When you’re thrown into the world of child protection, court proceedings, or PLO letters — it’s overwhelming. You’re told what to do, what not to do, who you should speak to. You’re handed a list of “recommended” solicitors. And because you’ve never been here before, you follow the lead.
But here’s something I wish someone had told me back then:
You do not have to use a solicitor just because they’re local. In fact, sometimes, for your own protection , it’s better that you don’t.
The Lists You’re Given Aren’t Always Neutral
When this all started for us, I was clueless. We were handed the usual solicitor list with the PLO letter. I called a couple, expecting support.
Instead?
I was met with rudeness. Judgment. No warmth. No help. It felt like I was already labelled before I even spoke. One wouldn’t even let me finish my sentence before deciding what kind of parent I must be.
Later, I found out one of those firms was also representing foster carers — working with the same council I was fighting against. No one declared that. No one told me there could be a conflict.
It was just… normal. Gut Feelings Matter, So Does Independence
Something didn’t feel right. I trusted that feeling. I started researching outside the county and found a solicitor who actually listened. Who believed me. Who stood their ground. She nearly won our case.
Her boss, a lady I’ll never forget, once said to me:
“If your social worker is a pain in the arse, we can’t expect much — but we’ll try.”
That’s the kind of solicitor you want on your side. Someone honest, human, and not afraid to fight.
The Problem With Local Solicitors
This isn’t about blaming every local solicitor — many are good people. But there are reasons families are cautioned against using someone too close to the system they’re fighting:
They may have ongoing professional relationships with your local authority (social services, judges, CAFCASS, etc.).
Some act both for and against the council in different cases — and while that’s technically allowed, it can blur lines.
In smaller towns or rural areas, it’s common for solicitors and professionals to all “know each other.” That can make parents feel silenced or surrounded.
Even when they try to stay neutral, perception matters — and if a parent doesn’t trust their legal rep, how can they feel protected?
In law, there’s a concept called the “appearance of bias.” It doesn’t have to be proven — if a fair-minded person might reasonably suspect bias, that’s enough to raise concern.
You Can Get Legal Aid Without Being Local
Another myth I’ve heard again and again:
“You have to use a local solicitor so you can meet in person and do the legal aid paperwork.”
Nope.
Legal aid forms can be completed remotely — by phone, email, or post. Many solicitors now work nationally. Some even specialise in social care and child protection cases from across the UK. You do not need to sit in a physical office to apply for support.
If a solicitor insists otherwise — it’s worth questioning why.
What the Rules Actually Say
The Law Society’s guidance is clear: solicitors must avoid or declare any conflict of interest. That includes acting for a client while having another connection (past or present) that might affect loyalty or judgment. That means:
If a firm is currently representing other parties (like foster carers, the local authority, or related professionals), they should disclose this. If they have frequent working relationships with your local authority, it’s fair to ask if they can challenge that authority without fear of backlash.
You are allowed to ask these questions. You’re allowed to walk away.
How to Choose the Right Solicitor for You
Here are some tips I wish I’d known:
- Look outside your county. It widens your options and reduces ties to local services.
- Ask direct questions: “Have you worked with this local authority before?” “Do you currently represent any foster carers or professionals linked to this case?”
- Check how they handle communication. Are they responsive, respectful, and clear?
- Trust your gut. If they make you feel judged, small, or like an inconvenience — walk away.
- Choose someone who sees you as a parent, not just a case file.
Final Words
You don’t get to choose many things when social services get involved. But you do get to choose your solicitor.
That choice can shape the entire journey.
So if you’re a parent reading this , especially one at the start of the process , please know:
- You are allowed to shop around.
- You are allowed to ask questions.
- You are allowed to say no to someone just because they’re on “the list.”
And if all else fails — remember what my solicitor’s boss once said:
“If the social worker’s a pain in the arse, we can’t expect much — but we’ll try.”
Sometimes, that’s all the hope you need.
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