Small businesses and individuals
Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind OUT-LAW.COM, is a large commercial firm that works mainly for large organisations.
Through OUT-LAW.COM we receive hundreds of legal queries and requests for assistance each month but sometimes we're unable to assist.
That may be because we don't specialise in the type of work required (we don't do all types of legal work) or because we don't think we can offer value for money (if we don't think we're the right choice for your legal work, we'll tell you.)
This page exists to suggest alternative sources of advice.
Finding another law firm to suit your needs
If we're not the right firm for you, the law societies may be able to help.
The Law Society will help you to find a solicitor in England & Wales (or call 0870 606 6575) and the Law Society of Scotland will help you to find a solicitor in Scotland.
Employment questions
We tend to act for employers only, not employees. If you're an employee seeking guidance on your workplace rights, you could try Acas.
You can call the Acas Helpline on 08457 47 47 47 for answers to your employment questions in confidence.
Acas stands for Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. It is a publicly-funded, independent body that aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. Its website provides lots of information on employee rights.
Privacy and freedom of information
The Office of the Information Commissioner is the UK's independent public body set up to protect personal information and promote public access to official information. If you have a question about your privacy rights or wish to make a complaint about the use of your personal information, contact the Information Commissioner's Office or call the helpline on 08456 30 60 60.
In Scotland, freedom of information questions should be referred to the Scottish Information Commissioner.
Complaints about phone or internet services
If you have complained to your broadband provider or your mobile or fixed phone provider and that company has failed to resolve your complaint you can complain to a dispute resolution service.
All ISPs and telcos in the UK must be a member of an approved service provider. These dispute services can only resolve disputes between one of their member companies and a customer of that company.
There are currently two such services:
- Otelo (Office of the Telecoms Ombudsman)
Members include BT, BSkyB, O2, Pipex, Talk 101, Thus, Vonage, Vodafone (see full list of Otelo members)
- CISAS (Communications & Internet Services Adjudication Scheme)
Members include AOL, Bulldog, Be Unlimited, Clara.Net, Tiscali, Orange, T-Mobile (see full list of CISAS members)
Some complaints are better suited to Ofcom, the independent regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.
Retail complaints
Consumer Direct offers a free advice and information service for UK consumers and provides clear, practical advice to help sort out problems and disagreements with suppliers of goods or services. The website also allows consumers to submit complaints online and offers template letters for putting a complaint in writing. See the website or call 08454 04 05 06.
Cross-border e-commerce complaints
Econsumer.gov is a joint effort to gather and share cross-border e-commerce complaints. Complete an online complaint form to alert an overseas consumer protection body to scammers.
Consumer rights
Trading Standards offers useful guidance on your rights as a consumer, covering typical problems that arise when buying goods or services, relying on a guarantee or making a complaint.
Junk mail, spam and marketing calls
Advertising complaints
The role of Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is to ensure all advertising, wherever it appears, meets the standards laid down in the UK's advertising codes. The ASA's website details the rules for advertising and allows you to complain online.
Complaints about financial services
The Financial Ombudsman offers free assistance to consumers in settling their disputes with businesses providing financial services, including banking, insurance, mortgages, pensions, savings and investments, credit cards, loans and credit, financial advice, stocks, shares, unit trusts and bonds. Call the consumer helpline on 0845 080 1800 or see the website.
Premium-rate phone numbers
PhonepayPlus (formerly ICSTIS) is the regulatory body for all premium-rate telecoms services. If you have a complaint about a premium-rate service, contact ICSTIS.
Illegal content on the web
Report illegal web content, such as images of child abuse or material that incites racial hatred, to the Internet Watch Foundation.
Gambling regulation
The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
Miscellaneous regulators
The site of the British and Irish Ombudsmen Association lists the ombudsmen and other complaint-handling bodies who may be able to help you if you have a complaint.