Looking for an ILA solicitor near you? Read this first

Why “near me” is often the wrong search

When a lender asks for independent legal advice (ILA), what matters is that the solicitor is independent of the borrower and the lender, is properly regulated, and gives advice your lender will accept. Where their office is doesn’t come into it.

Searching for a solicitor near you can also slow things down. Many high-street firms don’t take on one-off ILA work, or can’t see you for days, while your purchase, remortgage or loan waits for the signed certificate.

Does my ILA solicitor have to be local?

No. There is no rule that your solicitor has to be near you or near the property. Since Royal Bank of Scotland v Etridge (No 2) [2001], lenders have asked for advice from a solicitor who is independent of the borrower and the lender, so that someone signing a guarantee, consent form or mortgage they don’t benefit from understands it and isn’t under pressure. Your solicitor then confirms this in a certificate. See Etridge explained.

Most lenders accept that advice given by video call, as long as the solicitor can see you, check your identity and speak to you on your own. Always check your lender’s instructions: a few ask for a face-to-face meeting.

When you do need to meet in person

• Your lender’s instructions say the advice must be given face to face.
• You’re making a statutory declaration, which is normally made in person, in front of the solicitor.
• You need an ID1 form certified and a video check isn’t suitable.
• You’d simply prefer to sit down with a solicitor.

Our in-person appointments are at the solicitor’s office in London. See independent legal advice in London.

What to check before you book

Whether the solicitor is round the corner or 200 miles away, check:

• They’re independent. The conveyancer acting on the purchase usually can’t give the advice. See can my conveyancer give ILA?
• They’re regulated. Look for a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• They know your document. A personal guarantee, an occupier’s consent form and a JBSP mortgage carry different risks.
• They’ll use your lender’s certificate. Many lenders have their own template, and some insist on it.
• The fee is fixed and agreed first. See how much ILA costs.
• They can move at your speed. Ask when the certificate will reach your lender, broker or conveyancer.

How video ILA works

1. Free 10-minute consultation. Tell us what you’ve been asked to sign and when you need the certificate.
2. Send your documents. The document to sign, the mortgage offer or loan agreement, your lender’s certificate template, and photo ID.
3. Your advice appointment. Your solicitor goes through the documents with you on a video call, on your own, and answers your questions. See what happens at an ILA appointment.
4. Certificate signed. If you decide to go ahead, your solicitor signs the certificate and sends it on, often the same day.