Solicitors
Most solicitors in the UK are primarily litigators – someone who specialises in taking legal action against an individual or organisation. However, there are many solicitors in England and Wales who undertake non-contentious work, see ‘Collaborative Law’ below
Many solicitors in the UK specialise in specific areas of law. For example, if you need legal advice on divorce, then a family law solicitor is best equipped to handle your case due to their specific experience. This would differ them from a medical negligence solicitor, as their service areas are uniquely separate, and naturally, you’re going to want a solicitor who’s legal expertise specifically relates to your case.
Some solicitors give 30 minutes’ legal advice for free. Some offer a fixed fee – that way you’ll know in advance what the advice will cost. You can call a solicitor’s office and ask if they offer a free half hour or a fixed fee.
A free or fixed-fee appointment can help you find out your rights and legal position. It’s a good way to find out whether it’s worth taking someone else to court or if you have a case that’s worth defending.
You’ll need to get the best out of your appointment. You should make a note beforehand of what you need to say and find out.
Find a Solicitor (https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/) is owned by the Law Society of England and Wales. Find a Solicitor is a free service for anyone looking for information about organisations or people providing legal services in England and Wales that are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Legal Aid/Family Mediation
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) offer a search facility to find a legal aid adviser or family mediator.
See further information on legal aid and eligibility
Collaborative Law
Collaborative law is a method of dispute resolution, particularly in family law, where both parties and their lawyers commit to reaching a settlement out of court, without resorting to litigation. It involves a series of meetings where the parties, along with their collaboratively trained lawyers, work together to find a mutually agreeable solution.
Resolution was founded in 1982 by a group of family lawyers who believed that a non-confrontational approach to family law issues would produce better outcomes for separating families and their children.
Over the decades, Resolution has maintained a commitment to a constructive way of working, enshrined in our Code of Practice, while growing to become a membership organisation for professionals that work with separating families.
There is a search facility at https://resolution.org.uk/find-a-law-professional/ allowing you to look for a legal professional in your area.
RCJ Advice – Citizens Advice & Law Centre
Formed in 1978, RCJ Advice – Citizens Advice & Law Centre, is an independent charity, based originally out of the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, providing a number of local and national services.
Over the past 45 years the service has grown and developed as a very different Advice Service, and in December 2023 became an accredited Law Centre, part of the Law Centres Network.
Initially set up to help people with a court case at the Royal Courts of Justice who couldn’t afford legal advice, the service has expanded to provide advice and support services to people both locally and across England and Wales.
In addition to legal advice, RCJ Advice recognise the need to provide wider advice and support services for people before, during and after the legal process.
Current services include:-
- Legal advice in areas of law including civil, housing, and family.
- Finding Legal Options for Women Survivors (FLOWS), a legal advice and support service designed to protect women from the effects of domestic abuse.
- CourtNav, an award-winning online tool designed to help people who are completing an application for non-molestation and/or occupation order.
- Support for individuals who have experienced a miscarriage of justice.
- Time Together, the only court-based child contact centre in the country.
RCJ Advice can provide a service by email, telephone, online, and in person.
Pro-bono lawyers
The LawWorks Clinics Network provides free initial advice to individuals on various areas of social welfare law including employment law, housing matters, consumer disputes, debt and welfare rights.
The clinics are for people who are not eligible for legal aid and cannot afford to pay for a lawyer.
Notaries
A notary is a specialist lawyer, you can search all notaries entitled to practice at find a
The principal role of a notary in England and Wales is to “attest the authenticity” of deeds and other legal documents for use abroad.
Barristers
The role of the Barrister is to provide advice to clients on their case in regards to the law. Barristers only typically become involved with a case when it has gone to court where they will act as the client’s representation.
In general, barristers in England & Wales are hired by solicitors to represent a case in court.
The role of a barrister is to help convey their client’s view of events into legal arguments to the opposition, and make persuasive representations to get the best possible result for their client.
Barristers, much like solicitors, usually specialise in particular areas of law. Their specialisms can vary in a range of law areas, from criminal law to sports law.
Last Updated on May 1, 2026 by Ashford Advice