Solicitors business loans — How much can a law firm borrow, and for how long?

Summary (quick answer): Law firms can typically borrow from around £10,000 for short-term bridging up to several million pounds for premises, expansion or large WIP/invoice facilities. Terms vary by product: bridging and case-completion loans can be days to 12 months; invoice/WIP facilities are revolving; term loans and property finance commonly run 1–20 years depending on security. Exact amounts and terms depend on firm size, turnover, quality of WIP/invoices, retainer arrangements and security. Complete a Free Eligibility Check to get tailored options and indicative quotes from lenders and brokers who specialise in legal practice finance. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

Quick summary: What solicitors typically borrow & why

Solicitors firms use a range of finance products depending on need. Typical borrowing ranges (indicative):

• Short-term cashflow / bridging: from ≈ £10,000 up to £500k+ for small/medium firms — bridge funding until client monies or settlements arrive.
• Invoice or WIP finance: facilities commonly from £25k up to £1m–£5m+ for firms with substantial ongoing work-in-progress (WIP) and invoicing; advances are usually a percentage of invoices/WIP.
• Term loans & commercial property finance: £100k → £5m+ for premises purchase, refit or larger investments; terms typically 3→20 years where property is security.

Typical loan lengths (indicative):

• Bridging / case-completion finance: days → 12 months.
• Invoice/WIP facilities: revolving/ongoing (can be long-term arrangements).
• Term loans / property finance: 1 → 20 years depending on use and security.
• Asset finance: normally 1 → 7 years aligned to asset life.

Actual borrowing amounts and terms depend on lender criteria, firm turnover, WIP quality, retainer models, client account and regulatory handling, any security offered, and director credit profiles.

How we match law firms to the right finance

UK Business Loans introduces firms to lenders and brokers who specialise in legal practice finance. Our simple process:

1. Complete a short enquiry — takes less than 2 minutes.
2. We review the basics and match your firm with appropriate lenders or brokers with experience in law practice finance.
3. Selected partners contact you with indicative terms and next steps.
4. You compare options and decide — there is no obligation to proceed.

Completing an enquiry is a soft, no‑obligation step and will not affect your credit score. Start Your Free Eligibility Check

Funding types commonly used by solicitors

Invoice finance & WIP finance

What it is: Advances against billed invoices or work-in-progress. Providers advance a percentage of invoice or WIP value and collect as clients pay.

• Typical borrowing: facilities from £25k to several million (dependent on WIP/invoiced value).
• Term: revolving; used continuously to smooth cashflow.
• Good for: firms with regular invoicing, practices carrying large WIP or long case cycles.
• Lenders look at: quality of WIP, debtor mix, retainer and billing processes, turnover and bank history.

Short-term bridging & case completion loans

What it is: Short bridging facilities to cover immediate outgoings until settlement or client funds arrive.

• Typical borrowing: £10k → £500k (size depends on expected receipts).
• Term: days to 12 months.
• Good for: funding disbursements, paying staff or covering delays between completion and client receipt.
• Lenders look at: expected settlement evidence, client retainer, security and recent cashflow.

Term business loans

What it is: Fixed-term loans for expansion, IT, staffing, or premises works.

• Typical borrowing: £25k → £5m+ depending on turnover and security.
• Term: 1 → 7 years (sometimes longer if secured on property).
• Good for: planned growth, acquisitions, major refits.
• Lenders look at: financial statements, forecasting, security and director covenants.

Asset & equipment finance

What it is: Funding to purchase equipment, IT or vehicles, with repayments matching asset life.

• Typical borrowing: up to full asset value.
• Term: 1 → 7 years (aligned with asset life).
• Lenders look at: asset type, residual value, firm cashflow and balance sheet.

Litigation funding / third‑party funding

What it is: Specialist funders may provide capital against certain claim types or portfolios; highly specialist and structured.

• Typical borrowing & term: vary widely — often bespoke structures tied to case timelines and risk-sharing.
• Good for: litigation practices with meritorious, high-value cases needing case-specific funding.
• Lenders look at: merits of claims, expected recoveries, fee agreements and conflicts of interest.

What lenders consider when deciding amounts & terms

Lenders assess a combination of operational, financial and legal/regulatory factors. Key criteria:

• Annual turnover & profitability: lenders prefer predictable income and sustainable margins.
• Quality & size of WIP/invoices: stable, collectible WIP increases facility size.
• Client base and case mix: corporate clients vs private clients, contingency fee work, and claim types.
• Retainer and client account arrangements: how funds flow, client account restrictions and compliance controls.
• Security: availability of debentures, property or personal guarantees affects pricing and term.
• Credit history: firm and director credit records, historic arrears or insolvency flags.
• Regulatory & compliance issues: lenders will check how client money is handled — always be transparent about client account arrangements.

Tip: tell the introducer or lender about client account and SRA/regulatory arrangements at the outset — it prevents delays and helps match you to the right provider.

Example scenarios (indicative)

Short, realistic examples to help you self-identify:

• Small litigation practice: needs short-term cash until settlement. Indicative solution: £15,000 bridging for 2 months or an invoice finance advance against secured WIP. Actual terms depend on case documentation and expected receipts.
• Regional firm expanding premises: requires funding to purchase new offices. Indicative solution: £350,000 term loan over 5–10 years; lender may require security over the property and director guarantees.
• Mid-sized conveyancing & corporate firm: wants smoother cashflow for growth. Indicative solution: £750k revolving invoice/WIP facility sized to average monthly billing; terms set to match billing cycles and client payment profiles.

