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Corporate Legal Departments

E-Solicitors Legal Services Marketplace

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Hiring External Solicitors Through the Platform

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Version 1.0 - January 2026

England and Wales

  • PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE PLATFORM. BY USING THE PLATFORM ON BEHALF OF YOUR ORGANISATION, YOU AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS.

Key Points for In-House Legal Teams

  • The Platform is a MARKETPLACE that connects corporate legal departments with external solicitors

  • External solicitors on the Platform are independently regulated by the SRA

  • You have the right to verify any solicitor's credentials before engaging them

  • These Terms address the unique position of in-house counsel engaging external support

  • The Platform does NOT provide legal advice or legal services

  • When you engage an external solicitor, the contract is with them (or their firm) - not with us

  • We are NOT a law firm and are NOT regulated by the SRA, Law Society, or FCA

What This Means for Your Legal Department

When your corporate legal department uses [Platform Name], you are using a technology service to find and connect with external solicitors to supplement your in-house legal team. This may include:

Secondees to work within your legal department

Consultants for specific projects or matters

Overflow support during busy periods

Specialist expertise not available in-house

Interim cover for team absences

The legal services are provided by the external solicitor (or their firm), not by us. Your organisation's engagement is directly with the solicitor or their firm.

Contents​

Part A: General Terms​

  1. Definitions and Interpretation

  2. Platform Status and Regulatory Position

  3. Nature of the Service

  4. No Agency Relationship

Part B: Eligibility and Registration​

  1. Corporate Eligibility Requirements

  2. Authorised Representatives

  3. Registration Process

Part C: In-house Solicitor Regulatory Framework​

  1. SRA Requirements for In-House Solicitors

  2. Reserved Legal Activities

  3. Supervision and Responsibility

  4. Professional Indemnity Considerations

Part D: Engaging External Solicitors​

  1. Types of Engagement

  2. Choosing an External Solicitor

  3. The Engagement Contract

  4. Secondment Arrangements

  5. Consultant and Project Arrangements

Part E: Regulatory Requirements for External Solicitors​

  1. SRA Compliance

  2. Professional Indemnity Insurance

  3. Conflicts of Interest

  4. Confidentiality and Privilege

Part F: Aml/kyc Requirements​

  1. Corporate Client Due Diligence

  2. Beneficial Ownership

  3. Sanctions Compliance

Part G: Fca and Consumer Protection​

  1. FCA Consumer Duty (Where Applicable)

  2. Business Client Status

Part H: Fees and Payment​

  1. Platform Fees

  2. Solicitor Fees

  3. Referral Fee Disclosure

Part I: Complaints and Disputes​

  1. Complaints About the Platform

  2. Complaints About External Solicitors

  3. The Legal Ombudsman

  4. The SRA

Part J: General Provisions​

  1. Term and Termination

  2. Liability

  3. Data Protection

  4. Confidentiality

  5. Governing Law

Schedules​

Schedule 1: Engagement Type Comparison

Schedule 2: Due Diligence Checklist for Corporate Clients

Schedule 3: External Solicitor Verification Guide

Part A: General Terms​

1. Definitions and Interpretation​

1.1 In these Terms, the following words have these meanings:

'AML' means anti-money laundering requirements under MLR 2017, ECCTA 2023, and LSAG 2025.

'Authorised Representative' means the individual(s) authorised to use the Platform on behalf of the Corporate Client.

'Beneficial Owner' means any individual who ultimately owns or controls MORE THAN 25% of the Corporate Client (per LSAG 2025).

'Corporate Client' or 'You' or 'Your Organisation' means the corporate entity whose legal department is using the Platform.

'ECCTA 2023' means the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.

'Engagement' means any arrangement to engage an External Solicitor through the Platform.

'External Solicitor' means any solicitor, law firm, RFL, REL, or Freelance Solicitor engaged through the Platform.

'General Counsel' or 'GC' means the head of the Corporate Client's legal department.

'In-House Solicitor' means a solicitor employed by the Corporate Client.

