Solicitors Business Loans & Finance Solutions
Summary: If your law firm needs funding to manage cash flow, pay expert fees, support litigation disbursements, finance a partner buy-in or invest in premises or IT, Fast Business Loans can quickly match your practice with specialist lenders and brokers. We are a free introducer (not a lender or financial adviser). Complete a short enquiry and receive a no-obligation response — enquiries do not affect your credit score. Typical funding starts from £10,000 and up.
No impact on your credit score. We introduce you to lenders and brokers who understand legal practice finance.
Why Law Firms Need Specialist Finance
Legal practices face a set of cash-flow pressures that differ from many other sectors. Delays in settlements, large disbursement costs, expert witness fees, professional indemnity premiums and partner drawings can create short-term liquidity gaps even when a firm is profitable on paper.
General commercial lenders may not appreciate the particular timing of legal receipts or SRA/client account rules. Specialist lenders and brokers understand WIP (work in progress) profiles, conditional fee arrangements and litigation funding cycles — and will underwrite accordingly.
Business Finance Options for Solicitors
There is no single “best” product for every firm — choice depends on the cashflow issue, the firm’s structure and the timing of receipts. Below are the common solutions used by UK law firms.
Working Capital & Cashflow Loans
Short-to-medium term loans that cover payroll, expert fees or disbursement payments while invoices settle. These can be unsecured or secured and are typically suited to predictable, short-term needs.
Invoice & WIP Finance for Law Firms
Invoice finance and WIP funding release cash against billed invoices or, in some specialist arrangements, unbilled WIP. Funders who work with solicitors will ensure compliance with SRA rules and client account considerations.
Asset & Equipment Finance
For IT systems, case management platforms, phones or office equipment. Asset finance spreads the cost of upgrades and preserves cash for core operations.
Partner Buy-in & MBO Finance
Structured funding to support partner equity purchases, succession or management buy-outs. Deals are bespoke and typically underwritten to the firm’s long-term cashflows.
Commercial Mortgages & Office Fit-Outs
Finance for property purchase, leasehold improvements or refurbishments. Lenders consider location, lease terms and the firm’s covenant strength.
Quick Comparison: Which Finance Fits?
| Product | Typical Uses | Indicative Term | Typical Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Capital Loan | Cover payroll, short-term disbursements | 3 months – 3 years | From £10,000 upwards |
| Invoice / WIP Finance | Release cash from billed/unbilled fees | Revolving facility | Facilities sized to turnover |
| Asset Finance | IT, equipment, vehicles | 1 – 5 years | £10k – £250k+ |
| Partner Buy-in / MBO | Ownership transitions | 3 – 10 years | Deal-dependent |
How Fast Business Loans Supports Solicitors
We act as a simple, fast bridge between your firm and lenders or brokers who specialise in professional services and legal-sector finance. Our process is designed to save time and increase the chance of a suitable match.
- Enquiry — you complete a short form with key details (takes 2 minutes).
- Match — we match your request to lenders and brokers with relevant experience.
- Response — expect a call or email listing options and next steps.
- Decide — compare offers and proceed directly with the lender/broker if you choose.
Our introduction service is free to use. We do not lend or give regulated financial advice; we introduce you to providers who can help.
For broader sector information see our pillar resource on solicitors business loans.
Eligibility & Documentation Checklist
Typical Eligibility Factors
- Minimum firm trading history and turnover (varies by lender).
- WIP and debtor profile — types of cases and payment timelines.
- Partners’ experience and the firm’s management accounts.
- Presence of adverse credit (CCJs) or ongoing investigations can affect options.
Documents Solicitors Commonly Provide
- Last two years’ accounts and most recent management accounts.
- WIP report and aged debtors schedule.
- Breakdown of fee earners and client billing terms.
- Proof of professional indemnity insurance and SRA client account summaries where applicable.
Note: Lenders may carry out credit, identity and anti-money laundering checks with your consent during underwriting.
Responsible Borrowing & Regulatory Considerations
Finance should support the firm’s operations, not strain it. When reviewing offers consider realistic repayment schedules, the impact on partner draws and the security being requested. Compare total costs, arrangement fees and early repayment terms.
“Finance should support your case load, not strain it.”