All examples are indicative. To see tailored, current options for your practice, Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

How long the application & funding process takes

Timelines vary by product complexity and lender:

• Enquiry to match: immediate automated acknowledgement; matched partners often contact within hours to 48 hours.
• Initial lender assessment: same day to 1 week depending on documentation.
• Loan decision & terms: simple facilities can be agreed in days; complex facilities (property-secured, litigation funding) may take several weeks.
• Funding: same day after paperwork and account setup for simple facilities; property completions or complex security arrangements can add time.

We aim to speed up the process by matching you to partners experienced with law firm funding. Start your quick 2‑minute enquiry.

Costs & risks

Lenders charge interest and may apply arrangement fees, facility fees, renewal fees and exit fees. Invoice finance providers apply discount fees and service charges. Indicative pricing is highly variable — expect a spread depending on product type and credit quality.

• Costs: interest (product dependent), arrangement/administration fees, origination fees, and ongoing facility fees.
• Risks: security and personal guarantees; covenants affecting cashflow; possible restrictions on client-account handling; higher costs for higher-risk profiles.
• Recommendation: obtain specialist legal and accountancy advice before agreeing to secured lending or guarantees.

Why use UK Business Loans for solicitors

UK Business Loans helps you save time and reach specialist lenders/brokers who understand the legal sector. Our benefits:

• Fast matching to providers who know law firm cashflow and WIP.
• Free, no-obligation enquiry — no hard credit check at the enquiry stage.
• Short, simple process designed to minimise admin for busy firms.
• Privacy and GDPR-compliant handling of your data; we only share details with selected partners relevant to your request.

Learn more about solutions specifically for law firms on our dedicated page about solicitors business loans.

Get started — Free Eligibility Check

Ready for tailored quotes from lenders and brokers who understand law firms? Complete our simple enquiry and we’ll match you to suitable partners. It takes under 2 minutes and carries no obligation or hard credit check.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

FAQs

Will applying affect my credit score?

No — completing an enquiry with UK Business Loans does not affect credit scores. Lenders may perform checks only if you proceed with an application.

How quickly will lenders contact me?

Typically within hours to 48 hours. Complex requests may take longer.

Can new or smaller law firms apply?

Yes — many lenders work with a range of firms. Eligibility depends on the product, WIP/invoice profile and risk factors.

Will lenders take security over client accounts?

Some lenders will not accept client account balances as security. Always be open about client account arrangements; specialist lenders can advise on workable structures.

What information do I need to start?

Basic business details, approximate turnover, estimated WIP/invoice amounts, loan amount and purpose, and contact details. More documentation may be requested by lenders later.

Do you charge to introduce?

No — our introduction service is free for firms. Lenders/brokers may charge fees if you proceed with an application; any fees should be made clear before you sign.

Further reading & compliance note

UK Business Loans is an introducer. We do not lend or provide regulated financial advice. Completing an enquiry is free and no obligation. We aim to provide clear, non-misleading information so you can make an informed decision. For regulatory guidance on financial promotions and business lending, consider reading FCA guidance and professional sector bodies.

By UK Business Loans — Content team. Last updated: 29 October 2025.

1. How much can a solicitors firm typically borrow?
Most law firms can borrow from around £10,000 for short-term bridging up to several million pounds for invoice/WIP facilities or property and expansion finance, with exact amounts depending on turnover, WIP quality and security offered.

2. What loan terms are available for solicitors business loans?
Terms vary by product — bridging and case-completion loans are days to 12 months, invoice/WIP facilities are revolving, asset finance is usually 1–7 years, and term/property loans often run 1–20 years.

3. Which types of finance suit solicitors and law firms?
Commonly used products include invoice/WIP finance, short-term bridging/case-completion loans, term business loans, asset/equipment finance and specialist litigation/third‑party funding.

4. Will submitting an enquiry via UK Business Loans affect my credit score?
No — completing the free eligibility check is a soft, no‑obligation enquiry that does not affect business or director credit scores unless you choose to proceed and a lender carries out checks.

5. How quickly will lenders or brokers contact my firm after I enquire?
After you submit the short enquiry you’ll usually get matched contact within hours to 48 hours, though complex requests may take longer.

6. What information and documents do lenders normally require to assess a solicitors loan?
Lenders commonly ask for turnover and profit/loss figures, details of WIP/invoices/retainers, recent bank statements and director credit history, with further documentation requested during underwriting.

7. Can start-ups or small/new law firms get business finance?
Yes — many lenders and brokers work with new and smaller practices, although eligibility and facility size depend on the firm’s WIP/invoice profile, revenue projections and risk factors.

8. Will lenders take security over client accounts or client money?
Some lenders will not accept client account balances as security, so it’s important to disclose client account and SRA arrangements early to find specialist lenders who can structure workable solutions.

9. What costs and risks should solicitors expect when taking business finance?
Expect interest plus arrangement, facility and ongoing fees (invoice finance also has discount/service charges), and be aware of risks such as personal guarantees, covenants and restrictions on client-account handling.

10. How does UK Business Loans help law firms and is there a charge?
UK Business Loans is a free introducer that matches your enquiry to FCA‑regulated lenders and brokers who specialise in solicitors business loans — it is not a lender and does not provide regulated financial advice.