Find the Right Lawyer

Choosing the right lawyer makes everything easier. Here’s how to choose confidently — even with no legal knowledge.

This page focuses on service quality and behaviour, not just legal labels. It links to deeper guides on warning signs, regulators, and complaints.

Quick start (20 minutes)
  1. Write one sentence: “I need a lawyer to help me with…”
  2. Pick 2–3 firms (never just one).
  3. Do a short first-contact call using the Questions tool.
  4. Only instruct when costs, contact, and supervision are clear in writing.

0. What you can expect from any regulated lawyer

Regulated lawyers are not just selling a service — they must meet core professional standards. In simple terms, they should:

  • act with honesty and integrity;
  • act in your best interests;
  • provide a proper standard of service (competent, timely, and properly supervised);
  • give clear information about costs and tell you if costs change;
  • communicate in a way you can understand, and confirm key advice in writing;
  • have a complaints procedure and respond properly if you raise concerns.

If a firm fails seriously on these basics, that may be poor service or even a breach of rules.

For more detail on duties and red flags, see:

1. Be clear about the work you need

Lawyers specialise. Asking a general firm to do something complex or unusual can lead to delays, poor service or incorrect advice.

Write down, in one sentence:

“I need a lawyer to help me with…”

Common areas include:

  • Conveyancing (buying or selling a property)
  • Disputes and litigation
  • Wills, probate and estates
  • Family matters
  • Business or commercial advice
  • Employment issues

If a firm doesn’t clearly offer your type of work on their website, choose another.

For more detail on what “good” looks like in common areas, see the case type guides in the Knowledge Base →

2. Shortlist 2–3 firms (never just one)

Why more than one?

  • You compare pricing and clarity.
  • You see differences in communication style.
  • You spot “red flags” early.

Independence check

Avoid relying solely on estate agent or broker “recommended firms” — they may not be independent.

Regulation check

Confirm the firm and the individual are properly regulated (and note the firm’s registration/reference details).

Reputation check

Reviews can be useful, but treat them as signals, not proof. Look for patterns (communication, delay, costs, supervision).

Sources you might use for a shortlist:

  • The relevant regulator’s “find a solicitor/firm” directory
  • Independent review platforms (look for patterns, not single comments)
  • Local recommendations (trusted friends/family)
  • Professional directories (e.g. Law Society listings)

3. Make short “first contact” calls

What you’re testing

  • Are they polite and organised?
  • Do they answer basic questions clearly?
  • Do they dodge costs or who does the work?

What to watch for

  • Rushing you
  • Irritation at simple questions
  • Vagueness about supervision

4. Key questions to ask every lawyer

Use this list during your first call or introductory email:

  • “Who will be doing most of the work?”
  • “What experience do they have with cases like mine?”
  • “Can you give me a written cost estimate?”
  • “What are the likely risks or delays?”
  • “How often will you update me?”
  • “If something goes wrong, who do I contact?”

Full list: Questions to Ask a Lawyer (full guide) →

Before instructing anyone, follow the Pre-instruction Checklist →

5. Early warning signs (red flags)

If you notice any of these before instruction, proceed carefully:

  • They refuse to confirm advice in writing.
  • They avoid answering cost questions.
  • They won’t tell you who will handle your work.
  • They sound irritated or impatient on a simple call.
  • They pressure you to sign or pay quickly.
  • They rely heavily on admin staff instead of qualified lawyers, with no clear supervision.

Some of these may be more than “poor service” — they can point to breaches of professional rules.

See also:

6. Understanding and comparing costs

Get it in writing

Ask for a written estimate and keep it with your file.

Compare like-for-like

  • What’s included?
  • What counts as “extra”?
  • When will you be told costs changed?

Also ask:

  • What are the hourly rates?
  • Who does chargeable work (partner / solicitor / trainee)?
  • How is supervision handled?

When you start to receive bills, see: How to Analyse a Legal Bill →

7. Choose the firm that communicates best

Most legal problems don’t go wrong because of “the law”. They go wrong because of:

  • poor communication
  • delay
  • lack of transparency
  • bad supervision

The best lawyer is rarely the cheapest — it’s the one who communicates clearly, treats you with respect, and is open about risks, timescales and costs.

8. Before you instruct – final checks

Before signing anything or paying any money:

  • Check they are properly regulated (e.g. firm reference details and the individual’s status).
  • Get the client care letter in writing.
  • Check the cost estimate is included and clear.
  • Confirm who will be doing the work and how they are supervised.
  • Check for obvious conflicts of interest (for example, acting for both sides).
  • Save all documents and emails in a folder — this is your evidence if things go wrong.

Use the full Pre-instruction Checklist →

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