How do you choose a solicitor?

Personal reccomendation is all i've ever used.

I too would go on personal recommendation or reputation. But saying that, I work in the legal field so I get to know what firms of solicitors are like.

Where are you based? I may be able to suggest a couple of firms.

Thanks. That's what I thought / feared.

Unfortunately don't know anyone who's used a solicitor (other than H, who got so totally screwed over his divorce that I wouldn't recommend his solicitor to anyone).

Pin in the Yellow Pages it is then... unless my union rep comes up with a recommendation.

That would be great, thank you.

I'm based in Gloucestershire (Cheltenham, to be precise)

Oh I really wouldn't recommend that. My firm tends to act on the other side of teh fence, defending the big bad corporates against tribunal claims. However,even though we're on the opther side, we know who's good for the claimant, so I might be able to help with a recommendation. Where are you based? (PM me if you don't want to announce publicly) Will you be paying for your advice or seeking legal aid?

http://www.legal500.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1136&l5country_code=ov&l5directory=l500&Itemid=548#includes/get_content_page_l500.php?l5country_code=SW&section_name=Human%20resources&workarea_title=Employment:%20M4%20Corridor%20and%20Gloucestershire

ETA these big boys will mainly act for employers, not employees. Not a bad place to start though- if they're not right for you they may be able to suggest another firm.

I have had a look on the ELA website for you (Employment Law Association) and here is a list of members in the Gloucestershire area:

http://www.elaweb.org.uk/membership/findamember.aspx?name=&firm=&town=gloucestershire&postcode=

Out of the solicitors mentioned, I've only had dealings with Willans...

https://www.willans.co.uk/pages/services/private/employment.html

hth x

Thanks everyone. I'll take a look :o)