Consumer solicitors in England & Wales

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Plain-language guide

What a consumer law solicitor does.

A consumer law solicitor advises on the rights the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give to individuals buying from traders, and advises traders on complying with them: goods that are not of satisfactory quality, services not performed with reasonable care, unfair terms, cancellation rights for distance and doorstep sales, and misleading practices under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008. Most consumer disputes are resolved through complaints, an ombudsman or the small claims track.

When you need one

You bought something faulty and the retailer refuses to refund, repair or replace it.
A builder, garage or other service provider did poor work and will not put it right.
You were signed up to a contract at home or online and want to cancel.
You are a trader and want your terms, returns policy and website to comply with consumer law.

How fees usually work

Individual consumer disputes are usually too small for hourly-rate litigation, so many solicitors offer a fixed fee for a letter before claim or advice on a small claim you then run yourself. Traders pay by the hour or by fixed fee for a compliance review of their terms. Ask whether an ombudsman or an alternative dispute resolution scheme covers the trader before spending money on a solicitor.

Questions to ask before you instruct

Is there an ombudsman or ADR scheme that covers this trader?
What remedy am I entitled to: repair, replacement, price reduction or a full refund?
Is a section 75 claim against my credit card provider available?
Would this be a small claim, and can I run it myself with your advice on the letter?

See the listed practitioners

General information about England & Wales law and practice, not advice on your matter. The practitioners listed on this page give that advice.

Consumer law solicitor questions

What are my rights if goods are faulty?

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 goods must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose and as described. Within thirty days you can reject them for a full refund. After that you are entitled to a repair or replacement and, if that fails, a price reduction or a refund, less a deduction for use after the first six months.

Can I cancel something I bought online?

Usually. The Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 give fourteen days from delivery to cancel most distance and off-premises contracts for any reason, and a further fourteen days to return the goods. Personalised items, perishable goods and services already fully performed with your agreement are excluded.

What is section 75?

Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 makes your credit card provider jointly liable with the trader for a breach of contract or misrepresentation on a purchase costing more than £100 and up to £30,000, even if you only paid a deposit by card. It is often quicker than suing the trader.

For the practitioners listed here

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