Why legal practices need tailored finance

Solicitors’ firms face funding demands that differ from other sectors. Long case timelines, disbursement-heavy matters, unpredictable settlement schedules and high professional indemnity insurance (PII) costs all create irregular cash flow. Growth ambitions — opening new offices, hiring fee-earners, or investing in case-management systems — often require capital that standard business bank products don’t suit.

Here’s why a sector-aware finance partner matters:

• Understanding of legal billing cycles and WIP (work in progress).
• Experience with disbursement-led cashflow and retainer models.
• Familiarity with regulated arrangements and client money rules.
• Ability to match loans to practice structures such as LLPs, ABS and limited companies (we do not arrange sole trader finance).

Want to explore options quickly? Get Quote Now — it’s free and no obligation.

Finance options for solicitors explained

There’s no single “best” product for every law firm. Below are common finance routes and how firms typically use them.

Working capital / business loans

Flexible loans for cashflow and growth. Typical loan sizes: £10,000 to £1m+. Terms range from 1–7 years. Can be unsecured or secured against business assets.

Invoice finance & case-funding lines

Invoice discounting or factoring can unlock cash tied up in invoices and WIP. Particularly useful where there are long payment cycles or disbursements to cover. Typical facilities scale with billing volume.

Bridging & acquisition finance

Short-term bridging loans help with practice purchases, leasehold transfers, or urgent completions. Terms are usually short (weeks to months) and often higher cost than longer-term lending.

Asset & equipment finance

For IT, servers, or office fit-outs — finance lets you spread cost while preserving working capital. Terms depend on asset life and residual values.

Tax and liability funding

Facilities to smooth corporation tax, VAT or staff tax payment timings. Useful for firms facing seasonal spikes or one-off liabilities.

Compare lenders and find the right fit: Free Eligibility Check.

Comparing key finance routes for solicitors

Use this quick reference to see which route often suits which need.

Note: All figures are indicative. Offers depend on lender assessment and practice circumstances.

How our matching service works for solicitors

Step 1: Complete a quick enquiry

Tell us a few practice details — loan amount, purpose, company structure. It takes under 2 minutes. This enquiry is not an application and won’t affect credit scores. Free Eligibility Check

Step 2: Sector-aware matching

We use your details to select brokers and lenders who understand legal cashflow patterns, disbursement funding and PII-related costs.

Step 3: Speak to a lender or broker

Approved partners contact you to review terms, confirm documents, and provide soft eligibility or indicative quotes. You decide whether to proceed.

Step 4: Decide and fund

Choose the lender that best fits your needs. Final offers follow lender due diligence and the agreed terms between you and them.

Start now — it’s quick, free and no obligation: Get Started.

Lender expectations & eligibility checklist

Different lenders ask for different things, but these are commonly requested items:

• Business structure and ownership details (LLP, limited company, ABS).
• Management accounts and 1–3 years’ statutory accounts where available.
• WIP summary and aged debtor report.
• Details of any existing borrowing and repayment performance.
• Proof of PII cover and compliance checks where relevant.
• Cashflow forecasts for proposed use of funds.

Credit history, director personal guarantees and security requirements will vary between lenders. If you’re unsure what you’ll need, our partners can advise when they contact you. Free Eligibility Check

Funding use cases & success scenarios

Here are anonymised examples of how other practices have used finance successfully.

• Regional firm bridging VAT liability: Short-term working capital to cover VAT and payroll, repaid after fee receipts cleared. Result: no interruption to operations and staff retained.
• Boutique practice funding disbursements: Invoice finance to release cash tied to billed cases. Result: smoother cashflow and faster case progression.
• Mid-size firm acquisition bridge: Short-term bridging loan to secure an office lease and integrate a small practice. Result: acquisition completed; longer-term refinance arranged.

See how your firm could benefit — Get Quote Now.

Responsible finance & compliance considerations

Fast Business Loans introduces firms to lenders and brokers; we do not provide credit or regulated financial advice. Always read a lender’s full terms before proceeding. Consider obtaining independent financial or legal advice if you are unsure about a product’s suitability.

Submitting an enquiry is free, no obligation and will not affect your credit file. Your chosen lender will provide full terms and carry out any formal checks required.

Why choose Fast Business Loans for solicitors

We focus on speed, relevance and convenience. Key benefits:

• Sector experience: We match you with partners familiar with legal practice cashflow.
• Time saved: No need to contact multiple lenders — we introduce suitable matches.
• Secure & confidential: Details shared only with partners likely to help.
• No upfront cost: Our matching service is free for practices and no obligation to proceed.

Ready to connect with specialist brokers and lenders? Get Started

Learn more about solicitor-focused finance on our industry hub: solicitors business loans.

Practical tips: preparing your law firm for funding

• Consolidate recent management accounts and a short cashflow forecast (3–6 months).
• Prepare a WIP and debtor ageing report showing expected receipts.
• Document any upcoming one-off costs (PII renewal, IT upgrades, property costs).
• Be ready to explain client billing processes and typical payment times.
• Decide what level of security, if any, you are willing to offer (director guarantees, asset security).

FAQ: Solicitors Business Loans

Do Fast Business Loans provide the loan directly?

No. We introduce law firms to lenders and brokers who can provide funding. We do not lend money or offer regulated financial advice.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No. Completing our short enquiry is a soft, non-credit-impacting step. Lenders may carry out credit checks only if you choose to progress to a full application.

What’s the minimum loan size you can help with?

We focus on loans of £10,000 and above. If you require smaller sums, please discuss this with our partners once matched.

Can newly formed solicitors practices apply?

Eligibility depends on lender criteria. Some lenders will consider younger firms with strong contracts, retainer income or experienced directors. We’ll match you to partners who may consider newer practices.

How long until I hear back from a lender?

Many partners respond within hours during business days. Final funding times depend on documentation, lender due diligence and the finance type — from 24 hours for some short-term facilities to several weeks for larger or secured deals.

Can I refinance existing practice loans?

Yes. Refinance and consolidation options are common — they can reduce monthly costs or simplify borrowing. Your matched broker or lender can explore the best route for you.

Summary & next steps

Fast Business Loans makes it easier for solicitors to find the right finance by quickly matching practices with lenders and brokers that understand the legal sector. Our service is free to use, non-binding and designed to save you time while increasing the chance of finding suitable terms for loans from £10,000 upwards.

Take two minutes now: complete our short enquiry and receive tailored matches from experienced finance partners. Free Eligibility Check — Get Started

Disclosure: Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Your chosen lender or broker will provide full terms and carry out any necessary checks.