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Most people will require some form of legal advice in their lifetime. Sometimes, this advice is planned and you have time to research what you need and who to instruct. At other times this advice is required suddenly and unexpectedly.

Due to the nature and complexity of the work involved, legal matters can feel stressful and confusing. It is the role of a good solicitor to use their legal knowledge and apply it to your individual circumstances, providing you with clear, concise legal advice you can understand.

Contacting a solicitor can feel intimidating, overwhelming and, let’s be honest, often expensive. So here are my top 10 things to consider when choosing a solicitor, and also why I think I tick every box when it comes to private client law.

1. Does your solicitor care?

In my opinion, this one is the most important. You should choose a solicitor who you feel is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for you.

I care about providing you with the best possible legal service. I want you to feel as though working with me on your legal matter is just like chatting to a friend over a cuppa.

This is the feedback I receive from my clients and this is my motivation for stepping out on my own, with no billing targets, no limits on who I can provide advice to, on when and where I work, simply motivated to be there for you and to provide you with the best service possible.

2. Area of expertise

It is important that you choose a solicitor with proven experience in the area of law you require assistance with.

For example, my areas of expertise are all aspects of private client law and certain aspects of family law, such as divorce and finances and children matters.

If you wanted to instruct me, for example, in respect of a criminal matter, I would not have the necessary knowledge and expertise and would signpost you to someone who did.

3. Qualifications and accreditation

If you instruct a solicitor in England and Wales, you can be reassured that we are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. This ensures that we adhere to high standards and comply with the Solicitors Code of Conduct. All practising solicitors must also have suitable indemnity insurance in place, which provides further protection if anything goes wrong.

You may wish to check whether your chosen solicitor has any additional accreditations specifically relevant to the area of law you require advice on. For example, I have studied for the STEP Diploma in Trusts and Estates, which consists of four exams in Trusts, Estates, Accounts and Tax. Having gained this Diploma, I am now a registered TEP (Trust and Estate Practitioner). Further accreditations demonstrate a higher level of expertise and commitment.

4. Experience

In addition to considering qualifications and accreditations, I would also recommend that you check how experienced your solicitor is.

You may see reference to ‘PQE’ and this refers to post qualification experience. I have been qualified as a solicitor since 1^st December 2014 and I therefore have over 11 years post qualification experience.

 You can check a solicitors qualification date on the Law Society Website Find a Solicitor - The Law Society

5. Reputation and reviews

It is always worth asking around to see which solicitor your friends and family have used for similar matters and if they had a good experience.

Also check whether your chosen solicitor has any reviews you can read. It’s sometimes difficult to know the source of any reviews, due to the confidential nature of the work we undertake, but they can provide reassurance that other people have had a positive experience.

You can find my reviews on my website, and I will continue to keep these updated.

6. Good communication

It is important that your solicitor keeps you updated as to the progress of your matter and explains things to you in a way you understand.

When you make initial enquiries about the possibility of instructing a solicitor, do they respond promptly to questions. Are they approachable and easy to understand.

I believe that this is one of my strongest points and I take pride in the fact that everyone who contacts me feels that they were listened to, understood and that I communicated with them in a way which put them at ease and gave them the confidence to instruct me.

 7. Fees and transparency

It can sometimes be difficult to understand how and what you will be charged when instructing a solicitor.

It is important that you are provided with costs information which is accurate and clear so that you can make an informed decision about whether you wish to proceed.

All information in respect of my fees is displayed on my website and I believe in being as transparent as possible.

8. Availability and accessibility

It is important that you know who will be handling your case. Will the solicitor you instruct be carrying out the work personally or will this be delegated? How easy is it to contact your solicitor?

As a freelance solicitor, you can be confident that I will be handling your case personally every step of the way and I will always be contactable by telephone or email.

9. Confidence in your solicitor

After making initial contact with your chosen solicitor, do you have confidence that they are able to carry out the work you require? Did they make you feel comfortable and put you at ease? Did you feel understood and listened to?

These are important considerations and I would always advise you to trust your instincts.

10.  Location and convenience

Whilst remote meetings are becoming increasingly popular, there are times when nothing beats a face-to-face meeting. I am based in Longridge, Preston and can offer meetings at the office, at your home for no additional charge or remotely via Teams.

If you feel that I am the solicitor for you, when you’re ready, please use the contact me form on my website to make an initial enquiry, which you can be assured will be received and responded to by me personally.