Last Updated: 13 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6-7 minutes
Summary
Choosing the right law firm can make the legal process easier to understand and help you make informed decisions about your situation. Whether you need advice about an injury, employment dispute, property transaction, business matter or another legal issue, it is important to find a solicitor with the right experience and approach for your needs.
There are many factors to consider when choosing a law firm, including specialist experience, professional regulation, reputation, communication, costs and the level of support you can expect.
You do not necessarily need to choose the closest firm or the cheapest option. The right law firm is one that understands your legal problem, explains your options clearly and offers a service that is appropriate for your circumstances.
Quick answer
The best way to choose a law firm is to start by identifying the type of legal help you need and then compare firms based on relevant experience, regulation, reputation, communication and costs. Check that the solicitor or firm is properly regulated, look at relevant accreditations and reviews, and ask questions about fees and how your case will be handled before deciding who to instruct.
In this article
- How to identify the legal help you need
- How to research a law firm
- Why specialist experience matters
- How to check whether a solicitor is regulated
- What legal accreditations mean
- How to compare legal fees
- Should you choose a local law firm?
- What questions should you ask a solicitor?
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently asked questions
Key takeaways
- Identify your legal problem first so you can find a solicitor with relevant expertise.
- Check that the firm and solicitor are appropriately regulated and authorised.
- Look for relevant experience, accreditations and evidence of client care.
- Read reviews, but consider them alongside other information rather than relying on them alone.
- Ask how the solicitor will communicate with you and who will handle your case.
- Make sure you understand how legal fees will be calculated and when you will need to pay.
- A local firm can be useful, but location is less important if the firm has the right expertise and can effectively support you remotely.
- Do not be afraid to speak to more than one firm before deciding who is right for you.
Why is choosing the right law firm important?
Legal problems can be stressful, particularly when they involve your finances, employment, home, family, business or personal wellbeing.
The solicitor you choose can help you understand your rights, explain your options and guide you through the legal process. Choosing a firm with appropriate experience can also help ensure that your case is handled by people familiar with the particular area of law involved.
However, choosing a solicitor is not simply about finding the firm with the biggest website or the highest number of reviews.
You should consider the quality and relevance of the legal service, how clearly the firm communicates with you, how much it will cost and whether you feel comfortable working with the people involved in your case.
1.Start by identifying your legal needs
Before searching for a law firm, think about what legal problem you need help with.
For example, you may need advice about:
- Buying or selling a property.
- A personal injury.
- A criminal injury.
- An employment dispute.
- A settlement agreement.
- A housing or landlord and tenant issue.
- A Will or Probate.
- A business or commercial matter.
- Debt recovery.
- A dispute with another person or business.
You do not necessarily need to understand the law before contacting a solicitor. That is what legal advice is for.
However, having a basic understanding of the problem can help you search for the right type of specialist.
What if I don’t know what type of solicitor I need?
If you are unsure, explain the situation to a law firm when making your initial enquiry.
A reputable firm should be able to tell you whether the issue falls within its areas of expertise or, where appropriate, whether another type of professional may be more suitable.
2. Look for relevant legal expertise
Once you understand the general nature of your problem, look for firms that regularly deal with that particular area of law.
For example, if you have suffered an injury, you may want a firm with experience in personal injury claims. If you are dealing with a commercial dispute, look for solicitors who regularly advise businesses on disputes and litigation.
Relevant experience can be more useful than simply choosing a firm that offers a very large number of services.
Why does specialist experience matter?
Different areas of law have different procedures, risks and deadlines.
A solicitor who regularly handles cases similar to yours is likely to be familiar with the issues that commonly arise and the practical steps involved.
When researching a firm, look for information about:
- The firm’s practice areas.
- The experience of its legal team.
- Relevant accreditations.
- Case studies or examples of work, where appropriate.
- Client reviews and feedback.
- The firm’s approach to client care.
3. Check that the law firm is regulated
One of the most important checks is whether the solicitor or law firm is properly regulated.
In England and Wales, solicitors and law firms carrying out reserved legal activities must meet relevant regulatory requirements. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) maintains a register that can be used to check whether a firm or solicitor is regulated.
The SRA describes its register as the definitive impartial source for checking regulated law firms and individuals.
This is particularly important if you have found a legal service provider through an online advert or social media.
