Can you negotiate solicitors fees?

BoBoDobie

I need a legal document drawing up, in the family law arena, I had several quotes back (with set fees being given) and have 2 front runners. One sounded great over email, answered all my questions plus addressed things I’d not thought of. I liked the sound of them.  The other didn’t give me as much back but had a great price.

Would it be acceptable or worthwhile going back to my favourite one and saying I’d like to go with them but a local firm has quoted X and is there any chance on movement on their price?

Or is that being rude to ask.

Emmia

You can ask, but they might turn you down...

Personally I'd pay the firm that has already given you good advice/response what they're asking. 

DullGreyGuy

BoBoDobie said:

I need a legal document drawing up, in the family law arena, I had several quotes back (with set fees being given) and have 2 front runners. One sounded great over email, answered all my questions plus addressed things I’d not thought of. I liked the sound of them.  The other didn’t give me as much back but had a great price.

Would it be acceptable or worthwhile going back to my favourite one and saying I’d like to go with them but a local firm has quoted X and is there any chance on movement on their price?

Or is that being rude to ask.

If it's rude or not depends on how you ask. 

Its may also be worth asking who will be doing the work, if instructed, to both firms. In some cases the best person does the sales work and your then put to the work experience person to do the actual work. The easiest way to get legal work cheaper is paying for a paralegal rather than Partner to do most the work but sometimes thats false economy when the quality of the output suffers. 

BoBoDobie

DullGreyGuy said:

BoBoDobie said:

I need a legal document drawing up, in the family law arena, I had several quotes back (with set fees being given) and have 2 front runners. One sounded great over email, answered all my questions plus addressed things I’d not thought of. I liked the sound of them.  The other didn’t give me as much back but had a great price.

Would it be acceptable or worthwhile going back to my favourite one and saying I’d like to go with them but a local firm has quoted X and is there any chance on movement on their price?

Or is that being rude to ask.

If it's rude or not depends on how you ask. 

Its may also be worth asking who will be doing the work, if instructed, to both firms. In some cases the best person does the sales work and your then put to the work experience person to do the actual work. The easiest way to get legal work cheaper is paying for a paralegal rather than Partner to do most the work but sometimes thats false economy when the quality of the output suffers. 

Thank you, the secretary responded and the senior partner would be doing the works.

Exodi

I've negotiated with solicitor quotes before, oftentimes with no success, but on occasion I've managed to gain a reduction (though as above, I'd be polite in the way you ask).

Depending on the difference in price, I'd probably prefer to go with the former regardless. This sort of thing can pay dividends.

BoBoDobie

Thanks all, I’m pleased to say it worked!! Whilst they won’t match the lower fees, they have reduced theirs and met me half way if you like. I’m happily proceeding with them so definitely worth the ask.

Hoenir

Remember time costs money. Use the solicitor's wisely. To avoid add on charges. 

T.T.D

Solicitors set their fee’s based on their experience and qualification and speciality. 

Family Law is a guaranteed earner no matter what, where there’s you and your case there is 200 more behind you with a similar one. Most solicitors will not bother with negotiating their fees. 

You may save by looking at your local law chambers for a lawyer/barrister who specialises in family law if you believe you have a specialty case their fees are usually set and upfront with you.