When legal issues arise—whether involving family disputes, contracts, criminal law, or property—choosing the right solicitor is more than choosing someone with legal knowledge. It’s about trust, reliability, communication, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re properly represented. Hiring someone who doesn’t fit your case or style can lead to delays, extra costs, or worse outcomes.
This guide will walk you through the essential questions to ask before hiring a solicitor. Use these as a checklist—your legal journey will be smoother for having asked these ahead of time.
Understanding Your Legal Needs
Before you begin interviewing solicitors, take some time to clarify what your legal issue truly involves. Ask yourself:
- What exactly is the problem—family law, criminal defence, property, employment, contracts?
- What outcome are you hoping for, and what potential risks or obstacles do you anticipate?
- How urgent is your situation, and do you expect this to be straightforward or likely to become more complex?
Knowing these details helps you target solicitors who specialise in your area. It also gives you something concrete to discuss—both to make sure the solicitor understands your case, and to help you assess whether they are a good fit.
Evaluating the Solicitor’s Experience and Qualifications
Once you know your legal needs, it’s time to assess the solicitor’s background. Some questions to ask:
- What are your qualifications and accreditations? Are you a member of relevant legal bodies?
- Have you handled cases like this one before? Can you share examples or results?
- How long have you been practising in this specific field?
- Can I speak to past clients who had similar issues?
A solicitor who is confident in their work should welcome scrutiny—being able to show relevant past work helps you see what to expect.
Understanding Fee Structures and Costs
Legal costs can surprise people if they aren’t discussed clearly in advance. To avoid unwanted surprises, you might ask:
- How do you charge—hourly rate, flat fee, contingency, or another method?
- What parts of the work are included in the quoted price, and which are extra?
- What is your estimate of total fees and other outlays? Can you give me a written estimate?
- When and how will billing take place? Will I receive itemised invoices?
- Would there be a retainer or fee agreement, and can I review that before committing?
Being clear on costs ahead of time helps you budget properly, and also shows how professional and transparent the solicitor is.
Assessing Communication and Availability
Good legal representation isn’t only about legal skill—it’s also about how well the solicitor communicates. These are key questions:
- How will we communicate: by phone, email, video calls, in person? Which do you prefer?
- What is your typical response time to messages or calls?
- Who else on the team will handle my case, and who will I deal with most directly?
- Can we have a face-to-face or video meeting so I can get a sense of how you listen, respond, and whether I trust you?
You’ll be working together— clarity, responsiveness, and mutual respect matter.
Checking Professional Reputation and Client Feedback
Finally, reputation is more than pretty credentials. It reflects how the solicitor behaves in practice. Consider:
- What do reviews, testimonials, or online feedback say? Are there consistent themes?
- Do they belong to professional associations? Do they publish or speak at seminars?
- Have there been any complaints or disciplinary issues? Can these be verified via official bodies?
- Can I contact former clients for their real impressions?
A strong reputation doesn’t guarantee perfect results—but it gives insight into how the solicitor works under pressure, with deadlines, and with real people just like you.
To Conclude: Bringing It All Together & Next Steps
Selecting the right solicitor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when facing legal matters. Asking questions for your solicitor—on their expertise, fees, communication style, and reputation—helps protect your interests and gives you confidence going forward.
If you take the time now to clarify what you need, ask the right questions, and compare candidates thoughtfully, you’ll be in a much stronger position.
Ready to move forward? Start by making a shortlist of two or three solicitors, use these questions in your initial consultations, and see which one not only gives good answers, but feels right. When you find someone who combines competence, clarity, and a communication style you trust, you’ve likely found the right legal partner.
