How do I know my lawyer is legit?

With fraud on the rise and regular reports of "bogus" law firms, how can you check your litigation lawyer is reputable and trustworthy?

There are big name firms out there, who you recognise and have been operating for years.  They may be the right fit for you.  If so, great.  But there may be other, more affordable, options available in a newer or smaller firm.  This may seem like a risk, but there are ways to ensure you are protected when choosing your lawyer.

All legal firms providing litigation services should be regulated by a professional body*.  Obtaining that regulation is an involved process, with probing investigations taken into the owner(s) and processes that will be adopted by them, to ensure consumers are protected.  With that regulation comes protection for consumers, with compensation schemes in case something goes wrong and a mandatory requirement for professional insurance to cover any claims by consumers. 

Firms will often be regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority ('SRA').  The SRA holds a register of all solicitors, with details of when they qualified and where they work, as well as details of any disciplinary action taken against that solicitor.  There is also a list of regulated firms, with details of their trading address and other important details.  

The Law Society's Find A Solicitor service has a similar search facility, which also allows a consumer to search for a solicitor or firm based on the type of advice they need and their geographical area. 

All SRA regulated firms are obliged to comply with rules that ensure transparency in relation to their regulation and other matters such as pricing.  All firms must display an intuitive badge on their website, which confirms it is regulated.  The badge will display the date you visit the site and if you click it you will be directed to the SRA's database to confirm whether or not the website is verified.  If it is, you know the firm, and website, is reputable. 

If you're at all unsure, just ask.  A legitimate firm will happily deal with any queries you have about their regulation and insurance.

 

*An individual lawyer carrying out services as a 'freelance solicitor' may avoid regulation, but must have adequate insurance in place in case things go wrong.  If you want to look into a freelance solicitor it is best to speak to the SRA directly.