Solicitors Business Loans: Fast, specialist support to match your firm with the right finance
Summary: If your UK solicitor practice (limited company or LLP) needs business finance — from short-term cashflow to partner buy-ins, PII premium funding, office fit-outs or technology upgrades — Fast Business Loans connects you quickly with lenders and brokers who specialise in the legal sector. We do not lend or give financial advice; we introduce your enquiry to suitable providers so you can compare options. Typical facilities we can help source start from around £10,000 and go significantly higher. Start a Free Eligibility Check and get matched fast: Get Started Free Eligibility Check.
Why UK solicitor practices need flexible finance
Legal practices often face unique cashflow pressures. Fees can be locked up for months in litigation or conveyancing, professional indemnity insurance (PII) premiums arrive annually, and partner drawings or buy-ins create timing mismatches. At the same time you may need to invest in case management systems, comply with SRA requirements, or expand to retain fee-earning staff. The takeaway? A tailored finance solution can smooth lock-up periods, fund strategic investment and protect your practice’s operation while you wait for client receipts.
Common funding scenarios for law firms
Here are typical situations where solicitor firms seek finance and how funding helps.
Working capital during fee lock-up
When fees sit as work‑in‑progress (WIP) or contingent sums, short-term facilities — such as cashflow loans or invoice-style funding for disbursements — provide liquidity to cover payroll, rent and partner drawings.
Partner buy-in / buy-out financing
Buying into, or acquiring, a partner’s share requires significant capital. Specialist term loans or structured buy‑in facilities can spread the cost and preserve business cash.
Office fit-outs, IT and case management systems
Asset finance and commercial loans allow you to modernise premises or invest in legal tech without eroding working capital.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) premium funding
PII premiums can be substantial. Premium finance spreads the cost into monthly payments, freeing up capital for the business.
If you’d like to see which solutions suit your practice, complete a quick enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.
Solicitor business finance options we can introduce
Fast Business Loans connects you with lenders and brokers who offer sector-appropriate products. Below is a practical comparison to help you understand the range.
| Product | Use | Typical size & term | Security considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsecured business loans | Short-term cashflow, smaller tech purchases | From £10,000 to £250,000; terms 1–5 years | Usually no business assets required; may need personal guarantees |
| Revolving credit / overdraft | Flexible access to working capital during fee lock-up | £10k–£1m+; ongoing facility | Often business security or guarantees depending on size |
| Invoice finance / WIP funding | Unlock cash tied to billed or unbilled work and disbursements | Facility limit based on WIP/debtors | Security against invoices/WIP |
| Asset & equipment finance | IT purchases, office fit-outs | £10k–£500k; terms linked to asset life | Secured on the assets financed |
| Commercial mortgages | Purchase or refinance of practice premises | £50k–£5m+; terms 5–25 years | Secured on property |
| Premium funding | Spread PII and other insurances | Amounts vary; repayments monthly over 6–12 months | No asset security; agreement with insurer/funder |
Note: product availability and terms depend on your firm’s circumstances. To compare offers quickly, use our short form: Get Quote Now.
Eligibility snapshot for solicitor firms
Eligibility varies by lender and product, but most funders reviewing legal practices will look at:
- Legal structure — limited company or LLP (we can match firms operating as these structures).
- Trading history — many lenders prefer at least 12 months’ trading for unsecured facilities; specialist brokers may place recently authorised firms with the right evidence.
- Turnover and profitability — demonstrated cashflows and management accounts matter.
- Regulatory compliance — SRA rules, PII in place and client account processes where relevant.
- Credit profile — initial enquiries carried out through our service do not trigger hard credit searches.
Common documents lenders request:
- Recent management accounts and bank statements
- Age analysis of WIP and invoiced but unpaid matters
- PII schedule and insurer details
- Business plan or cashflow forecast for larger facilities
Share a few details — receive lender responses fast: Free Eligibility Check.
How Fast Business Loans supports solicitors
We act as a specialist introducer: our role is to match your finance need with lenders/brokers who understand the legal sector. Our typical four-step process:
- Complete a short enquiry — it takes about 2 minutes.
- We match your firm to suitable partners on our panel.
- Matched lenders/brokers respond, usually within hours, to discuss options.
- You compare offers and proceed directly with the provider of your choice.
We do not charge businesses for introductions and do not provide regulated financial advice — we simply connect you with the right contacts. Get started here: Get Started — 2 Minute Form.
Case snapshots: legal firms we’ve helped
Commercial litigation firm — short-term working capital
Challenge: a mid-sized LLP faced a three-month cash gap while significant damages payments were awaited. Solution introduced: a tailored revolving facility allowing immediate payroll and rent cover. Outcome: operations continued uninterrupted; facility converted to a longer-term arrangement when the client settlement completed.
