Best solicitor you can afford

[Horsemad]

I see this advice quite a lot, especially in matrimonial cases, but surely the law is the law and so the settlements should reflect this? Why would getting 'the best you can afford' make a difference?

So that you get best advice and stand a greater chance of either settling early or not embarking on a wild goose chase with unrealistic expectations. Also a solicitor who charges more should generally make themselves more available to you.
A solicitor will charge more the more experience they have.