Do not assume that every organisation describing itself as a legal service provider is regulated in the same way as a solicitor’s firm.
4. Consider professional accreditations
Professional accreditations can provide another useful indication when comparing law firms.
The Law Society operates voluntary accreditation schemes for particular areas of legal work, as well as Lexcel, its legal practice quality mark. The Law Society says its accreditations recognise practices and solicitors that meet standards relating to technical expertise and client service.
What is Lexcel?
Lexcel is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management.
Its assessment covers areas including:
- Client care.
- Risk management.
- People management.
- Financial management.
- Information management.
- File and case management.
Accreditation involves independent assessment and ongoing monitoring.
An accreditation should not be the only factor you consider, but it can be useful when comparing firms.
5. Read reviews and client feedback
Online reviews can give you an insight into other people’s experiences with a law firm.
You might look at:
- Google Reviews.
- Trustpilot.
- Reviews or testimonials published on the firm’s website.
- Independent legal directories.
Look for patterns rather than focusing on one particularly positive or negative review.
For example, do clients regularly mention:
- Good communication?
- Clear explanations?
- Professionalism?
- Responsiveness?
- Feeling supported throughout their case?
Remember that every legal case is different, and a positive review does not guarantee a particular outcome for your case.
6. Ask how the firm will communicate with you
Good communication can make a significant difference to your experience of a legal matter.
Before instructing a solicitor, consider asking:
- Who will be my main point of contact?
- How often will I receive updates?
- Can I contact my solicitor by phone and email?
- How quickly can I normally expect a response?
- Will the person I initially speak to be handling my case?
- Will someone else work on the matter?
You should feel able to ask questions and expect information to be explained in a way you can understand.
7. Understand how much legal advice will cost
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a law firm, but the cheapest quote is not necessarily the best option.
Different types of legal work are charged in different ways. Depending on the case, you may encounter:
- Fixed fees.
- Hourly rates.
- Private retainers.
- Conditional fee agreements, commonly known as no-win, no-fee arrangements.
- Legal Aid, where you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Some regulated firms are required to publish pricing information for certain types of work, including some residential conveyancing, probate, employment tribunal and debt recovery matters. For other areas, you should ask the firm directly about its fees.
What should you ask about legal fees?
Before instructing a solicitor, ask:
- How will I be charged?
- Is there an initial consultation fee?
- What is included in the quoted price?
- Are there additional costs I should expect?
- When will I need to pay?
- What happens if the matter becomes more complicated?
- If it is a no-win, no-fee case, what happens if I win or lose?
You should receive clear information about the costs and funding arrangement that applies to your case.
8. What does “no win, no fee” mean?
A no-win, no-fee agreement is a type of conditional fee arrangement commonly used for certain claims, including some personal injury and criminal injury cases.
Generally, you do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees in the usual way if your claim is unsuccessful, although the precise terms of the agreement and any other costs should always be explained to you before you proceed.
If you are considering a no-win, no-fee arrangement, ask the solicitor to explain:
- What happens if you win.
- What happens if you lose.
- Whether any costs or expenses could still be payable.
- Whether a success fee applies.
- Whether you need legal expenses insurance or another form of protection.
The exact terms vary between cases, so make sure you understand the agreement before signing it.
9. Do you need to choose a local law firm?
Not necessarily.
A local law firm can be useful if you prefer face-to-face meetings or want a solicitor who understands the area in which you live or operate.
However, expertise and suitability should usually be more important than distance.
Many legal matters can be managed by telephone, email and video appointments, meaning you may be able to instruct a firm that is not immediately on your doorstep.
The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service allows people to search by legal issue and location and provides information about solicitors and firms.
10. Arrange an initial conversation
If possible, speak to the firm before deciding whether to instruct them.
This gives you an opportunity to explain your situation and see how they respond.
Pay attention to whether they:
- Listen carefully.
- Ask relevant questions.
- Explain things clearly.
- Avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Give you realistic expectations.
- Explain the likely costs.
- Tell you what the next steps are.
You should not feel pressured into instructing a solicitor immediately.
11. Ask the right questions before instructing a solicitor
Before making your decision, you could ask:
“How much experience do you have with cases like mine?”
“Who will be handling my case?”
“What are the likely next steps?”
“What are the potential risks?”
“How much is this likely to cost?”
“How will you keep me updated?”
“What happens if my circumstances change?”
