To the inexperienced the legal world is a minefield and few people know where to start when it comes to choosing a solicitor.

Robert Barber Solicitors realises that most people reach for the telephone directory and take pot luck when choosing a solicitor so it has produced a simple guide to help you in your choice.

Patrick Mullins, a partner at Robert Barber Solicitors, said: "The simple guide is designed to help people make a more informed choice when it comes to selecting a solicitor. Whether it's for simply drawing up a will or for legal representation in court, it's important to find a solicitor who is experienced in your particular needs and will provide you with the best possible service."

The 'Robert Barber Solicitors Guide to Choosing a Solicitor' lists 10 points:

• Ask around and get a personal recommendation from friends, relatives and colleagues for a solicitor, or visit your local Citizens Advise Bureau.
• Look for a solicitor who is approved by the relevant bodies, e.g. for divorce and family matters look for a solicitor who is registered with the SFLA (Solicitors Family Law Association). Visit the Nottinghamshire Law Society's website, found at www.nottslawsoc.org, which lists solicitors by their speciality and location.
• When buying or selling a property don't feel compelled to go to the solicitors you are steered towards by the housebuilder or estate agent. Talk to them first to see if you like them before making the decision.
• Choose a firm of solicitors which is local to your home or work so that you can easily get to see them. Many mortgage lenders actually require that the individual witness a document during the transaction. Some firms, which advertise in local telephone directories, are actually not based in the county and it is difficult to have face-to-face contact with your solicitor unless you are willing to travel long distances.
• When pursuing a Personal Injury claim, ensure that you choose a solicitor who offers a number of funding options. As well as 'no win, no fee', look for a solicitor who also offers 'after the event insurance', so that you can select the best option to suit your particular case.
• Where possible ask for an estimate. A solicitor should be pleased to give you an indication of rates and calculate what your case might cost.
• When using an Accident Claims Service, like those advertised on television, make sure the firm has solicitors to handle your claim, rather than just personnel calling themselves Accident Claims Specialists.
• Mediation can often be cheaper and better for cases such as divorce or separation where both parties are struggling to reach an amicable agreement. Using a solicitor in cases such as these can not only exacerbate the situation but also cost a lot more. Search for a member of a Law Society recognised mediation panel to advise you whether mediation is a suitable route to take in your case.
• Contact the Nottinghamshire Law Society or visit www.solicitor-online.com to locate a solicitor to match your needs or find out whether a solicitor is reputable.
• If you have a limited income then look for a firm that offers Public Funding - the new name for Legal Aid - to fund your case. Not all firms offer Legal Aid, so check first before taking your case any further.