At Brethertons Solicitors, we prioritise transparency with our clients, and in light of recent conversations around paid referrals in the legal sector, we wanted to highlight why we do not pay for referrals as a firm.
Paid referrals are arrangements where a law firm gives money to an estate agent, mortgage advisor or other professional, business, or service provider, in return for directing clients to the firm for legal services. This means the referral is driven by a commercial payment rather than solely by professional judgment or the client’s best interests. At Brethertons, we do not pay for referrals.
Over the years, we have built an exceptional reputation within Oxfordshire and Warwickshire and are proud to be one of the biggest firms in these communities.
Providing excellent customer service is at the heart of our work, and both clients and our professional associates have often found good reasons to recommend Brethertons to others.
In recent years, there has been greater discussion around paid referrals in the legal sector and the potential cost increase that this can pass on to clients.
While solicitors’ firms offering financial incentives for referrals from estate agents, letting agents, surveyors or financial advisors is commonplace, we would like to highlight that at Brethertons, we do not pay for referrals from others.
In this blog, we will cover the problems with paid referrals, our approach to them and when referrals do happen.
For expert support with a legal matter, please call one of our offices in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby or simply fill out our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
The problem with paid referrals
Paid referral arrangements can create a conflict of interest. When a law firm pays an estate agent or third party for work, it raises the question: is the recommendation based on service quality or financial incentive?
In cases involving paid referrals, clients often end up paying more, as these costs are passed on through higher fees. This undermines trust and transparency, two values we believe should be at the core of any legal service.
Recent industry scrutiny has rightly brought this practice into question, highlighting the need for openness and a client-first approach in all professional relationships.
Our approach: no fees, no commissions
At Brethertons, we never pay referral fees or commissions. If someone recommends us, whether it is an estate agent, surveyor, or another professional, it is because they genuinely trust the service we provide. We believe referrals should be based on merit, not money.
Similarly, we never accept payment to refer our clients elsewhere. If we can’t assist you directly, we will always signpost you to someone who can help, based purely on your needs.
Our commitment to transparency and ethical practice means you can feel confident that our recommendations are always made in your best interests.
When referrals do happen
Referrals are a natural part of how professional services operate. From time to time, we receive referrals from local estate agents or other trusted contacts who value the way we work.
We also refer clients to other professionals when we believe they are better placed to help. The key difference is that no money changes hands.
There are no hidden commissions or incentives involved, just longstanding professional relationships built on mutual trust and respect.
Your interests come first
Everything we do at Brethertons is with our clients in mind. We do not believe in arrangements that put commercial gain ahead of your best interests.
Our advice will always be impartial, with transparent fees and a high standard of service, this is how we have built a long standing reputation in the communities we serve.
We understand how important trust is when choosing a legal partner, particularly during key moments such as buying or selling a home.
By avoiding paid referral schemes, we ensure that our decisions are guided by what is right for our clients, not by financial incentives.
Get expert advice in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby
If you would like to discuss how we can help with your legal matter, please get in touch with a member of our team.
We have offices in Banbury, Bicester, Cheltenham and Rugby, working with clients across Coventry and Warwickshire, the West Midlands, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and nationwide.
To speak to a member of our team, please call one of our offices:
- 01295 270999 (Banbury Office)
- 01869 252161 (Bicester Office)
- 01242 472747 (Cheltenham)
- 01788 579579 (Rugby Office)
or simply fill out our enquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.