How do you choose a lawyer?

[HolidayAtNight]

Asking for some advice on behalf of a friend - she's in the process of separation from her husband (they have children) and would like to find a good divorce/family law solicitor. We looked at the Law Society's database but there are literally hundreds of suitable firms within reasonable distance of where she lives. How did you narrow it down? Are there reputable review sites? Thank you!

To be honest, I went with a recommendation from a Facebook group for expats in the area. However, I needed someone who has experience with binational couples and could cope with English and us potentially being in different countries (we live abroad and I'm not sure whether "D"H will return to the UK in the next few weeks).

Thank you! Theirs is also a bit of a complex situation so finding a group for people in similar circumstances is a really good tip.

If she's in the UK she doesn't need a Solicit to apply for the Divorce, she's better of doing that now herself before he does. But she does need a good family lawyer for the financial settlement.

I'd avoid any that offered a free or reduced initial fee and try and go on local recommendations as the PP said.

I asked Women's Aid for a recommendation.

I took a family law society recommendation and one I could walk too in my lunch break as there is a lot of meetings involved.

Try the Legal 500 for a starting point https://www.legal500.com/rankings