Finding the right solicitor for you at a time of need is so important, whether it be to buy a house, get a divorce, pursue a personal injury claim or make a will. Here is a guide on that subject, based on advice from The Law Society...

What sort of legal help do I need?
A firm of solicitors may offer services in a wide range of legal subjects, although more and more individual solicitors are specialising in only one or two subjects. If your usual firm of solicitors cannot help you with all your needs, they will be happy to refer you to another solicitor. Or, if you prefer, they can get the advice of a specialist on your behalf.

How can I be sure that they are qualified to help me?
All solicitors in a private practice must hold a practising certificate issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the independent regulator set up by The Law Society which sets the rules that all solicitors must follow. This guarantees that the solicitor is qualified to practise and has insurance to protect you if anything goes wrong.

If you want to be sure, ask to see the certificate, which should be on display in your solicitor’s office, or phone the Solicitors Regulation Authority on 0870 606 2555 to check. You can also ask your solicitor whether the firm has received any quality awards to prove that they have good standards in place.

If the firm has received The Law Society’s ‘Lexcel’ quality award, The Law Society will be able to confirm this. Email lexcel@lawsociety.org.uk to find out more. Individual solicitors might also be members of ‘quality-assured accreditation schemes’ run by The Law Society or the Solicitors Regulation Authority that cover a number of legal subjects. To join one of these schemes, solicitors must show that they have considerable specialist knowledge and expert skills.