How eSolicitors Works
eSolicitors is a marketplace that connects people who need legal help with qualified solicitors. Think of us like a comparison site for legal services - but with added security, verification, and support.
The Simple Version
graph LR
A[You have a legal need] --> B[Search for solicitors]
B --> C[Compare and choose]
C --> D[Get legal help]
D --> E[Leave a review]
- Tell us what you need - Describe your legal matter
- Find solicitors - Browse verified professionals
- Compare options - Review profiles, prices, and reviews
- Choose your solicitor - Select the best fit for you
- Get help - Work with your chosen solicitor
- Share your experience - Help others by leaving a review
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Describe Your Legal Need
Start by telling us about your situation:
- Select the area of law (e.g., family, property, business)
- Provide a brief description of your matter
- Answer a few questions to help us understand your needs
- Indicate your location and budget preferences
The more detail you provide, the better matches you'll get. Don't include sensitive personal information at this stage - just enough to describe what help you need.
Step 2: Browse Solicitors
Based on your needs, we'll show you solicitors who can help:
What you'll see:
- Professional profiles with photos and bios
- Areas of expertise
- Years of experience
- Client reviews and ratings
- Fee information
- Availability
Filter by:
- Location
- Price range
- Specialisation
- Rating
- Response time
Step 3: Compare Your Options
Before choosing, you can:
- Read profiles - Understand their background and approach
- Check credentials - Verify their SRA registration
- See reviews - Learn from other clients' experiences
- Compare prices - Understand costs upfront
- Ask questions - Send enquiries before committing
Step 4: Instruct a Solicitor
When you've found the right solicitor:
- Click "Enquire" or "Instruct"
- Provide more details about your matter
- The solicitor reviews your enquiry
- They send you a proposal with:
- Scope of work
- Fee estimate or quote
- Terms of engagement
- You review and accept (or ask questions)
- The engagement begins
Step 5: Work With Your Solicitor
Once instructed:
- Communicate through our secure platform
- Share documents safely
- Track progress on your matter
- Make payments through our protected system
- Receive updates and deliverables
Step 6: Complete and Review
When your matter concludes:
- The solicitor marks the matter complete
- You confirm satisfaction
- Final payments are processed
- You're invited to leave a review
Understanding Our Model
We Are a Marketplace
eSolicitors is a technology platform, not a law firm. We don't provide legal advice or legal services ourselves. We connect you with independent solicitors who do.
What this means:
| eSolicitors Does | eSolicitors Does Not |
|---|---|
| Connect you with solicitors | Provide legal advice |
| Verify solicitor credentials | Employ solicitors |
| Facilitate secure payments | Handle your legal matter |
| Handle complaints about the platform | Regulate solicitors |
| Provide customer support | Make legal decisions for you |
Who Are the Solicitors?
All solicitors on our platform are:
- Independently regulated by the SRA or BSB
- Professionally insured with valid PII
- Verified before they can offer services
- Reviewed by real clients
They run their own practices and are responsible for the legal services they provide.
Pricing Explained
How Fees Work
Solicitors set their own fees. Common pricing models include:
| Model | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Fee | One price for a defined piece of work | Simple, predictable matters |
| Hourly Rate | Charged by the hour | Complex or ongoing matters |
| Capped Fee | Maximum price with hourly billing beneath | When scope is uncertain |
| Contingency | Payment based on outcome | Certain claim types |
What's Included?
When reviewing quotes, check:
- ✓ What work is included
- ✓ What's specifically excluded
- ✓ Whether VAT is included
- ✓ Disbursements (e.g., court fees, searches)
- ✓ Payment terms
No Hidden Platform Fees
You pay the solicitor directly for legal services. eSolicitors doesn't add any fees to what you pay.
Timeline Expectations
| Matter Type | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Initial enquiry response | Within 24 hours |
| Simple consultation | 1-3 days to arrange |
| Document review | 3-7 days |
| Property transaction | 8-12 weeks |
| Court proceedings | Varies significantly |
These are general guidelines. Your solicitor will give you specific timescales based on your situation.
Protection and Security
Verified Solicitors
Before a solicitor can offer services:
- We verify their SRA/BSB registration
- We confirm their professional insurance
- We check their identity
- We validate their qualifications
Secure Payments
- All payments processed through encrypted systems
- Funds held securely until work is delivered
- Protection against fraud
Dispute Resolution
If something goes wrong:
- Try to resolve with your solicitor directly
- We can facilitate communication
- Use our complaints process if needed
- The Legal Ombudsman is available for unresolved disputes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use eSolicitors if I'm outside the UK? Yes, but solicitors on our platform are qualified in England and Wales. They can advise on English law matters regardless of your location.
What if I'm not happy with my solicitor? You can always change solicitors. We can help you find an alternative if needed. You may need to pay for work already done.
Are online legal services as good as in-person? Many legal matters can be handled effectively online. Some clients prefer the convenience. Your solicitor will let you know if in-person meetings are needed.
How do I know the reviews are genuine? Reviews can only be left by clients who actually used the solicitor through our platform. We verify this before publishing.
Ready to find a solicitor? Start your search