Why Solicitors Need Specialist Finance

Legal practices work to a different rhythm than many businesses: client instructions, lengthy litigation timetables, disbursement responsibilities and conditional fee recoveries can create unpredictable cashflow. Common funding triggers for solicitors include:

• Bridging disbursement and court fee costs while waiting for case settlements
• Smoothing payroll and VAT peaks during slow billing cycles
• Buying out or financing partner admissions and withdrawals
• Investing in practice management systems, premises fit-outs or specialist hires
• Funding case-related costs (for example personal injury or litigation funding) where allowed by lender terms

Because of these sector-specific risks and cashflow patterns, many lenders use specialised underwriting criteria for law firms. Matching with lenders or brokers who understand legal practice finance significantly improves your chances of a suitable, competitive offer.

How Fast Business Loans Supports Solicitors

Streamlined enquiry, expert matching

Fast Business Loans is an introducer — we do not provide loans or regulated advice. Our role is to:

1. Collect a concise, secure enquiry about your firm and funding needs
2. Match your practice with lenders and brokers experienced in legal finance
3. Facilitate a rapid response so you can compare options
4. Remain neutral and no-obligation — you decide whether to proceed

Ready to explore options? Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Trusted partners for legal practices

We work with an established panel of UK lenders and brokers who fund companies and practices across the country. Our partners are selected for experience in funding SRA-regulated entities, data security and transparent communication. When you complete our enquiry, we only share details with partners likely to help.

Finance Options Available to Solicitors

Working capital & short-term cashflow loans

Designed to cover payroll, VAT, rent or immediate operating costs while you await client payments. Options include short-term business loans and revolving facilities. Typical arrangements are available from around £10,000 upwards and vary by lender.

Disbursement & litigation funding

Specialist funding to cover disbursements, expert reports and court fees while cases progress. Lenders will consider case merits and recoverability; terms vary and are subject to lender due diligence and product suitability.

Invoice finance for legal fees

Invoice finance unlocks cash tied up in unpaid invoices or funded retainers. Firms can choose recourse or non-recourse options depending on risk appetite and the provider’s offerings.

Partner buy-in / buy-out loans

Longer-term funding to facilitate partner admissions, retirements or equity reshuffles. Lenders typically assess financials, partner experience and may require security or guarantees depending on structure and size.

Revolving credit facilities & overdraft alternatives

Flexible credit lines provide on-demand access to funds with interest charged only on amounts used — useful for practices with fluctuating cash needs.

Want quick matches for a specific product? Get Quote Now

Eligibility Guidance for Solicitors & Law Firms

Typical lender criteria

Exact criteria vary by lender and product, but common requirements include:

• Company or practice structure (e.g. LLP, limited company, ABS)
• Minimum trading history (often 12–24 months for some products)
• Turnover thresholds aligned to the loan size
• Up-to-date management accounts and filed statutory accounts
• Evidence of case pipeline, debtor book and collection processes
• CVs and backgrounds for partners/directors

How to strengthen your enquiry

Before submitting an enquiry, gather:

• Latest management accounts and last filed accounts
• A clear breakdown of the funding purpose and required amount (from £10,000 upwards)
• Details of major receivables or high-value cases
• Information on any existing borrowing or security in place
• Partner CVs and evidence of SRA regulation

Being accurate and transparent speeds up matching and results in more relevant offers. Start now with a short form: Free Eligibility Check

Costs, Terms & Compliance Considerations

Costs, interest rates, fees and repayment terms will depend on the lender, product and risk profile. Typical features to expect:

• Interest rates and arrangement fees — indicative ranges depend on product and risk (exact pricing provided by lenders)
• Loan terms from short-term (weeks/months) to multi-year for partner finance
• Potential security requirements or personal guarantees for some facilities
• Early repayment terms and exit fees — review these with the lender

Important: Fast Business Loans acts as an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice. We recommend firms seek independent professional advice before entering into any loan agreement. Completing our enquiry is free and non-binding; terms are set by the lender.

Benefits of Using Fast Business Loans for Legal Finance

• Speed — quick matches with lenders experienced in legal finance
• No cost to enquire — free, no-obligation introduction
• Specialist matching — partners who understand solicitor cashflow and compliance
• Secure handling of data and controlled sharing with selected partners
• Compare multiple options and decide which best fits your practice

Ready to get matched? Get Started – Free Eligibility Check

Real-World Scenarios: How Funding Helps

Boutique litigation firm — bridging disbursements

A litigation boutique needed to pay expert witness fees and court costs ahead of settlement. Invoice finance and a short-term disbursement facility allowed the firm to continue operations without diluting equity.

High-street practice — smoothing seasonal cashflow

A general practice with irregular fee timing used a revolving credit facility to cover payroll and VAT peaks, avoiding late payments and protecting staff morale.

Growing commercial team — investing in technology

A growing firm sought asset finance to implement a new case management system and hire additional fee-earners; structured finance spread the cost and preserved working capital.

Examples are illustrative only; actual outcomes depend on lender assessments.

Step-by-Step: From Enquiry to Funding

1. Complete our short enquiry form (takes about 2 minutes).
2. We match you with vetted lenders and brokers suited to solicitors’ requirements.
3. A partner contacts you to discuss options and any additional documents.
4. Compare offers and proceed with the lender that best fits your needs.

Begin the process: Start My Enquiry

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you a lender?

No. Fast Business Loans is an introducer that connects practices with lenders and brokers. We do not lend money or give regulated financial advice.

Will my credit score be affected?

No. Submitting an enquiry does not impact your credit file. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks only if you choose to proceed with an application.

What information is required?

Basic business details, the amount and purpose of funding, recent management accounts and SRA details are typically needed. Lenders will specify additional documents once engaged.

Do you work with Alternative Business Structures (ABS) or LLPs?

Yes — many of our partners can work with ABS, LLP and limited company structures. Provide structure details in your enquiry so we can match appropriately.

What if our firm has past credit issues?

We work with a wide panel. Some partners specialise in more complex credit histories — be open in your enquiry so you can be matched to the right supplier.

How quickly will I hear back?

Often within hours during business days. Complex or larger-value requests may take longer while partners review documentation.

Important Disclosure

Fast Business Loans acts solely as an introducer and does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. Finance is subject to status, lender terms and affordability. Enquiries are free, non-binding and do not affect credit scores. We recommend independent professional advice before entering any agreement.

For more information specific to legal-sector funding, see our detailed specialist page on Solicitors Business Loans.