There are a lot of law firms in London, and most of their websites say the same things. Our London lists narrow the choice down by the work you actually need done, with up to ten firms for each area of law and how to get in touch with them.
London is big enough that where a firm's office sits matters. A firm near you is easier to visit, and for criminal matters it helps to pick one that regularly works in the police stations and courts in your part of London.
Solicitors in London by area of law
No firm pays for its place on our London lists. How we compile our lists
Courts in London
London has many Crown Courts and magistrates' courts. These are the central courts people most often deal with.
- Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey)
- Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7EH. Serious criminal trials and sentencing.
- Southwark Crown Court
- 1 English Grounds (off Battlebridge Lane), Southwark, London, SE1 2HU. Criminal trials and sentencing.
- Snaresbrook Crown Court
- 75 Hollybush Hill, Snaresbrook, London, E11 1QW. Criminal trials and sentencing.
- Westminster Magistrates' Court
- 181 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5BR. Criminal cases, including Single Justice Procedure cases.
- Central Family Court
- First Avenue House, 42-49 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NP. Divorce, financial remedy, child arrangements, adoption, domestic abuse, forced marriage and FGM protection cases.
- Central London County Court
- County Court at Central London, Thomas More Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Strand, London, WC2A 2LL. Civil money claims and housing cases.
Free and low cost legal help
- Citizens Advice Westminster gives free, confidential general advice, including on debt, housing, benefits and work problems.
- RCJ Advice is a law centre giving free legal advice to people who can't afford a solicitor. Check what it covers before you go.
- Citizens Advice in other boroughs: London has a separate Citizens Advice for each borough, so use the one nearest where you live.
- Legal aid still covers some matters for people who qualify. Check if you can get legal aid on GOV.UK.
- Civil Legal Advice (0345 345 4345) gives free advice to people who qualify on problems like debt when your home is at risk, homelessness or eviction, domestic abuse and discrimination.
- At the police station, legal advice is free if you are questioned. Ask for the duty solicitor or your own solicitor.
- Check a solicitor on the SRA's Solicitors Register before you instruct them.
- Unhappy with a solicitor? Complain to the firm first. If it isn't sorted within 8 weeks, you can go to the Legal Ombudsman.
- Private firms often offer a free or fixed fee first appointment. Ask when you call.
Finding a solicitor in London: common questions
How do I choose a solicitor in London?
Start with the area of law your problem falls under, then shortlist two or three firms that do that work regularly. Ask what the first appointment costs and how fees work after that, check the firm on the Solicitors Register, and go with the solicitor who explains things clearly rather than the one with the biggest advert.
Can I get free legal advice in London?
Sometimes. Citizens Advice Westminster gives free general advice, legal aid still covers some matters for people who qualify, and advice from a duty solicitor at the police station is free for anyone. Many firms also offer a free or fixed fee first appointment, so ask when you call.
How do I check a solicitor in London is regulated?
Search the solicitor or the firm on the Solicitors Register, which the Solicitors Regulation Authority keeps on its website. Regulated firms also show the SRA's digital badge on their website. A good firm won't mind you checking.
Other cities
Manchester · Birmingham · Leeds · Liverpool · Sheffield · Newcastle · Bradford