'LSAG 2025' means the Legal Sector Affinity Group Anti-Money Laundering Guidance 2025.

'MLR 2017' means the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended).

'Platform' means [Platform Name], operated by [Company Name].

'REL' means a Registered European Lawyer registered with the SRA before 1 January 2021.

'RFL' means a Registered Foreign Lawyer registered with the SRA.

'Secondee' means an External Solicitor engaged to work within the Corporate Client's legal department.

'SRA' means the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

2. Platform Status and Regulatory Position​

2.1 Your Organisation acknowledges and agrees that:

(a) The Platform is a technology marketplace that facilitates introductions between corporate legal departments and external

solicitors;

(b) The Platform does NOT provide legal

advice;

(c) The Platform does NOT provide legal services, whether reserved or

unreserved;

(d) The Platform is NOT a law firm, legal practice, or Alternative Business

Structure;

(e) The Platform is NOT regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA

);

(f) The Platform is NOT a member of, nor regulated by, The Law

Society;

(g) The Platform is NOT authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA

);

(h) The Platform does NOT hold client

money;

(

i

) The Platform does NOT conduct AML/KYC checks - this is the External Solicitor's responsibility.

3. Nature of the Service​

3.1 The Platform provides:

(a) A searchable directory of external solicitors available for corporate

engagements;

(b) Matching services based on practice area, experience, and

availability;

(c) Communication tools to facilitate initial

discussions;

(d) Verification of SRA registration

status;

(e) Administrative support for the engagement process.

3.2 The Platform does NOT:

(a) Provide legal advice or

services;

(b) Recommend specific

solicitors;

(c) Guarantee the quality of legal

services;

(d) Supervise or regulate external

solicitors;

(e) Become a party to any engagement contract.

4. No Agency Relationship​

4.1 Nothing in these Terms creates any agency, partnership, joint venture, or employment relationship between the Platform and Your Organisation.

4.2 External Solicitors engaged through the Platform are not employees or agents of the Platform.

Part B: Eligibility and Registration​

5. Corporate Eligibility Requirements​

5.1 To use the Platform, Your Organisation must:

(a) Be a corporate entity (company, LLP, partnership, or other legal entity

);

(b) Have an established in-house legal

function;

(c) Have legal capacity to enter into

contracts;

(d) Provide accurate registration

information;

(e) Accept these Terms.

5.2 Your Organisation warrants that:

(a) It is validly incorporated and in good

standing;

(b) It is not subject to insolvency

proceedings;

(c) The person accepting these Terms has authority to bind the

organisation;

(d) It will comply with all applicable laws and

regulations;

(e) It is not subject to sanctions.

6. Authorised Representatives​

6.1 Your Organisation must designate Authorised Representatives to use the Platform.

6.2 Authorised Representatives are typically:

(a) General Counsel / Chief Legal

Officer;

(b) Deputy General

Counsel;

(c) Legal Operations

Manager;

(d) Senior In-House

Solicitors;

(e) HR/Recruitment personnel (with GC approval).

6.3 Your Organisation is responsible for:

(a) Ensuring Authorised Representatives are properly

authorised;

(b) Maintaining accurate records of Authorised

Representatives;

(c) Promptly removing access when authorisation

ends;

(d) All actions taken by Authorised Representatives on the Platform.

7. Registration Process​

7.1 To register, Your Organisation must provide:

(a) Corporate name and registration

number;

(b) Registered office

address;

(c) Business sector and

description;

(d) Legal department contact

details;

(e) General Counsel / CLO

details;

(f) Authorised Representative

details;

(g) Billing and payment information.

Part C: In-house Solicitor Regulatory Framework​

ℹ This section explains the regulatory framework that applies when your in-house legal team engages external solicitors.

  1. SRA REQUIREMENTS FOR IN-HOUSE SOLICITORS

8.1 In-house solicitors remain regulated by the SRA and must comply with:

(a) The SRA

Principles;

(b) The SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and

RFLs;

(c) Continuing competence

requirements;

(d) Annual practising certificate renewal.

