The first thing to do is find a lawyer with the right expertise to handle your particular problem. It might be that you need an expert on family law, planning law or the legal aspects of insolvency and bankruptcy, for instance. One of the best ways to find the right specialist is to go to the Law Society website, and find their section on choosing and using solicitors, or just click on http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/choosingandusing.law

Once you have found the right kind of specialist, find out all you can about them. Do you know anyone who has used them? Study their website or brochure carefully.

• Remember that the biggest practice or best-known name is not necessarily ideal for your particular circumstances. A “celebrity” lawyer is fine if you are a celebrity, but may be very expensive and overwhelming if you are not, and more to the point, may not have exactly the expertise you need for your particular problem.
  
  
• Once you have made an initial choice, you will need to talk to them on the phone or arrange an initial appointment to meet them.
  
  
• Remember that your solicitor is not a therapist, and do not be tempted to tell them your life story. Just explain what is relevant for the case you are making. If they need to know more, they will ask you.
  
  
• You may be entitled to Legal Aid so ensure you choose a solicitor that has a contract with the Legal Services Commission. The solicitor will then assess your eligibility to receive Legal Aid, if however you do not qualify the solicitor will then provide you with their hourly private rate.