Whether you are buying your first home, making a Will, going through a divorce or dealing with a business dispute, choosing the right solicitor is one of the most important decisions you will need to make.
At AFG Law, we understand that every legal matter is different. Our solicitors advise individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of legal services, from residential property and wills and probate to commercial property and dispute resolution. Whatever brings you to a solicitor, you should feel confident that you’re receiving clear advice, practical guidance and a service that’s tailored to your circumstances.
Many people focus on finding the lowest quote, but cost is only one part of the picture. The right solicitor should have the appropriate expertise, communicate clearly, explain your options and give you confidence that your matter is being handled properly.
Every legal matter is different, but there are some questions that are worth asking before you instruct any solicitor. Asking these questions at the outset can help you make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary problems later.
Do You Specialise in This Area of Law?
Not every solicitor practises every area of law. While many law firms offer a range of services, individual solicitors often specialise in particular areas. For example, you may need advice on:
- Employment law
- Wills and Probate
- Commercial disputes
- Individual disputes
- Residential property
- Commercial property
A solicitor who regularly deals with matters like yours is more likely to understand the legal issues involved, anticipate potential problems and provide practical advice based on experience. When speaking to a firm, don’t be afraid to ask how often they deal with cases similar to yours.
Who Will Be Handling My Matter?
It is also worth finding out who will actually deal with your case. Some firms allocate work to a single solicitor, while others use a team approach. Understanding who your main point of contact will be can make communication much easier.
You may also wish to ask:
- Will I have a dedicated contact?
- Who should I speak to if my solicitor is unavailable?
- How will I receive updates?
- How quickly do you usually respond to emails or telephone calls?
Knowing what to expect from the beginning can help build confidence throughout your matter.
How Much Will It Cost?
Legal advice is an investment, so it is important to understand exactly what you will be paying.
You should ask for a clear explanation of the legal costs, including whether the work will be charged on a fixed-fee basis, at an hourly rate or using another pricing structure. You may also wish to ask whether there are any additional expenses that may arise during your matter.
For example, depending on the type of work involved, there may be court fees, search fees, Land Registry fees, barristers’ fees or other disbursements that are payable in addition to your solicitor’s own charges.
A transparent solicitor will explain the likely costs from the outset and keep you informed if circumstances change.
What Information Will You Need from Me?
One of the first things you will usually receive after instructing a solicitor is a client care letter.
This document explains the work your solicitor will carry out, how your matter will be managed, the likely costs and your responsibilities as the client.
You will also be asked to provide documents for ID verification.
This isn’t simply a matter of firm policy. All solicitors must comply with anti money laundering regulations, which require them to verify the identity of their clients before carrying out most legal work.
Depending on your matter, your solicitor may also need documents relating to your finances, ownership of assets or other supporting information. Providing these promptly can help your matter progress more efficiently.
Have You Dealt with Similar Cases Before?
Experience matters when dealing with a firm of solicitors. While no two legal matters are identical, a solicitor who has dealt with similar situations is often better placed to explain the process, identify risks and offer practical solutions.
For example:
- A Commercial Property solicitor may negotiate leases or property acquisitions every day.
- A Private Client solicitor may routinely advise on complex estates and inheritance planning.
- A Litigation solicitor may have extensive experience resolving disputes through negotiation or court proceedings.
Do not hesitate to ask about the firm’s experience in handling matters similar to yours.
How Will You Keep Me Updated?
One of the most common frustrations clients experience is not knowing what’s happening with their case. Good communication is just as important as good legal advice.
Ask how your solicitor will provide updates and how often you should expect to hear from them.
Some firms communicate primarily by email, while others also offer telephone appointments or secure online portals where you can track the progress of your matter.
It is also sensible to ask how quickly the firm aims to respond to enquiries and whether you’ll receive updates even if there has been little progress.
Regular communication helps manage expectations and provides reassurance throughout the legal process.
Are There Any Professional Accreditations I Should Look For?
Many solicitors and law firms hold recognised accreditations that demonstrate their commitment to quality, client care and professional standards.
For example, if you’re looking to instruct a conveyancing solicitor, you may wish to ask whether the firm is accredited under the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, a recognised quality standard developed by the Law Society for firms undertaking residential conveyancing.
Different areas of law also have their own specialist accreditations. These can provide reassurance that a solicitor has the experience and expertise to deal with particular types of legal work.
At AFG Law, we’re proud to hold a number of recognised accreditations, including:
- Law Society Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS) accreditation for residential conveyancing.
- Lexcel Accreditation, the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark, recognising excellence in client care, risk management and practice management.
While accreditations shouldn’t be the only factor when choosing a solicitor, they can provide additional confidence that you’re instructing a firm that is committed to maintaining high professional standards and delivering quality legal services.
What Will You Actually Do for Me?
It is important to understand what your solicitor’s role will involve. The work carried out will naturally depend on the type of legal matter.
For example, in a property transaction, a conveyancing solicitor will obtain and review the contract, consider the contract pack, carry out searches and deal with enquiries before exchange of contracts.
If you are buying a home, they’ll also review documents such as the property information form and fittings and contents form, ensuring you understand what is included in the purchase and highlighting any issues that require further investigation.
Similarly:
- A Commercial solicitor may review business contracts or negotiate lease terms.
- A Wills solicitor will advise on estate planning and ensure your wishes are properly documented.
- A Litigation solicitor will assess your claim, advise on your prospects of success and represent your interests throughout the dispute.
Understanding exactly what your solicitor will do helps ensure you know what to expect.
Are There Likely to Be Any Delays?
Every legal matter has its own timescales. Some delays are unavoidable, while others can be minimised with good communication and careful preparation.
For example, if you’re buying a property, your solicitor may need to wait for mortgage instructions from your mortgage lender, searches, enquiries or documents from the other party.
In a conveyancing matter, the buyer and seller may also be part of a longer property chain, which can affect completion dates. Once an offer is accepted, there are several legal steps to complete before contracts can be exchanged.
In other areas of law, delays may arise because of court timetables, third-party responses or negotiations between the parties.
A good solicitor should explain any likely timescales and keep you informed if circumstances change.
What Can I Do to Help?
Clients often assume their solicitor controls every aspect of the legal process, but there are several ways you can help your matter progress smoothly.
These include:
- Returning signed documents promptly.
- Responding to requests for information without delay.
- Providing identification and supporting documents as soon as possible.
- Asking questions if you’re unsure about anything.
- Keeping your solicitor informed if your circumstances change.
Working collaboratively with your solicitor can go a long way towards avoiding delays and helping your matter progress as efficiently as possible.
Choosing the Right Solicitor
Choosing a solicitor is about far more than comparing prices. The right solicitor should understand your objectives, explain the legal process in clear language, keep you informed and provide advice that is tailored to your circumstances.
Whether you are buying a home, planning for the future, resolving a dispute or seeking advice for your business, taking the time to ask the right questions at the outset can help you choose a solicitor who is the right fit for you.
How AFG Law Can Help
At AFG Law, we understand that seeking legal advice can feel daunting, particularly if you have never instructed a solicitor before.
Our experienced team advises individuals and businesses across a wide range of legal matters, including employment, Wills and Probate, commercial and residential property, dispute resolution and commercial legal services.
From your first enquiry, we’ll explain the process clearly, provide transparent information about costs, answer your questions honestly and keep you informed throughout your matter. Whatever legal issue you’re facing, we’re here to provide practical advice and support you every step of the way.