Most people only need a solicitor a handful of times in their lives, and usually at moments that matter: buying a home, making a will, dealing with a family change or running a business. Because the stakes are high and the process unfamiliar, choosing the right firm can feel daunting. If you are looking at Salusbury Harding & Barlow or comparing several firms, this guide explains what solicitors do, how to judge a firm and which questions to ask before you instruct anyone. It is general information for England and Wales and does not make claims about any particular firm, so always confirm services, fees and experience directly with the firm. It is not legal advice. [CLIENT LINK PLACEHOLDER]
In this article
What Does a Solicitor Actually Do?
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional who gives advice, prepares documents and acts for clients in legal matters. Many solicitors specialise in particular areas, while smaller firms often cover several. The work can be transactional, such as a property purchase, or contentious, such as a dispute that may end up in court.
| Area of law | Typical work | Who needs it |
| Residential property | Buying, selling and remortgaging a home | Homebuyers, sellers and landlords |
| Wills, trusts and probate | Writing wills, lasting powers of attorney and administering estates | Anyone planning ahead, and families after a death |
| Family law | Divorce, child arrangements and finances | Separating couples and parents |
| Commercial and business law | Contracts, company matters, leases and employment | Business owners |
| Dispute resolution | Negotiating or litigating disagreements | Individuals and businesses in a dispute |
| Employment law | Contracts, dismissals and settlement terms | Employees and employers |
Also readHidden Costs Most Accident Victims Forget to Include in Claims
Check that a firm actually handles the type of matter you have. A firm that is excellent at conveyancing may not be the right choice for a complex dispute, and the reverse is also true.
Why Regulation Matters
Solicitors in England and Wales are regulated, and firms must meet professional standards, hold appropriate insurance and handle client money according to strict rules. Before you instruct a firm, check that it and the individual solicitor are on the regulator’s public register, and ask what insurance the firm holds. If something goes wrong, regulation and the legal complaints process give you routes to put it right. Be cautious of anyone who offers legal services but cannot show their authorisation. [CLIENT LINK PLACEHOLDER]
How to Compare Solicitors
- Define your need. Write down what you want to achieve and any deadlines, so you can compare firms on the same basis.
- Check specialism. Ask how often the firm handles matters like yours and who would do the work.
- Ask about the team. Find out who your main contact is, who supervises and who covers when they are away.
- Compare communication. Ask how and how often you will be updated, and how quickly calls and emails are answered.
- Read reviews with care. Look for patterns rather than single comments, and remember that reviews are one source among several.
- Ask for a clear fee estimate in writing before you commit.
- Consider convenience. Some firms work mainly by phone and email, while others prefer meetings. Choose what suits you.
Understanding Solicitors’ Fees
Legal fees are one of the biggest worries for clients, and clarity is your best protection. Solicitors normally charge in one of three ways.
| Fee type | How it works | Good to know |
| Fixed fee | A set price for a defined service, such as a simple will | Check what is included and what is extra |
| Hourly rate | You pay for the time spent on your matter | Ask for an estimate of total hours and how you will be told if it grows |
| Percentage or conditional fee | Used in some claims, where fees depend on the outcome | Understand all costs and what happens if you lose |
Beyond the solicitor’s own fee, many matters involve extra costs called disbursements, such as search fees, court fees, valuation fees or taxes. Ask for these to be listed separately, and ask when each payment will be due.
Questions to ask about cost
- Is the quote fixed or an estimate?
- What is included, and what would cost extra?
- Which disbursements should I expect?
- Will you tell me before the costs go beyond the estimate?
- How and when do I pay?
Red Flags to Watch For
- No clear information about who is regulating the firm or who will handle your matter.
- Pressure to sign or pay quickly.
- Vague or changing fee information.
- Promises of guaranteed outcomes, which no honest solicitor can give.
- Poor communication from the start.
- Requests to transfer money to unusual or changed bank details without checking by phone. Payment fraud is a known risk in legal transactions.
How to Prepare for Your First Meeting
- Gather documents such as identification, correspondence and any contracts or property papers.
- Write a short timeline of events if your matter involves a dispute or a family issue.
- Prepare your questions, including the cost and timing questions above.
- Be honest and complete. Solicitors can only advise on the facts you give them.
- Ask what happens next and what they need from you.
When a legal problem involves a business or a contract, early advice usually saves money. Our article on common legal mistakes in small business contracts shows how small drafting errors can become expensive, and our guide on why hiring an expert lawyer is essential for protecting your future explains the value of getting specialist advice.
Working Well With Your Solicitor
- Respond promptly to requests for information or documents.
- Keep all your correspondence in one place.
- Ask for plain-English explanations of anything you do not understand.
- Raise concerns early, and in writing if they are serious.
- Keep notes of calls and key decisions.
A good solicitor-client relationship is a partnership. The more organised you are, the faster and cheaper the work usually is. [CLIENT LINK PLACEHOLDER]
Special Situations: When You Need Extra Care
Some matters call for a closer look at who is advising you. If you are buying with someone else, going through a family change or acting as an executor, ask whether the firm can act for everyone involved or whether there is a conflict of interest that means separate advice is needed. If you are a business owner, ask whether the firm understands your sector and your contracts. If you are vulnerable, for example because of illness or bereavement, tell the firm so that it can adjust how it communicates with you.
Keeping a record
Keep copies of your engagement letter, which sets out the scope of work and costs, together with your correspondence. If you ever need to complain, a clear record makes the process much easier. You can also read our guide to tips for hiring a personal injury attorney for another example of how to compare legal professionals before you commit.
Finally, trust your instincts. If a firm is hard to reach before you instruct it, that is unlikely to improve afterwards. A firm that answers questions patiently at the start is usually the one that keeps you informed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a solicitor is genuine?
Check that the individual and the firm appear on the regulator’s public register for England and Wales, and be cautious if a firm cannot show its authorisation.
Do I need a solicitor for everything legal?
No. Some simple matters can be handled without one, but complex or high-value matters, such as property purchases or disputes, usually benefit from professional advice.
Is the cheapest solicitor the best choice?
Not necessarily. Compare what is included, the experience of the team and how clearly the costs are explained.
What if I am unhappy with my solicitor?
Raise your concern with the firm first using its complaints procedure. If it is not resolved, there are external routes through the legal complaints process.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a solicitor is easier when you know what you need, check the firm’s credentials and insist on clear communication and costs. Whether you are considering Salusbury Harding & Barlow or any other firm, take the time to ask questions, compare options and instruct a team you feel comfortable working with.
