Safety & Security
Your safety is our priority. This guide explains how we protect you and what you can do to stay safe when using eSolicitors.
How We Protect You
Verified Solicitors
Every solicitor on eSolicitors has been through our verification process:
| Verification | What We Check |
|---|---|
| Professional Status | Active SRA/BSB registration |
| Identity | Government-issued ID verification |
| Insurance | Valid professional indemnity insurance |
| Qualifications | Claimed credentials and experience |
| Ongoing Monitoring | Regular re-verification checks |
You can independently verify any solicitor's SRA registration at sra.org.uk/solicitors/find-a-solicitor
Secure Platform
Our technical security includes:
- Encryption: All data transmitted using TLS 1.3
- Secure Storage: Data encrypted at rest
- Access Controls: Role-based permissions
- Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring
- Compliance: GDPR and UK data protection compliant
- Regular Audits: Third-party security assessments
Protected Payments
When you pay through eSolicitors:
- Payments processed by PCI-compliant providers
- Funds held securely until work is delivered
- No card details stored on our servers
- Fraud detection and prevention
- Dispute resolution support
Verifying Solicitors
Before Instructing
Always check:
- SRA Number: Verify it's genuine and active
- Profile Match: Does their profile match SRA records?
- Reviews: Read feedback from other clients
- Specialisation: Do they have relevant experience?
- Communication: Are they professional and responsive?
Red Flags
Be cautious if someone:
| Warning Sign | What It May Indicate |
|---|---|
| Won't provide SRA number | May not be qualified |
| Asks for cash payments | Avoiding proper records |
| Guarantees outcomes | Unrealistic expectations |
| Requests fees to personal accounts | Potential fraud |
| Pressures you to rush | May be hiding something |
| Won't put things in writing | Lack of professionalism |
What Real Solicitors Will Do
Legitimate solicitors will:
- ✓ Provide their SRA number readily
- ✓ Issue formal engagement letters
- ✓ Give clear fee information in writing
- ✓ Use firm bank accounts for payments
- ✓ Explain your options, not guarantee results
- ✓ Respect your pace of decision-making
Staying Safe Online
Protecting Your Account
Strong Passwords:
- Use at least 12 characters
- Mix letters, numbers, and symbols
- Don't reuse passwords from other sites
- Consider a password manager
Two-Factor Authentication:
- Enable 2FA on your account
- Use an authenticator app when possible
- Keep backup codes secure
Recognising Scams
Phishing Emails:
- We'll never ask for your password by email
- Check sender addresses carefully
- Don't click suspicious links
- When in doubt, log in directly through esolicitors.com
Impersonation:
- Scammers may pretend to be eSolicitors or solicitors
- Always verify through official channels
- Be wary of unsolicited contact
Safe Communication
When communicating through the platform:
- Keep conversations within our messaging system
- Be cautious of requests to move off-platform
- Don't share sensitive data via unencrypted email
- Report suspicious behaviour immediately
Your Privacy Rights
How We Handle Your Data
We collect and use your data to:
- Provide and improve our services
- Match you with suitable solicitors
- Process payments
- Communicate with you
- Comply with legal requirements
We never:
- Sell your personal data
- Share it without your consent (except as required by law)
- Use it for unrelated purposes
For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
Your Controls
You can:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Request deletion (subject to legal requirements)
- Opt out of marketing
- Export your data
When Things Go Wrong
If You Suspect Fraud
Take immediate action:
- Stop all communication with the suspected fraudster
- Don't make any payments (or stop further payments)
- Report to us immediately at security@esolicitors.com
- Contact your bank if you've made payments
- Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk
If You're Unhappy with a Solicitor
Different issues have different routes:
| Issue | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Service quality | Solicitor's complaints procedure |
| Fee dispute | Legal Ombudsman |
| Professional misconduct | SRA |
| Criminal behaviour | Police |
| Platform issues | eSolicitors support |
See our Complaints Guide for details.
Reporting to Us
Report concerns to:
- Security issues: security@esolicitors.com
- Suspicious profiles: Use the "Report" button
- General concerns: support@esolicitors.com
We investigate all reports and take appropriate action.
Insurance and Protection
Professional Indemnity Insurance
All solicitors must have PII, which protects you if:
- They make a mistake that costs you money
- Documents are lost or damaged
- Confidential information is breached
Minimum cover is typically £2-3 million.
Compensation Fund
If a solicitor misappropriates your money, you may claim from the SRA Compensation Fund (subject to conditions).
Your Rights Under Law
You're protected by:
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013
- Legal Ombudsman scheme
- SRA regulatory oversight
Security Best Practices
For Your Device
- Keep software updated
- Use antivirus protection
- Be careful on public WiFi
- Lock your device when away
For Your Documents
- Only share what's necessary
- Use secure upload features
- Keep your own copies
- Be careful with highly sensitive information
For Payments
- Only pay through official channels
- Never pay to personal bank accounts
- Keep receipts and records
- Query any unexpected requests
Questions?
Security Team
For security concerns:
- Email: security@esolicitors.com
- Response time: Within 24 hours for security issues
General Support
For other questions:
- Email: support@esolicitors.com
- Help Centre: help.esolicitors.com
Your safety matters. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and contact us.