How to Choose a Personal Injury Solicitor — 8 Things to Check
Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
Choosing the right solicitor can make a real difference to the outcome of your claim and your experience of the process. The most important factors are SRA regulation, genuine specialism in your type of claim, transparent no win no fee terms, and clear communication from the first contact. Here are eight things to check before you instruct.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- Always verify SRA regulation before instructing — check at sra.org.uk
- Choose a firm that genuinely specialises in your type of claim
- Insist on a clear explanation of all costs before signing any agreement
- A named solicitor with direct contact details is a good sign
- Be wary of guaranteed outcomes, cold calls, or referral fee arrangements
1. SRA Regulation
Confirm the firm is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Check the SRA register at sra.org.uk using the firm's name or SRA number. This is non-negotiable — only SRA regulated firms can properly conduct litigation on your behalf.
2. Genuine Specialism
Choose a firm that specialises in your type of claim. A high street firm that handles everything from conveyancing to commercial contracts is unlikely to have the same depth of knowledge as a firm focused on personal injury and industrial disease. Ask what percentage of their caseload is this type of claim.
3. Transparent No Win No Fee Terms
Before signing anything, understand exactly what the success fee percentage is, what costs you might face if the claim fails, and whether ATE insurance is being arranged. A reputable solicitor will explain this clearly without prompting.
4. Clear Communication From the Start
How a firm communicates during your initial enquiry is a good indicator of how they will communicate throughout your claim. Do they explain things clearly? Do they listen? Are they transparent about the strengths and weaknesses of your case?
5. Named Solicitor With Direct Contact
You should know who is handling your case and be able to reach them (or a named colleague) directly. Avoid situations where your claim is passed between multiple handlers with no continuity.
6. Honest About the Strength of Your Case
A good solicitor will tell you if your case has weaknesses or risks — not just what you want to hear. If a firm seems to promise a guaranteed outcome or an unrealistically large amount with no caveats, treat that as a warning sign.
7. Avoid Cold Call or Referral Fee Arrangements
Be cautious about solicitors found through cold calls, text messages, or online comparison sites that sell your details to multiple firms. Referral fee arrangements can affect the financial structure of your claim. Find solicitors through the Law Society's "Find a Solicitor" tool or direct recommendation.
8. Check Reviews and Track Record
Online reviews (Google, Trustpilot) and word-of-mouth recommendations give useful signals. Look for reviews that specifically mention communication quality, honesty, and outcome — not just generic positive sentiment.
Solicitor vs Claims Management Company
A solicitor is a legally qualified professional regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, with a professional duty to act in your best interests. A claims management company (CMC) is not a law firm — it is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and often passes your claim to a solicitor after taking a referral fee. In many cases, you are better off instructing a solicitor directly rather than through a CMC intermediary. See our full comparison.
If you would like to speak to EA Personal Injury Solicitors without any obligation, contact us for a free initial enquiry. We are happy to discuss your claim and answer any questions about how we work before you decide whether to instruct us.