you will need to visit the solicitor’s offices.  It is possible to conduct some business remotely (such as conveyancing), but original identification documents will need to be presented to comply with any relevant Money Laundering regulations.