Talk

Lots of places do a free 30 min appointment - gives you a chance to get a feel of the solicitor - imo you must feel comfortable when you will be discussing personal details and maybe get emotional too! Once you have a firm /solicitor name you can Google and see reviews too. If it's for divorce many firms do a payment plan.

Thanks for your reply. Good advice, I honestly feel a bit sorry for the solicitor who'll have to listen to me ranting!

A combination of my own experience and advice I was given.
First never waste time and money ranting at your solicitor use your friends for this.
Arrive with documents, list of questions etc. Stick the points.
Often the best solicitors don't give a free 30 mins, but they end up being cheaper in the long run as they crack on. By the same note you are often better paying more per hour for someone who really knows what they are doing.
My solicitor is not cheap £270, however, he delegates the grunt work to his legal aid (£150). Also he cuts to the chase and tells what to pursue and what not to bother with.

Thanks lonecat, god that is expensive!