Last Updated on 20 May 2026 by Dave King
This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Always consult a qualified solicitor for advice on your specific situation.
Brighton has dozens of solicitor firms covering everything from conveyancing and family law to commercial disputes and wills. The problem is knowing which firm handles what, whether they are properly regulated, and what it is likely to cost. This guide lists the main solicitors in Brighton by speciality, explains how to verify any firm before you instruct them, and covers the practical steps from first contact to fees.
Table of Contents
How to Check a Solicitor Is Legitimate
Before instructing anyone, check two things:
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) register. Search for the firm or individual at sra.org.uk/consumers/register. This confirms they are authorised and regulated. If they are not on the register, do not use them.
- Law Society Find a Solicitor. The Law Society directory lets you search by location and area of law. It shows accreditations such as the Conveyancing Quality Scheme, which indicates the firm has met specific standards for property work.
These checks take two minutes and are the single most important step before handing over any money or documents.
Established Firms in Brighton
The firms listed below are included based on their Brighton or Hove presence, publicly verifiable regulatory details, and, in some cases, listings in legal directories such as Legal 500 and Chambers. This is not an endorsement or recommendation of any individual firm.
DMH Stallard is a long-established full-service firm with its Brighton headquarters on Church Street. Founded in Brighton in 1970, they cover commercial, property, family, employment, dispute resolution and private client work. Their Brighton office is at The Portland Building, 27-28 Church Street, BN1 1RB. Phone 01273 329833. dmhstallard.com
Dean Wilson LLP has been in Brighton for over 100 years and is listed in both Legal 500 and Chambers for family law and property work. They cover conveyancing, family, personal injury, commercial, wills and probate. Their office is at Ridgeland House, 165 Dyke Road, Brighton BN3 1TL. Phone 01273 249200. deanwilson.co.uk
Sherwood Solicitors specialises in residential property and conveyancing. They are a Conveyancing Quality Scheme accredited firm and have been in Brighton since the 1960s. Their office is at 153 Edward Street, Brighton BN2 0JG. sherwoodsolicitors.co.uk
GoodLaw Solicitors covers family law, conveyancing, wills, probate and dispute resolution. Based at 6 The Drive, Hove BN3 3JA. goodlawsolicitors.co.uk
Britton and Time Solicitors covers conveyancing, family law, wills and commercial property. Based at 39 Church Road, Hove BN3 2BE.
There are many other solicitors in Brighton beyond these five. The Law Society directory and SRA register are the best tools for finding firms that specialise in your specific area of law.
Common Areas of Law
Conveyancing (buying or selling property). This is the most common reason people contact solicitors in Brighton. If you are buying property here, our guide to parking in Brighton may also be useful for understanding the practical side of living in the city. Fees for a standard residential purchase typically range from £800 to £1,500 plus disbursements such as searches, Land Registry fees and Stamp Duty. Ask for an itemised quote that separates the legal fee from the disbursements so you can compare like for like. Look for firms with the Conveyancing Quality Scheme accreditation.
Family law (divorce, child arrangements, financial settlements). Costs vary widely depending on whether matters are resolved through mediation or go to court. Many family solicitors offer a fixed-fee initial consultation. Mediation is generally cheaper and faster than court proceedings. The Family Mediation Council has a directory of accredited mediators.
Wills, probate and lasting powers of attorney. A simple will typically costs £150 to £500. Probate fees depend on the size and complexity of the estate. Lasting powers of attorney cost £92 per document to register with the Office of the Public Guardian. Some solicitors offer will-writing as a fixed-fee service.
Employment law. If you have a dispute with an employer, a solicitor can advise on settlement agreements, unfair dismissal claims and tribunal proceedings. Some employment solicitors offer a free initial call to assess whether you have a case.
Commercial law. Covers contracts, company formation, intellectual property and partnership agreements. Relevant for Brighton’s large number of small businesses, freelancers and hospitality operators.
What to Ask Before Instructing a Solicitor
These questions will help you compare firms:
- What is your fee for this specific piece of work, and is it fixed or hourly?
- What disbursements will be charged on top of the legal fee?
- Who will be handling my case day to day?
- What is the likely timescale?
- Do you offer a free or fixed-fee initial consultation?
- Are you accredited or listed in any legal directories for this area of law?
Get answers in writing before you commit. A reputable firm will be happy to provide a clear breakdown.
Legal Aid
Legal aid is available for some types of case, including certain family matters, housing disputes and cases involving domestic abuse. Eligibility depends on your financial circumstances and the type of case. Check your eligibility at gov.uk/legal-aid. Not all solicitors in Brighton accept legal aid cases, so confirm this before booking a consultation.
FAQs
How do I find a solicitor in Brighton for my specific issue?
Use the Law Society Find a Solicitor tool. Search by location and area of law. Cross-check any firm on the SRA register to confirm they are authorised and regulated.
How much does a solicitor cost in Brighton?
It depends on the type of work. Conveyancing for a standard house purchase is typically £800 to £1,500 plus disbursements. A simple will is £150 to £500. Family law costs vary widely depending on whether the case goes to court. Always ask for an itemised quote before instructing.
Can I get a free consultation with a solicitor in Brighton?
Many solicitors in Brighton offer a free or fixed-fee initial consultation, especially for family law and employment matters. Ask when you first make contact. Use the consultation to assess the solicitor’s communication style and get a clear fee estimate for the work.
What is the Conveyancing Quality Scheme?
It is a Law Society accreditation for firms that meet specific standards in residential conveyancing. It covers areas like client care, file management and complaint handling. Using a CQS-accredited firm gives some assurance of quality for property transactions. Sherwood Solicitors and several other Brighton firms hold this accreditation.
How long does conveyancing take in Brighton?
A typical residential purchase takes 8 to 12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion. Delays are common due to search turnaround times, mortgage processing, leasehold enquiries and chains. Your solicitor should give you a realistic timeline at the start and keep you updated on progress.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right solicitor in Brighton comes down to matching the firm’s specialism to your need, checking they are SRA regulated, and getting a clear fee estimate before you commit. Use the Law Society directory to search by area of law, cross-check on the SRA register, and ask the questions listed above during your first conversation. Brighton has enough firms covering every common area of law that you should not have to look far.
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