The answers can help you decide whether the firm is the right fit for you.
12. Don’t choose a law firm based solely on price
Legal services are an important investment, particularly where the outcome could affect your finances, employment, home or business.
A very low quote may look attractive, but it is worth understanding exactly what is included.
Similarly, a higher price does not automatically mean that a firm will provide a better service.
Instead, consider the overall value:
- Relevant expertise.
- Experience.
- Communication.
- Client care.
- Transparency about costs.
- Regulation and professional standards.
- The firm’s understanding of your particular situation.
What should you look for in a good law firm?
There is no single factor that guarantees that a law firm will be right for you.
However, a good starting point is to look for a firm that:
- Has relevant expertise in your area of law.
- Is appropriately regulated.
- Explains costs clearly.
- Communicates effectively.
- Treats you as an individual rather than simply a case number.
- Gives realistic advice about your options.
- Has appropriate experience and professional standards.
The right choice will depend on your circumstances and the type of legal help you need.
How GLP Solicitors can help
At GLP Solicitors, we provide legal services to individuals and businesses across a range of areas.
Our teams advise on matters including:
Services for individuals
- Personal Injury
- Criminal Injury Compensation
- Employment Law
- Landlord and Tenant
- Housing Disrepair
- Property and Conveyancing
- Wills and Probate
- Lasting Powers of Attorney
Services for businesses
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- Debt Collection
- Dispute Resolution
- Property Litigation
- Settlement Agreements
- Telecommunications Mast Agreements
Our approach is to understand your circumstances first, explain the legal options available and help you decide on the most appropriate next steps.
We believe that choosing a solicitor should be about more than simply finding someone who can carry out the legal work. You should also feel confident that you understand what is happening and why.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by identifying the type of legal problem you need help with, then look for firms with relevant experience. Check that the firm is appropriately regulated, research its reputation, consider relevant accreditations and ask about costs. It is also worth speaking to the firm before instructing them so you can assess their communication style and whether you feel comfortable working with them.
Look for a solicitor with relevant experience, appropriate professional regulation and a clear approach to communication and costs. You can also consider client reviews, professional accreditations and the firm’s experience with cases similar to yours. The right solicitor should be able to explain your options clearly and give you realistic information about the likely process, costs and risks.
If you are looking for a solicitor in England and Wales, you can use the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s register to check whether a firm or solicitor is regulated. The Law Society also operates a free Find a Solicitor service, which can help you search for legal professionals by area of law and location.
Not necessarily. A local solicitor may be preferable if you want face-to-face meetings or local knowledge, but many legal matters can be handled remotely. The most important consideration is whether the firm has the appropriate expertise and can provide the level of service you need. Location should therefore be considered alongside experience, communication, cost and suitability.
The cost depends on the type and complexity of the legal matter. Some work is offered for a fixed fee, while other cases may be charged according to time spent. Some claims may be handled under a conditional fee agreement or other funding arrangement. Ask the solicitor for clear information about fees, additional costs and when payments will be required before instructing them.
A no-win, no-fee arrangement is a type of conditional fee agreement where the solicitor’s fees are generally not payable in the usual way if the case is unsuccessful. These arrangements are commonly used for certain types of claims, including some personal injury cases. The exact terms vary, so you should ask the solicitor to explain what happens if you win, lose or decide to end the case.
Lexcel is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for client care, compliance and practice management. It involves independent assessment against standards covering areas such as client care, risk management, financial management and file management. Lexcel can therefore be one factor to consider when comparing law firms, although it should be considered alongside relevant expertise, experience, costs and client feedback.
You can speak to more than one firm if you are unsure which solicitor is right for you. Comparing firms can help you understand differences in experience, costs, communication and approach. However, you should also consider whether a firm has the specific expertise your case requires. The cheapest quote or the first firm you find is not necessarily the best choice.
Related services
If you are looking for legal advice, the relevant service will depend on your circumstances. GLP Solicitors offers advice in areas including:
- Personal Injury Claims
- Criminal Injury Claims
- Employment Law
- Settlement Agreements
- Housing Disrepair
- Conveyancing and Property
- Wills, Probate and Lasting Powers of Attorney
- Debt Collection
- Dispute Resolution
- Corporate and Commercial Law
- Telecommunications Mast Agreements
You can explore our services for individuals or services for businesses to find out more.