Solicitor

(The weekly series - Pocket Money - where I explain financial basics in fewer than 200 words. Feel free to make suggestions!)

Solicitors are qualified legal professionals who provide advice, guidance and representation in legal matters. In the UK, solicitors are typically the first point of contact when you need legal help. 

They work across many areas including conveyancing (buying and selling property), family law (divorce, child arrangements, adoption), wills and probate (writing wills and handling estates after death), employment law, personal injury, criminal defence, immigration and commercial law (businesses). 

To become a solicitor one must complete a law degree, pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and complete a period of qualifying work experience. They are then admitted to the roll of solicitors which is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).They set professional standards, handle complaints and maintain an online register of solicitors which anybody can check. 

A solicitor who is working for you is a fiduciary - work in your best interests, maintain confidentiality and be honest with you. They should be clear on their fees (can be a fixed fee, an hourly rate or sometimes a conditional fee arrangement a.k.a. ‘No win, no fee’). 

If you can’t afford a solicitor, you might be eligible for legal aid which offers government funding for legal costs in certain circumstances.

Love Eleanor. xxx