Solicitors, immigration advisers and public-access barristers

Solicitors and the office you will use

Check the firm’s regulated status and the person who will handle the work. A firm-wide area of law does not prove that every branch offers that service. Ask about relevant experience, supervision, capacity, language and access needs and the written scope of work.

• Court Guide solicitor directory →
• SRA register →

Immigration advisers

Use the Immigration Advice Authority’s official finder and guidance to check whether an adviser is authorised for the work involved. Adviser levels and categories limit the work they may undertake. A person’s presence on a website does not establish permission to handle an appeal or represent someone in every forum.

• Find an immigration adviser →
• What immigration advisers can do →

Public-access barristers

Some barristers accept instructions directly from the public. Public-access authorisation and authorisation to conduct litigation are separate matters. Ask which tasks you will remain responsible for, whether the case is suitable for direct access and what happens if a solicitor is also needed.

• Check a barrister’s record with the BSB →

Compare a written service, not just a price

Ask whether a quote covers advice, drafting, correspondence, court attendance, follow-up and supervision. Confirm VAT, disbursements and cancellation or extra-work terms. The cheapest initial appointment may cover a different service from another quote.