We aim to be clear and not misleading — submitting an enquiry is a starting point. Any specific lending is subject to the provider’s terms and underwriting.
Costs, Fees & What to Expect
Using Fast Business Loans is free. Lenders and brokers may charge:
- Arrangement or facility fees.
- Interest or service fees (varies by product).
- Charges for early repayment in some agreements.
- Security requirements such as personal guarantees or charges against business assets — this depends on the provider and transaction size.
Always request a full breakdown of fees and compare more than one offer before you commit.
Success Snapshot: How Law Firms Use Funding
- PI-focused firm used invoice finance to settle expert and counsel fees during a peak claims period — improved cashflow within 72 hours of facility approval.
- Regional practice funded a partner buy-in with a tailored loan enabling smooth ownership transition without interrupting operations.
- Boutique commercial team upgraded case management and IT via asset finance while preserving working capital for staff costs.
Speak to Legal-Finance Specialists Today
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Enquiry
- Gather brief details: firm name, turnover, what you need funding for and approximate amount.
- Complete the short enquiry form (under 2 minutes): Get Quote.
- We match you and introduce appropriate lenders/brokers who contact you to discuss options.
- Compare proposals, negotiate terms and proceed when you’re satisfied — the choice is yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you supply loans directly?
No — Fast Business Loans is an introducer. We connect your firm with lenders and brokers who provide finance.
Will an enquiry affect our credit score?
No — submitting our enquiry does not affect your credit score. Individual lenders may run checks with your consent when you progress.
Can funding cover disbursements and counsel fees?
Yes — many solutions (working capital loans, invoice/WIP finance) can be structured to cover disbursements, expert and counsel fees where permissible.
How quickly can funding arrive?
Times vary: simple working capital or invoice facilities can be in place within a few days; more complex transactions (buy-ins, property finance) take longer.
Do partners need to provide personal guarantees?
Some lenders require personal guarantees or security, especially for smaller firms or higher facility amounts. This will be made clear during the proposal stage.
What if we’ve been declined elsewhere?
A declined application doesn’t always rule out other options. We work with a wide panel — different lenders have different risk appetites.
Ready to Explore Solicitor Finance?
If your firm needs funding from £10,000 upwards, complete a short, no-obligation enquiry and we’ll match you to lenders and brokers who understand legal practice finance. Submitting an enquiry won’t affect your credit score and our service is free.
Introductions only — your choice to proceed. Providers will assess affordability and may request further documentation.
Fast Business Loans is an introducer, not a lender or regulated financial adviser. Finance is subject to status, lender terms and underwriting. Consider the affordability of repayments before borrowing.
– What is Fast Business Loans — are you a lender?
We’re a free introducer that connects UK solicitors and legal practices with vetted lenders and brokers; we don’t lend or provide financial advice.
– Is the online enquiry an application?
No — it’s a short, no-obligation information form used solely to match your firm with suitable providers.
– Will submitting an enquiry affect our credit score?
No — our eligibility check doesn’t impact your credit score; lenders may run checks later with your consent.
– What types of solicitor business finance can you introduce?
Working capital loans, invoice and WIP finance, asset and equipment finance, partner buy-in funding, and commercial mortgages/fit-out finance.
– How quickly can a law firm get funding in place?
Simple working capital or invoice/WIP facilities can be arranged in a few days, while partner buy-ins and property finance typically take longer.
– What loan amounts are available for legal practices?
Funding usually starts from £10,000, with facility sizes dependent on turnover, security and underwriting.
– Can funding cover disbursements, expert and counsel fees, or litigation costs?
Yes — solutions like working capital loans and invoice/WIP finance can be structured to cover these costs in line with SRA/client-account rules.
– What are the typical eligibility criteria for solicitor finance?
Lenders consider trading history and turnover, WIP and debtor profiles, partners’ experience, and any adverse credit.
– What documents will we need to provide?
Expect to share recent accounts and management accounts, WIP reports, aged debtors, fee-earner/billing details, and proof of PI insurance (plus client-account summaries if relevant).
– Will partners need to give personal guarantees or provide security?
Some lenders may request personal guarantees or asset security depending on firm size, risk profile and facility amount.
