Plain English legal cost guidance
How to reduce legal costs before instructing a solicitor.
The right route depends on the work required. Some matters need a solicitor or barrister. Others first need disciplined document preparation, evidence organisation and a clear plan.
| Traditional open retainer | Fenton Marsh targeted support |
|---|---|
| Often useful where representation, reserved litigation, advocacy or complex regulated work is required. | Useful where the immediate need is documents, evidence, bundle preparation and practical guidance. |
| Costs can grow as emails, calls, drafts and administration continue. | We scope tasks wherever possible before paid work starts. |
| The client may pay for the whole law-firm structure. | More of the work is focused on the document, issue and evidence. |
| The solicitor may formally conduct litigation where instructed and authorised. | You remain responsible for filing, service, correspondence and hearings unless otherwise lawfully agreed. |
When Fenton Marsh may fit
You need statements, applications, bundles, evidence schedules, draft orders, correspondence or speaking notes and want the work scoped before cost runs away.
When a solicitor may be needed
If the work involves reserved litigation, formal representation, regulated advocacy, client money or specialist regulated advice, we will say so clearly.
What improves any route
A chronology, clean evidence file, list of issues and clear objective will reduce confusion whether you use us, a solicitor, counsel or act alone.
Free initial consultation
Send the papers. We will identify the next sensible step.
Tell us the deadline first. Then send the order, notice, claim, statement, correspondence or bundle index that explains what has happened.
No paid work starts unless scope and fee have been agreed.