8.2 When engaging external solicitors, in-house solicitors must consider:

(a) Their own professional obligations remain in

place;

(b) Supervisory responsibilities for secondees (where applicable

);

(c) Conflicts of interest between the employer and external

engagement;

(d) Confidentiality obligations to their employer.

9.1 Reserved legal activities (litigation, conveyancing, probate, etc.) can only be conducted by:

(a) Solicitors holding a current practising certificate; OR

(b) Persons employed by and working under the supervision of such a solicitor.

9.2 For corporate legal departments:

(a) In-house solicitors may conduct reserved activities for their

employer;

(b) External solicitors conducting reserved activities must have appropriate

authorisation;

(c) RFLs cannot conduct reserved legal activities.

  • If your organisation requires reserved legal activities, ensure any External Solicitor engaged has appropriate authorisation.

10. Supervision and Responsibility​

10.1 Secondment Arrangements: When an External Solicitor works as a secondee:

(a) Professional responsibility typically remains with the External Solicitor's

firm;

(b) Day-to-day supervision may be provided by in-house

solicitors;

(c) The secondee's firm's PII typically covers their

work;

(d) Clear supervision arrangements should be documented.

10.2 Consultant Arrangements: When an External Solicitor provides consultancy:

(a) Professional responsibility remains with the External Solicitor (or their firm

);

(b) The External Solicitor's PII covers their

work;

(c) Deliverables are provided under the consultant's professional responsibility.

11. Professional Indemnity Considerations​

11.1 External Solicitors engaged through the Platform must have:

(a) PII compliant with SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules; OR

(b) Coverage under their firm's PII policy; OR

(c) Alternative insurance arrangements acceptable to Your Organisation.

11.2 Your Organisation should:

(a) Verify PII coverage before

engagement;

(b) Confirm the scope of coverage includes the proposed

work;

(c) Consider whether additional coverage is

required;

(d) Document insurance arrangements in the engagement contract.

ℹ Freelance Solicitors must have their own PII. Secondees from law firms are typically covered by their firm's PII.

Part D: Engaging External Solicitors​

12. Types of Engagement​

12.1 The Platform facilitates various types of engagement:

Secondment

The External Solicitor works within Your Organisation's legal department, typically on-site or hybrid, for a defined period. The secondee integrates with your team while remaining employed by their firm.

Consultancy/Advisory

The External Solicitor provides advice on specific matters or projects without integrating into your team. Work is delivered as a consultant with defined deliverables.

Overflow Support

The External Solicitor handles specific matters or workstreams during busy periods, typically working remotely with limited integration.

Interim Cover

The External Solicitor provides cover for team absences (maternity, sickness, vacancy) on a temporary basis.

Specialist Expertise

The External Solicitor provides niche expertise not available in-house for specific matters or projects.

13. Choosing an External Solicitor​

13.1 The decision to engage an External Solicitor is Your Organisation's. We do not make this decision for you.

13.2 Before engaging an External Solicitor, we recommend you:

(a) Verify their SRA registration

status;

(b) Check their experience in relevant practice

areas;

(c) Confirm their availability for the required

period;

(d) Understand their fee structure and

rates;

(e) Verify PII coverage and

scope;

(f) Conduct reference checks with previous

clients;

(g) Confirm any conflicts of interest have been

addressed;

(h) Ensure cultural fit with your legal department.

14. The Engagement Contract​

14.1 When you engage an External Solicitor, you enter into a contract directly with them (or their firm).

14.2 The engagement contract should address:

(a) Scope of work and

deliverables;

(b) Duration and notice

periods;

(c) Fees and payment

terms;

(d) Supervision and reporting

arrangements;

(e) Professional responsibility and

PII;

(f) Confidentiality and data

protection;

(g) Intellectual property

ownership;

(h) Conflicts of interest

provisions;

(

i

) Termination

provisions;

(j) Complaints handling.

