What happens when solicitors are instructed?

Asked by: Edd Bartell  |  Last update: January 7, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (12 votes)

Once the client has agreed to this contract, usually in writing, the solicitor is said to have been instructed. The role of the solicitor is then to advise their clients on legal matters, so each client can make informed decisions about their case.

What is an instructing solicitor UK?

instructing solicitor means a solicitor or law practice who engages another solicitor to provide legal services for a client for a matter.

How long should solicitors take to reply?

After you have sent your letter to the solicitor, you wait at least 8 weeks to give the solicitor time to respond.

What should I expect from a solicitor?

During the appointment your solicitor should:
  • ask you to explain why you want legal advice and what you hope to achieve.
  • ask about the issues you know, or think, are involved.
  • explain the ways you can proceed and their advantages and disadvantages.
  • make you aware of the cost and time involved in your case.

Why would a solicitor send me a letter?

Commonly used by businesses, demand letters are often sent to demand money owed or restitution, but they can also be used to demand specific actions. Having your attorney draft a demand letter can be a wise move because it gives the recipient a chance to rectify the situation without facing a lawsuit.

Working With Your Instructing Solicitor

25 related questions found

Should I respond to a solicitors letter?

Just because you've received a solicitors letter or an email, it doesn't mean you have to get a solicitor to reply to it. Even though each letter you receive will probably urge you to consult a solicitor of your own.

What happens if you ignore solicitors letters?

If they choose to ignore it, the creditor's solicitor will be able to apply for a court order to force their hand.

What are the disadvantages of solicitors?

Cons
  • Solicitors can often struggle with balancing their work life with their home and family commitments. ...
  • The work completed by solicitors can be stressful, especially when clients impose pressing timeframes that they would like their work to be completed by. ...
  • Becoming a solicitor is an expensive process.

How long is a solicitors appointment?

You should therefore find out the hourly rate of the solicitor and how long they anticipate the first meeting will last. It is usually between approximately one hour and 90 minutes but can vary depending on your circumstances.

Do solicitors have to go to court?

Solicitors represent clients in disputes and represent them in court if necessary. In complex disputes however, solicitors will often instruct barristers or specialist advocates to appear in court on behalf of their clients.

Should I wait for mortgage offer before instruct solicitor?

You should instruct a solicitor to start the residential conveyancing process as soon as your offer has been accepted on the house you intend to buy. However, you can decide who your house conveyancing solicitor is as soon as you start your property search.

How can I speed up my solicitors?

There are a few steps you can take:
  1. You can speak to the estate agent and ask them to chase the solicitor.
  2. You can speak to the sellers if you have direct contact with them. They can chase their own solicitors.
  3. Ask the seller to change solicitors.

Why is my solicitor so slow?

Too much work – If your solicitor is acting slow, it could be a case of them having too much work on their plates.

What does instructed counsel mean?

Instructing counsel to advocate on a client's behalf should be a matter of careful thought and preparation. The role of counsel is to provide independent objective advice and to deploy the skill of advocacy on behalf of the client.

Does a solicitor have to follow your instructions?

Failure to Follow Instructions

While you may lean heavily on your solicitor for advice, the decision of what legal steps you take is ultimately up to you. Therefore, a solicitor may be negligent if they do not follow the instructions you give.

What does a solicitor taking instructions mean?

What Are Instructions? Once a person has decided they need the services of a solicitor, they will need to instruct the solicitor to act on their behalf. In essence this means the solicitor needs to be officially asked to represent the client.

What is a legal instruction?

n. an explanation of the law governing a case which the judge gives orally to the jury after the attorneys have presented all the evidence and have made final arguments, but before the jury begins deliberations.

Will my solicitor tell me when we exchange contracts?

During the exchange of contracts, both solicitors or conveyancers will read out the contracts over the phone in a recorded conversation. They will make sure the contracts are the same and then post them to each other. Once contracts have been exchanged you're legally bound to buy the property.

Do solicitors give advice?

Some solicitors give 30 minutes' legal advice for free. Some offer a fixed fee - that way you'll know in advance what the advice will cost. You can call a solicitor's office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee. A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position.

How much are solicitors paid UK?

Trainee solicitors elsewhere in the UK tend to earn up to £39,375. Once you qualify, London-based solicitors earn up to £100,000 (sometimes more depending on the firm). Meanwhile, those based outside of the capital earn up to £54,000. Working in London, criminal solicitors earn on average approximately £52,500.

Why do you want to solicitor?

Advantages of becoming a solicitor. Respected Occupation. The role of a solicitor is highly valued and respected in the UK, and it can also be highly rewarding by working to achieve a successful outcome for your client or community. Excellent career progression.

What happens after letter before claim?

A letter before claim, and a claim itself, will not stop the implementation of a disputed decision, though a proposed defendant may agree to take no action until its response letter has been provided. In other cases, the claimant may need to apply to the court for an urgent interim order.

Are solicitors letters legally binding?

A separation agreement can often be made into a consent order later in the divorce process, by having your solicitor properly draft it and then applying to the court – so making it legally binding.

Can solicitors charge for emails?

For example, a short letter or email in or out is usually charged as 1 unit; 20 minutes work is charged as 4 units. This time recording method is the same as generally adopted throughout the solicitors' profession and is the only method permitted by most legal case management software systems including our own.