Freelance Solicitors Professional Indemnity Insurance
Freelance Solicitors require Professional Indemnity Insurance that complies with SRA regulations. This includes arranging adequate and appropriate cover if providing reserved legal services to the public or when required to assess practice risks. Suitable insurance protects both solicitors and their clients’ interests, and our Market Overview explains the current landscape and challenges in obtaining the right cover.
What are the Differences Between Consultant and Freelance Solicitors Insurance?
As a Consultant Solicitor, you must operate under the umbrella of a fully regulated SRA firm, where Professional Indemnity Insurance almost always provides cover for your work.
A Freelance Solicitor, however, must arrange their own policy.
When We
Can Help Freelance Solicitors
- Anticipated fees greater than £20,000
- Over 5 years post-qualified experience
- A clean claims experience
- Offering both reserved and non-reserved legal advice
When It May Be Difficult to Arrange Cover
- 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?
A Freelance Solicitor is a self-employed individual who:
- Practises on their own, without employing others in connection with their services
- Practises in their own name, not under a trading name or through a service company
- Is engaged and paid directly by clients
Full SRA Authorisation Is Required If:
- You provide immigration services unless regulated by the
Office of Immigration Services Commissioner - You provide Claims Management Services or are regulated under Financial Services Activities
Specialist cover arranged by experts. Protect your practice and meet SRA requirements.
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