14.3 We are not a party to the engagement contract between Your Organisation and the External Solicitor.

15. Secondment Arrangements​

15.1 For secondment arrangements, additional considerations include:

(a) The secondee remains employed by their firm, not Your

Organisation;

(b) Day-to-day management may transfer to Your

Organisation;

(c) Professional supervision arrangements must be

clear;

(d) IT access, security clearance, and facilities

arrangements;

(e) Compliance with Your Organisation's policies during the

secondment;

(f) Reporting lines and performance

management;

(g) Early termination

provisions;

(h) Post-secondment restrictions (if any).

15.2 The seconding firm typically remains responsible for:

(a) Employment obligations (salary, benefits, tax

);

(b) Professional indemnity

insurance;

(c) Professional conduct

supervision;

(d) Continuing competence requirements.

16. Consultant and Project Arrangements​

16.1 For consultant arrangements:

(a) Clear deliverables and milestones should be

defined;

(b) The consultant provides independent professional

advice;

(c) Professional responsibility remains with the

consultant;

(d) Work product ownership should be

addressed;

(e) Conflicts with the consultant's other clients should be checked.

Part E: Regulatory Requirements for External Solicitors​

17. Sra Compliance​

17.1 All External Solicitors on the Platform warrant compliance with:

(a) SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 (as amended 2025

);

(b) SRA

Principles;

(c) SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and

RFLs;

(d) SRA Accounts Rules 2019 (where applicable

);

(e) SRA Transparency Rules 2019.

17.2 External Solicitors must:

(a) Hold a current practising certificate (or equivalent registration

);

(b) Maintain appropriate PII

coverage;

(c) Disclose any regulatory restrictions or

conditions;

(d) Act in your best

interests;

(e) Maintain

confidentiality;

(f) Provide competent service.

18. Professional Indemnity Insurance​

18.1 External Solicitors must have PII that:

(a) Complies with SRA Indemnity Insurance

Rules;

(b) Covers work performed for Your

Organisation;

(c) Provides adequate cover for the nature and value of

work;

(d) Remains in force throughout the engagement.

18.2 Minimum PII Requirements (SRA):

(a) Recognised Bodies: £2

million;

(b) Licensed Bodies: £1

million;

(c) Recognised Sole Practices:

£500,000;

(d) Freelance Solicitors: Own insurance required.

  • Your Organisation should verify PII coverage and may require higher limits for high-value matters.

19. Conflicts of Interest​

19.1 External Solicitors must:

(a) Conduct conflicts checks before accepting an

engagement;

(b) Disclose any actual or potential

conflicts;

(c) Decline engagements where conflicts cannot be

managed;

(d) Implement appropriate information barriers where needed.

19.2 Potential conflicts may arise from:

(a) Acting for competitors of Your

Organisation;

(b) Acting against Your Organisation in other

matters;

(c) Personal relationships with parties

involved;

(d) Previous employment or

engagements;

(e) Financial interests in relevant parties.

20. Confidentiality and Privilege​

20.1 External Solicitors are bound by duties of confidentiality under:

(a) SRA Code of Conduct (Rule 6.3

);

(b) Common law duty of

confidentiality;

(c) Contractual confidentiality obligations.

20.2 Legal Professional Privilege:

(a) Communications with External Solicitors for obtaining legal advice are

privileged;

(b) Privilege belongs to Your Organisation as the

client;

(c) Care should be taken to maintain privilege in engagement

structures;

(d) Secondees' work should be clearly for legal advice purposes to maintain privilege.

ℹ

For

secondees, ensure the arrangement clearly maintains privilege over their work product.

Part F: Aml/kyc Requirements​

ℹ External Solicitors are required by law to conduct customer due diligence on their clients, including corporate clients.

21. Corporate Client Due Diligence​

21.1 When Your Organisation engages an External Solicitor, they will need to:

(a) Identify Your Organisation as a corporate

entity;

(b) Verify Your Organisation's identity using reliable

sources;

(c) Identify beneficial owners (see clause 22

);

(d) Understand the purpose of the

engagement;

(e) Conduct ongoing monitoring of the relationship.

