Requesting Quotes

Learn how to request quotes from solicitors and get the best responses.

Why Request Quotes?

Requesting quotes allows you to:

• Get personalised pricing for your specific matter
• Compare multiple solicitors fairly
• Understand what's included in each service
• Make informed decisions
• Avoid surprises later

How to Request a Quote

Method 1: From a Solicitor's Profile

1. Find a solicitor you're interested in
2. Click "Request Quote" on their profile
3. Fill in the quote request form
4. Submit your request

Method 2: Post Your Matter

1. Click "Post a Matter" in your dashboard
2. Select the relevant practice area
3. Describe your legal need
4. Choose to send to specific solicitors or receive offers

Writing an Effective Quote Request

Include Essential Information

Information	Why It's Important
Summary of Matter	Solicitors need to understand your situation
Key Dates	Deadlines affect urgency and pricing
Location	May be relevant for property or court matters
Documents	Helps solicitors assess complexity
Budget	Optional but helps get realistic quotes

Good Example

Subject: House Purchase - Need Conveyancing Quote

I'm buying a house in Manchester for £350,000. It's a standard freehold property with no chain. The offer has been accepted and we're hoping to complete within 8 weeks.

I need:

• Standard conveyancing services
• Local searches
• Transfer of funds

Please include all disbursements in your quote. Happy to provide more details if needed.

Poor Example

Need a lawyer for house stuff. How much?

This doesn't give solicitors enough information to provide an accurate quote.

What Solicitors Need to Know

For Property Matters

• Purchase price or property value
• Freehold or leasehold
• First-time buyer?
• Mortgage or cash purchase
• Chain situation
• Desired completion date

For Family Matters

• Type of matter (divorce, custody, etc.)
• Contested or agreed?
• Children involved?
• Assets to consider
• Urgency

For Business Matters

• Type of service needed
• Company size/turnover
• Complexity of matter
• Ongoing or one-off
• Industry

For Personal Injury

• Type of accident
• When it occurred
• Injuries sustained
• Other party involved
• Already reported?

Receiving Quotes

Response Times

• Most solicitors respond within 24-48 hours
• Complex matters may take longer
• You'll receive email notifications
• Quotes are also in your dashboard

What Quotes Include

A good quote should cover:

1. Fee Estimate

   • Total cost or hourly rate
   • Fixed or variable

2. What's Included

   • Specific services covered
   • Number of hours (if hourly)
   • Communications included

3. What's Excluded

   • Additional costs possible
   • Disbursements not covered
   • Third-party fees

4. Timeline

   • Estimated duration
   • Key milestones

5. Terms

   • Payment requirements
   • Cancellation policy

Understanding Quote Types

Fixed Fee Quotes

• Set price for defined work
• No surprises
• Know exactly what you'll pay
• Best for: Conveyancing, simple wills, company formation

Hourly Rate Quotes

• Charged by time spent
• More flexibility
• Final cost depends on complexity
• Best for: Litigation, complex matters

Hybrid Quotes

• Fixed fee for some elements
• Hourly rate for others
• Balance of certainty and flexibility
• Best for: Mixed-complexity matters

Capped Fee Quotes

• Hourly rate with maximum cap
• Won't exceed the cap
• May cost less if straightforward
• Best for: Uncertain complexity

Comparing Quotes

Create a Comparison Table

Factor	Solicitor A	Solicitor B	Solicitor C
Total Fee	£1,200	£950	£1,100
Experience	15 years	5 years	10 years
Rating	4.8★	4.5★	4.9★
Response	Same day	2 days	Next day
Includes	Full service	Basic only	Full + extras

Don't Just Choose the Cheapest

Consider:

• What's included in the price?
• How experienced is the solicitor?
• What do reviews say?
• How well did they communicate?
• Do they specialise in your area?

Asking Follow-Up Questions

Good Questions to Ask

• "What could cause the fee to increase?"
• "Who will be handling my matter day-to-day?"
• "How long do you estimate this will take?"
• "What do you need from me to get started?"
• "What's your availability for calls/meetings?"

Using Platform Messaging

1. Go to the quote in your dashboard
2. Click "Ask a Question"
3. Type your question
4. The solicitor will be notified
5. Responses appear in the same thread

Quote Validity

• Most quotes are valid for 14-30 days
• After expiry, prices may change
• Complex matters may have shorter validity
• Ask if you need more time to decide

Next Steps

After receiving quotes:

1. Compare them carefully
2. Ask any questions
3. Make your decision
4. Hire your chosen solicitor

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Tip: Don't be afraid to negotiate. Some solicitors may offer discounts or payment plans for straightforward matters.