Question 1

Can I charge for legal support work if I am not a qualified solicitor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Providing legal support, document review, research, and advisory assistance is not a reserved legal activity under the Legal Services Act 2007. Only specific activities such as conducting litigation, exercising rights of audience in court, and conveyancing require authorisation. Experienced non-qualified professionals can lawfully charge for their time and expertise.

Question 2

What is a fair hourly rate for a non-qualified legal professional in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Based on Law Society guideline rates and market data, a non-qualified legal professional with 5-12 years of experience can reasonably charge £35-£70 per hour for direct engagement work in family law or probate matters. The appropriate rate depends on experience level, practice area, location, and the complexity of the matter.

Question 3

Why should I be paid more than an employed paralegal's salary suggests?

Accepted Answer

When a law firm charges a client, only approximately one-third of the fee reaches the fee-earner as salary. The remaining two-thirds covers firm overheads and profit. When you work directly with a client, those overheads do not exist. A fair direct-engagement rate should reflect the full value being delivered, not just the salary component.

Question 4

Is a verbal agreement to pay for legal support enforceable?

Accepted Answer

Verbal agreements can be legally binding in England and Wales, but they are extremely difficult to enforce without written evidence. It is strongly recommended to agree the rate, scope, and payment terms in writing before commencing any work.