21.2 Your Organisation should be prepared to provide:

(a) Certificate of

incorporation;

(b) Evidence of registered

office;

(c) Details of directors and

officers;

(d) Details of shareholders/

members;

(e) Beneficial ownership

information;

(f) Confirmation of source of funds (for relevant transactions

);

(g) Group structure chart (if part of a group).

22. Beneficial Ownership​

22.1 Under MLR 2017 and LSAG 2025, External Solicitors must identify beneficial owners of corporate clients.

  • LSAG 2025: Beneficial owner threshold is MORE THAN 25% (not '25% or more').

22.2 Beneficial owners include individuals who:

(a) Own MORE THAN 25% of shares or voting

rights;

(b) Have the right to appoint/remove the majority of

directors;

(c) Otherwise exercise control over the entity.

22.3 Your Organisation should provide:

(a) Names and details of all beneficial

owners;

(b) ID verification for beneficial

owners;

(c) Explanation of ownership/control

structure;

(d) PSC Register extracts (for UK companies).

23. Sanctions Compliance​

23.1 External Solicitors must screen clients against sanctions lists.

23.2 Your Organisation confirms that:

(a) It is not subject to UK (OFSI), EU, UN, or US (OFAC)

sanctions;

(b) Its beneficial owners are not subject to

sanctions;

(c) It is not connected to sanctioned countries or

entities;

(d) It will not use legal services to evade

sanctions;

(e) It will immediately notify the External Solicitor of any change in sanctions status.

Part G: Fca and Consumer Protection​

  1. FCA CONSUMER DUTY (WHERE APPLICABLE)

24.1 The FCA Consumer Duty applies to External Solicitors conducting FCA-regulated activities:

(a) Insurance

mediation;

(b) Consumer credit

activities;

(c) Claims management

services;

(d) Certain debt-related activities.

24.2 Where applicable, External Solicitors must:

(a) Act to deliver good outcomes for retail

customers;

(b) Avoid causing foreseeable

harm;

(c) Enable customers to pursue their financial objectives.

24.3 As a corporate client, the Consumer Duty generally does not apply to services provided to Your Organisation

directly, but

may apply to services Your Organisation provides to consumers.

25. Business Client Status​

25.1 As a corporate client, Your Organisation is a 'business client' not a 'consumer' for purposes of:

(a) Consumer Rights Act

2015;

(b) Consumer Contracts Regulations

2013;

(c) Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024.

25.2 This means:

(a) Consumer protection legislation generally does not

apply;

(b) No automatic cancellation rights under CCR

2013;

(c) Contract terms are subject to commercial

negotiation;

(d) Remedies are governed by general contract law.

25.3 However, External Solicitors must still:

(a) Comply with SRA Principles and Code of

Conduct;

(b) Act in your best interests (SRA Principle 7

);

(c) Provide competent service (SRA Code Rule 3.2

);

(d) Maintain proper complaints procedures.

Part H: Fees and Payment​

26. Platform Fees​

26.1 Platform fees may be charged for:

(a) Subscription/access to the

Platform;

(b) Placement/matching

services;

(c) Premium features or enhanced

visibility;

(d) Administrative support services.

26.2 Platform fees:

(a) Are separate from fees payable to External

Solicitors;

(b) Will be clearly displayed before

commitment;

(c) Are subject to VAT at the applicable

rate;

(d) Are invoiced according to the agreed schedule.

27. Solicitor Fees​

27.1 Fees for External Solicitor services are:

(a) Agreed directly between Your Organisation and the External

Solicitor;

(b) Payable to the External Solicitor (or their firm), not to

us;

(c) Subject to the External Solicitor's terms of

engagement;

(d) Typically structured as daily rates, hourly rates, or project fees.

27.2 External Solicitors must provide:

(a) Clear fee

quotations;

(b) Breakdown of rates and anticipated

costs;

(c) Information about

disbursements;

(d) Regular billing as

agreed;

(e) Updates if costs are likely to exceed estimates.

