How to choose a solicitor

A solicitor can help with everything from moving house to sorting out a will or resolving a dispute. Choosing one is not just about who is closest or cheapest: a good match depends on the type of work, how a firm is regulated, and what is included in their service. Taking a little time to compare your options can make a stressful process clearer.

Match your legal matter to the solicitor’s practice area

Solicitors specialise in different areas of law. Some handle a broad range of work, but for matters such as family law, conveyancing, or disputes, a specialist is often more familiar with the rules, paperwork and local processes involved.

• Conveyancing: If you are buying or selling a house, look for a solicitor who lists conveyancing as a main service. They will handle searches, deal with the Land Registry and manage the transfer of funds.
• Family law: For separation, divorce, or child arrangements, a solicitor with family law experience will understand the court process and the issues that matter to families.
• Wills and probate: Making a will, setting up powers of attorney, or handling someone’s estate after death is best done by someone who regularly works in this area.
• Disputes and employment: For a workplace issue or contract dispute, check the solicitor covers employment law or litigation.

Firms that advertise as covering everything may not have the depth of experience in a particular area. On Annuvell Local, you can see which areas each firm covers—such as family law, immigration, personal injury or commercial law—before you get in touch.

Check the solicitor’s regulation and complaints process

Solicitors in the UK must be regulated by the relevant professional body. This is your protection if anything goes wrong.

• In England and Wales, check the firm and individual solicitor are on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) register. The register confirms that they are qualified and regulated to practise.
• In Scotland, look for regulation by the Law Society of Scotland.
• In Northern Ireland, solicitors are regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
• If you have a concern or complaint about the service you receive in England or Wales, you can take it to the Legal Ombudsman if the firm cannot resolve it.

You can usually find links to check a solicitor’s regulation status on their website, or you can ask for their registration number and check it yourself. Annuvell Local listings show which regulation applies, and you can use this as a starting point for your checks.

Ask clear questions at first contact

A short conversation or email exchange will help you work out if the solicitor is a good fit. Here are some questions to ask, and why they matter:

• Who will handle my matter? Some firms have several solicitors, so ask who will do the work and whether you will deal with the same person throughout. Consistency can make communication smoother.
• What are the likely timescales? Ask how long the process typically takes. While timescales are never certain, a solicitor who handles similar matters regularly will be able to give a general idea.
• How will you keep me updated? Find out how often you will hear from them and whether they prefer phone, email or post. Regular updates can make a complex process feel more manageable.
• How do you charge? Solicitors may charge a fixed fee (common for standard work such as wills or conveyancing), an hourly rate, or a conditional fee (such as “no win, no fee” in some claims). Make sure you understand the basis and ask for it in writing.
• What is not included? Ask whether there are extra costs you might need to pay, such as court fees or search fees. A clear outline helps you avoid surprises later.

Write down the answers so you can compare them with other firms. On Annuvell Local, you can send the same description of your matter to several solicitors and compare their responses side by side.

Compare accessibility and communication options

How and where you meet your solicitor, and how easy it is to get in touch, can make a difference to your experience.

• Location: If you want face-to-face meetings, check the office location and parking or public transport options. For some matters, a local solicitor can be useful, especially if local knowledge is relevant.
• Remote meetings: Many solicitors now offer phone or video meetings, which can save travel time and fit around your schedule. Ask whether this is available and how documents are handled.
• Opening hours: If you have commitments during the day, ask about early, late or weekend appointments.
• Language and accessibility: If you need a solicitor who speaks your preferred language or offers accessible premises, mention this at the start. Some firms have staff who speak multiple languages or can recommend translators.

On Annuvell Local, every listing shows checked contact details, office address, and business hours. If a website is unreachable, it is flagged, and verified phone numbers come direct from the business.

Legal aid and funding options

Legal aid is available for some legal matters, such as certain family law cases, housing problems or criminal defence, depending on your circumstances and the case. Not all solicitors offer legal aid, and not all matters qualify.

When you contact a solicitor, ask whether they take on legal aid work for your type of case. If they do not, they can sometimes refer you to someone who does, or explain what other funding options are available.

On Annuvell Local, you can filter and compare which firms state that they offer legal aid. If the information is not listed, it does not necessarily mean it is not available, so it is always worth asking directly.

Use comparison tools to shortlist and contact solicitors

Searching online directories can help you compare solicitors by practice area, location and service details. Annuvell Local lets you see comparison facts side by side for two to four firms: whether the information is verified, stated by the business, or not provided at all. Each listing shows what areas of law are covered, opening hours, and a profile badge if ownership has been checked. You can send a quote request to several firms at once, describing your matter in your own words.

If you have specific requirements—such as a solicitor who handles both property and family matters, or who is available outside office hours—use the filters to narrow down your options. Comparing quotes and responses can highlight differences in approach as well as price.

Next steps

Write down the type of legal help you need, check which practice areas match your matter, and prepare your main questions about fees, timescales and communication. Then compare solicitors near you by practice area and contact two or three who seem a good fit. Use the answers to help you decide who to work with, and keep notes of what each one offers.