Finding a good local solicitor for your employment claim in the UK requires careful research and consideration to ensure that you get the right representation. Here are steps to help you find a suitable employment solicitor:
1. Search for Specialists in Employment Law
Expertise: Focus on finding solicitors who specialize in employment law. You want a solicitor with extensive experience handling cases like yours (e.g., unfair dismissal, discrimination, redundancy).
Accreditation: Look for firms or individuals who are members of professional bodies like the Law Society Employment Law Accreditation or The Employment Lawyers Association (ELA). These accreditations indicate that the solicitor has proven expertise in employment law.
2. Use Reputable Legal Directories
Law Society’s “Find a Solicitor”: This is the official database for all solicitors in England and Wales. You can search by location and specialization (e.g., employment law) to find qualified professionals in your area. Visit The Law Society website for this tool.
Chambers and Partners: A respected legal directory that ranks solicitors and firms based on expertise, client feedback, and industry research. This can help you identify top-rated employment solicitors.
Legal 500: Another trusted directory that ranks law firms by area of specialization, including employment law. You can search for solicitors based on region and see client testimonials.
3. Read Client Reviews and Testimonials
Check online reviews: Look at review platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and Feefo. Client feedback will give you insight into a solicitor’s effectiveness, communication, and success rate.
Testimonials on firm websites: Many solicitors include client testimonials on their websites. While these tend to be positive, they can still give you an idea of how the solicitor handles cases similar to yours.
Legal comparison sites: Websites like ReviewSolicitors allow clients to leave detailed reviews on their experiences with specific solicitors or firms. These platforms provide user ratings and reviews on factors like professionalism, outcome success, and communication.
4. Seek Recommendations
Ask for referrals: If you know someone who has been through an employment dispute, ask them for recommendations on solicitors they’ve worked with. Word of mouth from someone with direct experience can be very valuable.
Professional networks: If you belong to professional or trade associations, they may have lists of recommended solicitors who specialize in employment law.
5. Fixed fee Initial Consultations
Many employment solicitors offer fixed fee initial consultations. Use this opportunity to:
Assess their expertise: Ask about their experience with cases like yours, their success rate, and how they approach employment disputes.
Gauge their communication skills: It’s important to feel comfortable with your solicitor, so assess how well they explain the legal process and whether they are approachable.
Understand fees: In the initial consultation, make sure to ask about their fee structure. Some solicitors offer No-Win, No-Fee arrangements (Conditional Fee Agreements). Ensure you understand any deductions from your compensation and any potential costs you may incur.
6. Consider Local or National Firms
Local solicitors: If you prefer face-to-face meetings, choose a solicitor based locally. This makes it easier to discuss your case in person and build rapport.
National firms: Larger, national firms may have more resources, though they may handle your case remotely. Some firms specialize in handling cases via phone or email, so if location is less important, you can explore national options as well. You may not have the same advisor throughout and depending on the complexity of your claim you may not have a solicitor but a paralegal dealing with your claim.
7. Look for Transparent Communication
During your consultation or initial contact, evaluate how clearly the solicitor communicates the likely outcomes, process, and timeline for your case. Transparency is important to avoid misunderstandings later on.
Ask about updates: Find out how often they will provide updates and what level of communication you can expect throughout your case and how this will be communicated.
8. Check No-Win, No-Fee Terms
Some employment solicitors in the UK offer No-Win, No-Fee arrangements. This means you won’t have to pay upfront legal fees, and if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe legal costs (though there may still be some disbursements).
Understand the deductions: If your case is successful, solicitors will take a percentage of your compensation . Make sure the solicitor explains the costs and deductions clearly before you proceed.
9. Accreditations and Awards
Look for solicitors or firms that have won awards or are recognized in employment law rankings. This can give you confidence in their reputation and track record. Chambers and Partners, Legal 500, or local legal awards are good indicators of quality.
10. Assess Personal Compatibility
Choose a solicitor you feel comfortable working with. Employment disputes can be stressful, and it’s essential that your solicitor is not only knowledgeable but also empathetic and easy to work with. Trust your instincts after the initial consultation.
11. Ask Key Questions During Your Consultation
- What experience do you have with cases like mine?
- What is your success rate with employment claims?
- Do you offer a No-Win, No-Fee arrangement?
- How long do you expect the case to take?
- What are the likely outcomes of my case?
- What percentage of compensation will you take if I win?
By following these steps, you can find a solicitor who is well-suited to handle your employment claim and ensure that you have strong representation throughout the legal process.