28. Referral Fee Disclosure​

28.1 External Solicitors who find engagements through the Platform may pay referral fees to the Platform.

28.2 Under SRA Code Rule 5.1, External Solicitors must:

(a) Disclose that a referral fee is

payable;

(b) Ensure the fee does not compromise your

interests;

(c) Maintain independence in advice provided.

28.3 Referral fees:

(a) Are paid by the External Solicitor, not by Your

Organisation;

(b) Do not increase the fees charged to Your

Organisation;

(c) Do not affect the quality or independence of services.

  • LASPO 2012 Prohibition: Referral fees are PROHIBITED for personal injury and clinical negligence matters. This applies even in corporate contexts.

Part I: Complaints and Disputes​

29. Complaints About the Platform​

29.1 If Your Organisation is dissatisfied with Platform services, please contact:

(a) Email: [email address]

(b) Post: [address]

(c) Phone: [phone number]

29.2 We will:

(a) Acknowledge your complaint within 5 working

days;

(b) Investigate and respond within 28 working

days;

(c) Keep you informed of

progress;

(d) Advise of further steps if you remain dissatisfied.

30. Complaints About External Solicitors​

  • Complaints about legal services provided by External Solicitors should be directed to the External Solicitor (or their firm), NOT to us.

30.1 If Your Organisation is dissatisfied with External Solicitor services:

(a) First, raise the complaint with the External Solicitor

directly;

(b) The External Solicitor must have a

complaints

procedure;

(c) Allow 8 weeks for the External Solicitor to resolve the

complaint;

(d) If unresolved, you may escalate (see clauses 31-32).

30.2 The Platform cannot:

(a) Investigate complaints about legal

services;

(b) Require an External Solicitor to take any

action;

(c) Award compensation for poor legal

services;

(d) Discipline External Solicitors.

31.1 The Legal Ombudsman handles complaints about legal services.

31.2 Important: As a corporate client, Your Organisation may only use the Legal Ombudsman if:

(a) It is a micro-enterprise (fewer than 10 employees and turnover/balance sheet under €2 million); OR

(b) It is a charity with annual income under £1

million;

OR

(c) It is a club, association, or organisation with annual income under £1

million;

OR

(d) It is a trustee of a trust with asset value under £1 million.

  • Larger corporate clients cannot use the Legal Ombudsman and must pursue remedies through the courts.

31.3 If eligible, time limits apply:

(a) Within 1 YEAR of the act or omission; AND

(b) Within 6 YEARS of the act or omission (longstop); AND

(c) Within 6 MONTHS of the solicitor's final response.

32. The Sra​

32.1 The SRA regulates solicitors. You can report an External Solicitor to the SRA if they have:

(a) Acted

dishonestly;

(b) Mishandled client

money;

(c) Breached professional

standards;

(d) Failed to comply with AML/sanctions

requirements;

(e) Engaged in discrimination or

harassment;

(f) Engaged in conduct undermining public trust.

32.2 SRA contact: www.sra.org.uk

Part J: General Provisions​

33. Term and Termination​

33.1 These Terms commence on registration and continue until terminated.

33.2 Either party may terminate on 30 days' written notice.

33.3 We may terminate immediately if Your Organisation:

(a) Breaches these Terms

materially;

(b) Is subject to insolvency

proceedings;

(c) Becomes subject to

sanctions;

(d) Uses the Platform for prohibited purposes.

33.4 Termination does not affect:

(a) Existing engagements with External

Solicitors;

(b) Accrued rights and

obligations;

(c) Provisions intended to survive termination.

34. Liability​

34.1 We are not liable for:

(a) The quality of legal services provided by External

Solicitors;

(b) Any advice given by External

Solicitors;

(c) Acts or omissions of External

Solicitors;

(d) The outcome of any legal

matter;

(e) Loss of profit, business, contracts, or

goodwill;

(f) Indirect or consequential losses.

