Freelance Solicitors Professional Indemnity
Freelance Solicitors require Professional Indemnity Insurance that complies with SRA regulations, arranging adequate and appropriate cover if providing reserved legal services to the public or are expected to assess their practice risks and consider obtaining suitable insurance coverage to protect clients’ interests.
What differences are there between a Consultant Solicitors and Freelance Solicitors Insurance?
As a Consultant Solicitor you must operate under the umbrella of a fully regulated SRA firm whose Professional Indemnity Insurance almost always provides cover for work you undertake but a Freelncer Solicitor must purchase his or her own Insurance.
Freelance Solicitors we can help
- Anticipated Fees greater than £20,000
- Over 5 years Post Qualified Experience
- a clean claims experience
- Both those offerting resrved and non-reserved advice
Freelance Solicitors we will find difficult to arrange Insurance for
- Overseas Exposure
- Mergers & Acquisitions Work
- IP Work
- Commercial Work for Public Companies
- More than 20% Commercial Litigation
- any Financial Services Work
What is a Freelance Solicitor?
Is a self-employed individual who:
- practises on their own, without employing anyone else in connection with the services they provide.
- practises in their own name, and not under a trading name or through a service company
- Is engaged and paid directly by clients
Full SRA Authorisation is needed if:
- You provide immigration services unless regulated by the Office of Immigration Services Commissioner
- You provide Claims Management Services or are regulated Financial Services Activities
Freelance solicitors regulated by the SRA may provide both reserved and non-reserved legal services. Below is a summary of what services are permitted and the associated insurance requirements.
| Legal Activity | Reserved or Non-Reserved? | Can a Freelance Solicitor Offer This? | SRA-Mandated PII Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conduct of Litigation (e.g. issuing proceedings) | Reserved | ✅ Yes | Yes – adequate & appropriate cover required |
| Right of Audience (court representation) | Reserved | ✅ Yes | Yes – adequate & appropriate cover required |
| Conveyancing (transfer of legal title) | Reserved | ✅ Yes | Yes – adequate & appropriate cover required |
| Probate Work | Reserved | ✅ Yes | Yes – adequate & appropriate cover required |
| Administering Oaths | Reserved | ✅ Yes | Yes – adequate & appropriate cover required |
| Contract Law Advice | Non-Reserved | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ No (but recommended) |
| Employment Law Advice | Non-Reserved | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ No (but recommended) |
| Will Writing (Drafting) | Non-Reserved | ✅ Yes (excluding probate) | ⚠️ No (but recommended) |
Note: Freelance solicitors offering reserved legal activities must meet the SRA’s criteria, including holding a practising certificate, not operating through a company, and having adequate and appropriate PII.
Links to guidance & and support:
Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) – Guidance notes
How to be a Freelance Solicitor – Paperback Book
Freelance Solicitors – A fact sheet
How much does PII Cost? 📥Download Our Free Freelance Solicitors Guide
Freelance Solicitors Market Update – Link to market overview
Cyber Liability for Solicitors – Cover details available