Regional conveyancing practice — IT upgrade and PII premium
Challenge: the firm needed a new case management system and to spread a large PII bill. Solution introduced: combined asset finance for IT plus premium funding for the insurer invoice. Outcome: faster implementation of productivity software and smoother annual budgeting.
These examples are anonymised and illustrative. For a bespoke match for your firm, complete a short enquiry: Get Quote Now.
Tips to strengthen your application
- Organise up-to-date management accounts and bank statements — lenders will look for consistent cash management.
- Prepare an aged WIP and debtor schedule — clear evidence of receivable pipelines helps specialist lenders assess contingent income.
- Document PII details and renewal dates — funders prefer to see cover in place.
- Explain one-off items and seasonality in a brief cashflow forecast.
- Be transparent about any previous credit issues — matched brokers can advise on suitable panels.
Want help preparing? Our partners can advise — start with a no‑obligation enquiry: Start Your Free Eligibility Check.
Key considerations & risks for legal finance
Before taking any finance, consider:
- Cost of credit — interest rates and arrangement fees vary by product and risk profile.
- Security and personal guarantees — some facilities may require directors’ guarantees or asset security.
- Client account rules — ensure any funding approach remains compliant with SRA rules on client money and disbursements.
- Impact on future borrowing — understand covenants and repayment schedules.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer only; we do not provide regulated financial advice. Always read terms carefully and consider talking to your accountant or adviser.
FAQs on solicitors business loans
Can newly authorised solicitor firms apply?
Yes — many lenders and specialist brokers will consider newly authorised firms, particularly if partners can evidence prior experience and provide a robust business plan. Our matching process identifies partners willing to review new-authority cases.
How quickly can funding be arranged?
After you submit your enquiry, you’ll typically hear from matched partners within hours. Times to funding depend on the product — unsecured facilities can complete in days; secured or property transactions take longer.
Will an initial enquiry affect our credit score?
No. Our initial enquiry and matching process does not trigger hard credit searches. Lenders will only perform hard checks if you choose to proceed with a specific facility.
Do lenders accept contingent fee income or WIP?
Specialist lenders assess contingent pipelines and WIP; providing up-to-date management information makes it easier for them to evaluate and place an appropriate facility.
Are personal guarantees always required?
Not always. Requirement for personal guarantees depends on the lender, facility size and security offered. Your matched broker will outline likely security requirements before you commit.
Can we finance a merger or partner acquisition?
Yes — there are structured finance solutions for buy-ins, buy-outs and mergers. Lenders will want to see forecasts and transition plans as part of underwriting.
Ready to compare offers? Start Your Free Quote.
Next steps with Fast Business Loans
Fast Business Loans helps you reach specialists who understand the challenges of running a legal practice. The simplest way to start is:
- Complete our quick online enquiry (under 2 minutes).
- We match you with lenders/brokers who understand solicitor firms.
- Receive rapid responses, compare options and choose the best fit.
Begin with a free, no-obligation eligibility check: Get Your Solicitor Finance Quote Now.
For sector-specific guidance, see our wider resources on Solicitors business loans: Solicitors business loans.
– What types of solicitors business loans and finance can you introduce?
We can match UK law firms with unsecured business loans, revolving credit/overdrafts, invoice and WIP funding, asset and equipment finance, commercial mortgages, and PII premium funding.
– How much can a UK law firm borrow and over what terms?
Facilities typically start from around £10,000, with unsecured terms of 1–5 years and larger, longer-term options available for secured property or asset-backed finance.
– How quickly can funding be arranged for a solicitor practice?
You’ll usually hear from matched lenders/brokers within hours, with unsecured facilities often completing in days and secured/property deals taking longer.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?
No — the initial enquiry and matching process do not trigger a hard credit search, which only occurs if you proceed with a specific lender.
– Is your online form an application or just an enquiry?
It’s a no-obligation enquiry used to match your firm with suitable lenders/brokers, not a full loan application.
– Are you a lender, and does your service cost anything?
Fast Business Loans is an introducer (not a lender) and our matching service is free for businesses to use.
– Can newly authorised or start‑up solicitor firms get finance?
Yes — many specialist lenders will consider new firms where partners show relevant experience and a solid plan.
– Do lenders accept WIP, disbursements or contingent fee income?
Specialist legal-sector funders can assess WIP and contingent pipelines when supported by current management information.
– Will we need personal guarantees or security?
It depends on the product and facility size — some unsecured loans may require personal guarantees, while asset and property finance are typically secured on those assets.
– What documents and compliance do lenders look for?
Expect requests for recent management accounts, bank statements, aged WIP/debtor schedules, PII details, and evidence of SRA-compliant processes where relevant.
