How do you instruct a solicitor?
Asked by: Bruce Witting | Last update: May 7, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)
To instruct a solicitor, you formally engage them by agreeing to their terms, providing necessary ID and documents, and confirming they will act on your behalf, which usually starts with a call/email and signing a client care letter or retainer outlining scope and costs, then you must give clear, realistic instructions as the case progresses. Key steps involve choosing the right solicitor, understanding their fees, providing information promptly, and communicating clearly about your goals and decisions.
How long does it take to instruct a solicitor?
Step 2: Instruct a Solicitor as Soon as Your Offer is Accepted. When: The same day or within 24-48 hours after your offer is accepted. Why: The estate agent will request solicitor details to send the Memorandum of Sale. Delays here can slow down the process.
What is the role of an instructing solicitor?
If you have an instructing solicitor, the solicitor will brief (instruct) the barrister about your case and provide details.
How to consult a solicitor?
If you're not eligible for legal aid
You can find a pro bono solicitor through a law clinic near you on the Law Works website. A law clinic usually also gives free initial advice. If you're on a low income, you can ask questions and get free legal answers from volunteer solicitors.
How much does it cost to instruct a solicitor?
Full representation at an hourly rate of £175:
This is the traditional way of instructing a solicitor from start to finish.
How to Instruct a Solicitor
What happens after you instruct a solicitor?
After the solicitors have received instruction, they request the draft contract and supporting documentation from the sellers' solicitors. Your solicitors will then investigate the title and raise any enquiries they deem necessary whilst applying for the searches.
How is a solicitor different from a lawyer?
Essentially a lawyer and a solicitor mean the same thing. A lawyer is a term used to describe anyone who is licensed and can give legal advice to a business, organisation, or individual.
How much do solicitors charge for a consultation?
Typical ranges: Junior solicitor: £100–£200/hour. Mid-level: £200–£300/hour. Senior/Expert: £350+/hour.
At what point do you get a solicitor?
Most people tend to approach and contact a conveyancing Solicitor once they have either placed an offer on a property they are looking to purchase, following a viewing with an estate agent, or when they have accepted an offer from a perspective buyer on a property they are looking to sell.
What can a solicitor not do?
Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs, RFLs and RSLs
- You do not unfairly discriminate by allowing your personal views to affect your professional relationships and the way in which you provide your services.
- You do not abuse your position by taking unfair advantage of clients or others.
Why instruct a solicitor?
Before Making or Accepting an Offer
Your solicitor can advise on what documents you need to prepare and guide you through the early stages. If you are selling, this includes gathering title deeds and property information forms. If you are buying, they can help you understand what to expect and explain the steps ahead.
How often should you chase your solicitor?
There is no limit on how often you can contact your solicitor. However, it's important to note that contacting them on a daily basis could annoy them and cause delays in their progress. Most people check in with their solicitors on a weekly basis.
What kind of cases do solicitors handle?
What do solicitors do day to day? Your tasks can vary widely depending on the area of specialisation – from housing and divorce to commercial transactions and criminal cases – and the type of law firm or organisation you end up working for.
What does a solicitor actually do?
A solicitor's day-to-day responsibilities can be varied and changes from case to case. Daily tasks can include giving legal advice to clients, translating client's issues into legal terms, researching cases, writing legal documents, general preparing of cases, liaising with other legal professionals.
Is an attorney higher than a lawyer?
Now that we've cleared things up, here's the bottom line: an attorney has more legal power than a non-licensed lawyer. While both may have studied the same material in law school, only one is qualified to actively practice law, represent clients, and offer legal advice.
How do you instruct solicitors?
In summary, instructing a solicitor can be as simple as sending a few emails or picking up the phone to provide us with your details. However, undertaking some research first to check a solicitor's experience, expertise, and local knowledge is a great way to increase the chances of making the best choice.
How long does the solicitor process take?
Conveyancing typically takes 12-16 weeks. However, this duration can vary based on factors like if the survey reveals problems or there's a delay in getting property searches back.
What does it mean if a solicitor is taking instructions?
To instruct simply means giving someone direction or asking them to carry out a task. In a legal setting, when you instruct a solicitor, you're formally asking them to act on your behalf.