How to check a solicitor is genuine and regulated

Most solicitors in England and Wales are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Checking that the firm you are dealing with is genuine takes a few minutes, and it is one of the best ways to protect yourself from fraud, especially when large sums of money are involved, such as in a house purchase or the administration of an estate.

Step 1: Find the firm's SRA number

Regulated firms must display their SRA number and the SRA's digital badge on their website, and the SRA number usually appears on letters and emails too. Every firm listed on this site shows its SRA number on its profile page.

Step 2: Check the SRA register

Search for the firm on the SRA's online register and check that:

• the firm's name and SRA number match;
• its status is "authorised", not closed, closing or subject to an intervention;
• the address, phone number, email domain and website match the details you have been given.

You can also check individual solicitors on the register to confirm they hold a current practising certificate.

Step 3: Watch for clone firms

A "clone firm" is a fake business that copies the name, SRA number or address of a genuine firm, but uses its own phone numbers, email addresses or website. The SRA publishes scam alerts about known clones. Warning signs include:

• a website or email address that differs slightly from the real firm's;
• pressure to send money quickly, or a request to pay into a personal account;
• contact details that don't match the SRA register;
• an unexpected change of bank details partway through a transaction.

Step 4: Protect yourself when paying

Email interception ("Friday afternoon fraud") is a common risk in conveyancing. Fraudsters hack an email account and send convincing messages with new bank details just before completion. To protect yourself:

• confirm your solicitor's bank details in person or by phone at the start of the matter, using a number you have checked independently;
• never act on a change of bank details sent by email alone;
• consider sending a small test payment first and confirming it has arrived.

What regulation means for you

An SRA-regulated firm must follow the SRA Standards and Regulations, hold professional indemnity insurance, keep client money in a separate client account, and give you information about how to complain. If something goes wrong, you can use the Legal Ombudsman for service complaints and report misconduct to the SRA. If money has been lost because of a solicitor's dishonesty, you may be able to claim from the SRA Compensation Fund.

Other legal service providers

Not everyone who provides legal services is a solicitor. Licensed conveyancers are regulated by the Council for Licensed Conveyancers, chartered legal executives by CILEx Regulation, and immigration advisers by the Immigration Advice Authority. Some services, such as will writing, can legally be offered by unregulated businesses, and these do not give you the same protections.