The structure of legal fees charged by solicitors, as governed by the Solicitors Act 1974, is complex. While legal bills in the 1970s were often just a few hundred pounds, today they frequently run into thousands and in some cases, even reach millions of pounds.

In an article for The Financial Times, Jonathan Sachs explains that a client's rights stem from the solicitor’s client care letter, their terms of business, and the 1974 Act. Typically, the client care letter makes it clear that any estimates provided are not fixed or legally binding. Nevertheless, this does not mean the client is without recourse.