34.2 Our total liability is limited to the greater of:

(a) Platform fees paid by Your Organisation in the preceding 12 months; or

(b) £10,000.

34.3 Nothing limits liability for:

(a) Death or personal injury caused by

negligence;

(b) Fraud or fraudulent

misrepresentation;

(c) Any liability that cannot be excluded by law.

35. Data Protection​

35.1 Each party complies with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

35.2 Your Organisation's personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

35.3 External Solicitors are separately responsible for their data protection compliance.

36. Confidentiality​

36.1 Each party keeps the other's confidential information confidential.

36.2 Disclosure is permitted where required by law or regulation.

36.3 This does not affect legal professional privilege over communications with External Solicitors.

37. Governing Law​

37.1 These Terms are governed by English law.

37.2 The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.

SCHEDULE 1: ENGAGEMENT TYPE COMPARISON

Feature

Secondment

Consultancy

Overflow/Interim

Integration with team

High - works within team

Low - external advisor

Medium - handles matters

Location

On-site / Hybrid

Remote / As needed

Remote / Flexible

Supervision

Day-to-day by GC/team

Self-directed

Matter-specific

Duration

Fixed term (months)

Project-based

As needed

Employment status

Employed by own firm

Own firm / Self

Own firm / Self

PII coverage

Seconding firm

Own/firm PII

Own/firm PII

Professional responsibility

Seconding firm

Consultant/firm

External/firm

Fee structure

Daily/monthly rate

Project/hourly

Hourly/matter fee

Notice period

As

agreed

(weeks)

Project completion

Short notice

Schedule 2: Due Diligence Checklist for Corporate Clients​

External Solicitors will typically require the following from Your Organisation:

Document/Information

Purpose

Required

Certificate of Incorporation

Verify legal existence

YES

Memorandum & Articles

Understand constitution

Usually

Certificate of Good Standing

Verify current status

Sometimes

Registered Office Evidence

Verify address

YES

Director/Officer Details

Identify controllers

YES

Shareholder Register

Identify owners

YES

Beneficial Owner Details

AML compliance

YES

Beneficial Owner ID

AML verification

YES

Group Structure Chart

Understand group

If applicable

PSC Register Extract

UK company beneficial owners

UK companies

Source of Funds (for transactions)

AML compliance

Where relevant

Sanctions Confirmation

Compliance

YES

Schedule 3: External Solicitor Verification Guide​

Before engaging an External Solicitor, we recommend verifying:

SRA Register Check

Visit: www.sra.org.uk/consumers/register/

Search for the solicitor by name or SRA ID

Verify: Current practising certificate,

No

adverse conditions, Firm details correct,

No

disciplinary findings (or understand any that exist)

Firm Verification (if applicable)

Verify firm is SRA-authorised

Check firm's regulatory history

Confirm firm's practice areas include your requirements

Insurance Verification

Request certificate of insurance or confirmation letter

Verify coverage scope includes your work

Confirm adequate coverage limits

Check policy remains valid for engagement period

References

Request references from previous corporate clients

Check for relevant sector experience

Verify experience in practice areas required

Document Information​

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Regulatory Framework

SRA Standards and Regulations 2019 (as amended 2025)

SRA Code of Conduct for Solicitors, RELs and RFLs

SRA In-House Practice Framework

SRA Indemnity Insurance Rules 2023

SRA Transparency Rules 2019

Money Laundering Regulations 2017 (as amended)

LSAG Anti-Money Laundering Guidance 2025

Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023

Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018

Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012

FCA Consumer Duty 2023

UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

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Related Documents

Buyer Terms and Conditions V1.0

Solicitor Terms and Conditions V1.0

Platform Terms for Law Firms V1.0

Solicitor-to-Solicitor Referral Terms V1.0

Privacy Policy V1.0

Platform Fee Schedule V1.0

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Document Version: 1.0

Effective Date: January 2026

Last Updated: January 2026

Next Review: July 2026

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  • DISCLAIMER: These Terms are provided for informational purposes. Corporate legal departments should ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and seek specific advice where necessary.