Thinking about handling a legal case on your own?

Thousands of people every year attempt to proceed with lawsuits without legal services or a solicitor on their side. And most end up wishing they hadn’t tried. The UK legal system is complicated, quick paced and utterly ruthless if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Here’s the truth:

A good solicitor can save you:

• Time
• Money
• A lot of stress

This article covers common grounds for litigation with a solicitor versus pro per, and why almost always you should not represent yourself.

Time to dive in!

Here’s what’s inside:

1. Why Legal Services And Solicitors Actually Matter
2. The Top Reasons To Hire A Solicitor
3. How To Pick The Right One

Why Legal Services And Solicitors Actually Matter

Lawyers and Solicitors are here for one reason… To save you from costly court errors.

The number of legal cases in the UK is enormous. County court claims hit 1.9 million in 2025, an increase of 12% compared to the year before. These cases represent millions upon millions of disputes filed each year. The majority of these legal issues require skilled attorneys.

Selecting your solicitor can be no different to selecting any other freelance professional. You need to choose a freelance SEO consultant by researching their experience, reviews and track record; so why is the same logic any different when it comes to legal services/solicitors? Get it wrong and you could cost yourself thousands. Get it right, and they could change the outcome of your case.

Here’s why this matters so much…

UK legal services market was worth £19 billion in 2024, of which personal injury work was £4.4 billion. That’s how big the industry is that exists to help people like you. Imagine if everyone was able to successfully claim for lawsuits by themselves the industry wouldn’t be nearly as large.

The Top Reasons To Hire A Solicitor

Alright, time to dive into the specifics. Here are circumstances where having a solicitor is NOT just a “nice to have”.

Personal Injury Claims

This is one of the biggest reasons people hire a solicitor.

Had an accident at work? Car crash or injured through someone elses negligence?…. You’re going to need a solicitor to fight FOR YOU. The insurance companies don’t want to pay you money!

• Lowball your offer
• Drag the process out forever
• Use legal jargon to confuse you
• Look for any way to deny your claim

A personal injury solicitor is aware of all these tactics. They will negotiate for you and fight for the highest settlement you can get.

FYI: Personal injury remains the biggest sector for consumer law in the UK. There is therefore lots of competition between firms. This is good news for you as it keeps the costs down.

Employment Disputes

Got fired unfairly? Being discriminated against at work? Owed wages?

Employment law is definitely one area where you need a solicitor. The laws are complex and the procedures for tribunals are rigorous. If you don’t meet a deadline they can dismiss your entire case before it’s heard.

A good employment solicitor will:

• Help you build a strong case
• Make sure you hit every important deadline
• Handle the back-and-forth with your employer
• Represent you in tribunal if needed

This kind of stuff is way too important to mess up on your own.

Family And Divorce Matters

Divorce, child custody, financial settlements… These are emotionally tough cases.

Exactly why having an objective person in your corner is so important. A family solicitor will remain calm and objective about the realistic outcome. Plus they understand how family courts work. They’re very different to other legal processes.

Property And Conveyancing Disputes

Buying or selling property? Boundary dispute with a neighbour? Landlord giving you grief?

Property law is designed to catch out the unwary. Mistakes can cost you thousands…or even your home. A good solicitor will deal with all paperwork, contracts and negotiations on your behalf.

Contract And Business Disputes

Running a business? Contract disputes are pretty much guaranteed at some point.

Whether it’s a supplier not delivering or a customer not paying… a solicitor will assist you in enforcing the contract to recover the money owed to you. They can also prepare watertight contracts so that you avoid these situations happening in the first place.

Wills, Probate And Inheritance Disputes

Probate disputes can destroy families. Your solicitor acts as an impartial professional who will ensure the will is administered properly and deal with any legal disputes that arise. This is not something you want to try to handle by yourself.

How To Pick The Right One

Now you understand the reasons behind why you need a solicitor. But how do you go about choosing one?

With approximately 219,700 UK solicitors currently practising there is plenty of choice. However finding the correct one is NOT.

Here’s what to look for:

• Specialisation — pick a solicitor who specialises in your type of case
• Experience — how many similar cases have they actually handled?
• Reviews — what do their past clients say about them?
• Fee structure — clear, transparent pricing with no nasty surprises
• Communication — do they actually respond to your messages?

Don’t Avoid the Consultation. Many lawyers will offer you a free consultation call. This is your opportunity to gauge their knowledge. Ask the tough questions. See if you click with them. You are going to be working with this individual for months (if not years) so make sure it’s a good fit.

One more thing… Don’t pick based on price alone.

The cheapest solicitor is seldom the best. Neither is the most expensive. Look for one experienced in your particular problem.

The Bottom Line

Retaining a solicitor to sue someone is often essential to winning your case. Representing yourself may save money initially, but will often end up costing you more.

To quickly recap, hire a solicitor when you have:

• A personal injury claim
• An employment dispute
• A family law issue
• A property dispute
• A business or contract dispute
• An inheritance or probate issue

Don’t rush. Do your homework and choose someone familiar with your area of law. The right solicitor will more than pay for themselves – and spare you a lot of anguish.