Getting Started with eSolicitors
Welcome to eSolicitors! This guide will help you set up your account and start finding the right solicitor for your legal needs.
Before You Begin
Do You Need a Solicitor?
Consider using eSolicitors if you need help with:
- Property - Buying, selling, or renting
- Family - Divorce, custody, prenuptial agreements
- Wills & Probate - Estate planning, inheritance
- Business - Contracts, disputes, employment
- Personal Injury - Accidents, medical negligence
- Immigration - Visas, citizenship, appeals
- Disputes - Civil litigation, debt recovery
- Criminal - Defence representation
If you're unsure whether you need legal help, you can browse our platform for free and read about different legal areas to understand your options.
Creating Your Account
Step 1: Sign Up
- Visit esolicitors.com
- Click "Sign Up" or "Get Started"
- Enter your email address
- Create a secure password
- Check your email for verification link
- Click the link to verify your account
Step 2: Complete Your Profile
While optional, a complete profile helps solicitors understand your needs:
- Name - How you'd like to be addressed
- Contact details - Phone number for urgent matters
- Location - Helps match you with local solicitors
- Preferences - Communication preferences
Step 3: Verify Your Identity (When Required)
For certain matters, you may need to verify your identity:
- Upload photo ID
- Provide proof of address
- Complete a quick selfie check
This protects everyone and helps with AML compliance.
Finding the Right Solicitor
Search Methods
Browse by Category:
- Select a legal area
- Browse available solicitors
- Filter and compare
Describe Your Need:
- Tell us about your matter
- Get matched with relevant solicitors
- Receive tailored suggestions
Post Your Matter:
- Describe what you need
- Solicitors send you proposals
- Choose the best offer
What to Look For
When choosing a solicitor, consider:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Specialisation | Experts in your area of law get better results |
| Experience | Years of practice and similar cases handled |
| Reviews | Real feedback from previous clients |
| Communication | Will they explain things clearly? |
| Availability | Can they start when you need? |
| Fees | Does it fit your budget? |
| Location | Important if you need face-to-face meetings |
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious if a solicitor:
- ⚠️ Guarantees a specific outcome
- ⚠️ Pressures you to decide immediately
- ⚠️ Won't provide written fee estimates
- ⚠️ Has no reviews or very new account
- ⚠️ Doesn't clearly explain the process
Making an Enquiry
How to Enquire
- Click "Enquire" on a solicitor's profile
- Describe your matter in detail
- Include relevant dates and deadlines
- Mention your budget if you have one
- Submit and wait for a response
What to Include
Help solicitors give accurate quotes by providing:
- What kind of help you need
- Key facts about your situation
- Any deadlines or time pressures
- Your preferred contact method
- Budget range (if any)
What NOT to Include
In your initial enquiry, avoid:
- Full personal details (address, DOB)
- Bank or financial account numbers
- Highly sensitive information
- Documents (save for later)
Understanding Responses
What to Expect
Solicitors typically respond within 24 hours with:
- Confirmation they can help (or not)
- Initial thoughts on your matter
- Questions to clarify your needs
- Fee estimate or quote request
Evaluating Proposals
When you receive proposals, compare:
| Element | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Scope | What's included? What's not? |
| Fee | Fixed or hourly? What's the estimate? |
| Timeline | When can they start? How long will it take? |
| Approach | How will they handle your matter? |
| Communication | How will they keep you updated? |
Starting Work
Accepting an Engagement
To proceed with a solicitor:
- Review their proposal carefully
- Ask any remaining questions
- Accept their terms of engagement
- Complete any required onboarding
- Make any initial payment required
- Begin working together
First Steps
Once engaged, your solicitor will typically:
- Send formal engagement documents
- Request relevant information and documents
- Verify your identity (if not already done)
- Conduct conflict of interest checks
- Outline next steps and timeline
Tips for Success
Be Prepared
Before contacting a solicitor, gather:
- Relevant documents
- Important dates and deadlines
- Contact details for other parties
- Questions you want answered
Communicate Clearly
Help your solicitor help you:
- Respond to requests promptly
- Be honest and complete
- Ask if you don't understand
- Keep records of communications
Stay Informed
Throughout your matter:
- Read documents before signing
- Ask for explanations when needed
- Keep track of costs
- Request regular updates
Getting Help
Platform Support
For help using eSolicitors:
- Help Centre: help.esolicitors.com
- Email: support@esolicitors.com
- Live Chat: Available on the website
Legal Questions
For questions about your legal matter, contact your solicitor directly. We can't provide legal advice.
Next Steps
Ready to continue? Here's what to do:
- ✅ Create your account
- ✅ Browse solicitors
- ✅ Make your first enquiry
- ✅ Read our Safety & Security guide
Questions? Check our FAQs or contact support.