Understanding solicitors' practice areas

Choosing a solicitor often starts with a question: does this person handle the type of problem I have? Legal terms can feel opaque, but understanding practice areas helps you match your situation to the right specialist. Here’s how to make sense of the main practice areas listed on solicitor profiles and what to check before you get in touch.

What each practice area means in plain English

Solicitors often focus on one or more of these common areas:

• Conveyancing: This covers buying, selling or remortgaging property. A conveyancer manages the legal side of transferring ownership, checking the legal title and handling contracts and funds. If you are moving home or need to change the name on a property, you want someone who clearly lists conveyancing as an area.

• Family law: Family law deals with divorce, separation, children’s arrangements, adoption and domestic issues. It can also include financial settlements after a relationship ends. If you need help with a marriage breakdown or child arrangements, look for family law.

• Wills and probate: This area concerns making wills, setting up powers of attorney, and dealing with a person’s estate after they die. If you need to write a will or manage the affairs of someone who has died, you are looking for a solicitor who covers wills and probate.

• Employment law: Employment law solicitors advise on workplace rights, redundancy, unfair dismissal, discrimination and contracts. If you have a problem at work or need to check a contract, this is the area you need.

• Personal injury: This covers compensation claims for accidents or injuries caused by someone else’s actions, whether at work, on the road or in public places. If you are seeking compensation after an injury, personal injury is the relevant area.

• Immigration law: Immigration solicitors help with visa applications, asylum, settlement, and appeals against Home Office decisions. If you or a family member have an immigration issue, look for solicitors listing immigration law.

• Criminal law: Criminal solicitors represent people accused of crimes, from minor offences to serious charges. They can advise if you are interviewed by the police or facing prosecution.

• Commercial law: This area deals with business matters—company formation, contracts, disputes between businesses, buying or selling a business, and business property. If your enquiry relates to a company or business, commercial law is the heading to look for.

Where practice areas overlap or more than one may be needed

Some legal situations cross more than one area. For example:

• Separation with property and children: Divorce often involves family law (for the separation and child arrangements) and conveyancing (for the sale or transfer of a home).
• Wills with business assets: Writing a will that includes company shares or business interests may need both wills and probate and commercial law expertise.
• Injury at work: A workplace accident could involve personal injury (for your claim) and employment law (if your employer’s actions are questioned or you are dismissed).

If your situation seems to span more than one area, check which practice areas are listed on the solicitor’s profile. Some firms employ specialists in different fields, while others focus on just one or two. You can ask whether the solicitor deals with cases like yours or if they work together with colleagues who cover the other aspect.

Alternatives to solicitors for property and related matters

For some property transactions, you do not always need a solicitor. Licensed conveyancers are regulated specialists who handle the legal aspects of buying, selling and remortgaging property. They are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers and often focus solely on property law. If your only requirement is conveyancing, either a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer can help.

For wills and probate, some regulated providers also offer these services, though solicitors are typically involved where a matter is complex or contested. If you are not sure whether you need a solicitor or another regulated provider, ask what experience they have with your type of matter and what professional body regulates them.

How to use practice areas and filters to shortlist solicitors

When using a directory such as Annuvell Local, you will see practice areas listed on each solicitor’s profile: family law, conveyancing, immigration law, criminal law, employment law, commercial law, personal injury, and wills and probate. These help you focus on firms that deal with your type of legal issue.

You can:

• Filter or search by practice area: Start your search by the area most relevant to your situation. This narrows the list to those who have confirmed expertise.
• Read the profile for detail: Some firms describe specific services within each area, such as divorce mediation or business leases. Profiles may also mention whether legal aid is available.
• Use the compare tool: On Annuvell Local, you can compare up to four solicitors side by side, seeing which practice areas each one covers. Each comparison fact is labelled so you know whether it is verified or stated by the business.
• Check for the Verified badge: This shows the business has completed an ownership check. It cannot be bought, so it is a genuine sign that the listing is managed by the business.

If a practice area is marked Not stated, it does not mean the solicitor cannot help—just that they have not published that information. It is worth asking directly if you are unsure.

Comparing availability and ways to get in touch

Practical details matter as much as expertise. Solicitors and conveyancers vary in how and when you can contact them, and in whether they work with clients in person, remotely, or both.

• Opening hours: Check whether the office hours suit your schedule, especially if you need evening or weekend appointments.
• Contact methods: Profiles list phone, email and sometimes direct quote request forms. A verified phone number means the business has published it themselves.
• Remote working: Many solicitors now offer video calls or telephone appointments. If you prefer not to visit in person, look for a practice that states remote services.
• Location: For matters that require face-to-face meetings or court attendance, proximity can be important. You can order search results by distance from your postcode.

Ask how the solicitor prefers to communicate and whether you will have a single point of contact throughout your case.

Legal aid: when it is available and what to ask

Legal aid helps pay for legal advice or representation in some cases, such as certain family, immigration or criminal matters. It is only available for specific types of work and you must meet eligibility criteria. Not all solicitors offer legal aid—on directories, you may see whether a firm holds a legal aid contract, but it is always worth confirming.

If you think you might qualify for legal aid, ask:

• Does your firm have a legal aid contract for my type of case?
• What is the process for checking eligibility and applying?
• Are there any costs I will need to pay even if legal aid is granted?

Legal aid is not available for every area. If it is not, ask about other funding options or payment plans.

What to check before making contact

Before you get in touch, it helps to note down the key points of your situation and any questions about the practice area. You might want to ask:

• Is your firm experienced in dealing with situations like mine?
• Will my case be handled by a specialist in this area?
• What are the likely first steps and timescales?
• Who will be my main contact and how will you keep me updated?

For property, wills and business matters, you can also ask whether a solicitor or a licensed conveyancer is more appropriate. If your case is complex or involves more than one area, check if the firm can cover the whole matter or if they refer parts to another specialist.

Next steps

Work out which practice area fits your situation and make a note of any overlapping needs. Compare solicitors near you by filtering for the right expertise, checking their availability, and using the compare tool to see differences side by side. You can start by visiting the solicitors category page, use the compare tool to shortlist options, or read more on how to choose a solicitor before making contact.