A » The typical cost of hiring a corporate solicitor in Edinburgh for a share purchase agreement (SPA) is highly variable and depends on the complexity, value, and structure of the transaction, as well as the seniority and reputation of the legal team involved. In the Edinburgh legal market, which hosts both international firms (such as DLA Piper, CMS, and Addleshaw Goddard) and strong Scottish independent practices (such as Burness Paull, Shepherd and Wedderburn, and Morton Fraser), fee structures generally fall into two categories: hourly billing and fixed or capped fees. For a straightforward share purchase of a small to medium-sized private company, solicitors’ hourly rates typically range from £200 to £350 for a newly qualified associate, £350 to £500 for a senior associate or partner, and £500 to £700 or more for a highly experienced partner at a top-tier firm. On a typical transaction with a value of £500,000 to £2 million, total legal fees for the buyer’s side (including due diligence, drafting, negotiation, and ancillary documents) often fall between £5,000 and £15,000 exclusive of VAT and disbursements. For the seller’s side, fees are generally lower because due diligence is less burdensome, but still range from £3,000 to £10,000. Very small transactions (e.g., a sale of a limited company with no complexities) can cost as little as £2,000 to £4,000 if handled on a fixed-fee basis by a high-street solicitor or boutique firm, while large, complex deals (multi-million pound acquisitions, regulated industries, or cross-border elements) can easily exceed £50,000, with hourly billing frequently used. The fixed-fee approach is increasingly common in Edinburgh for lower-risk SPAs, where the solicitor provides a clear quote based on an agreed scope of works—this might be around £4,000 to £8,000 for a basic transaction. However, any unforeseen issues such as complex warranties, indemnities, tax structuring, or shareholder disputes will increase costs. Additional costs include VAT (currently 20%), search fees (typically £50–£100), Land Registry or Companies House filing fees, and possibly the cost of external due diligence reports (e.g., financial or tax). It is also important to factor in that corporate transactions often require input from other specialists (employment, property, intellectual property, tax), and their fees are usually billed separately. To manage costs effectively, clients are advised to request a detailed scope of work and either a fixed fee or a clear cap on hourly billing before engaging a solicitor. Ultimately, the Edinburgh market offers a competitive range, but quality and experience should be weighed against cost, as a poorly drafted SPA can lead to significant post-completion disputes. Engaging a solicitor who is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Corporate and Commercial Law Accreditation scheme can provide additional assurance. In summary, while a typical cost for a straightforward share purchase in Edinburgh might be £5,000–£12,000 for the buyer and £3,000–£8,000 for the seller, these figures should always be confirmed in writing with a specific solicitor after a clear brief on the transaction’s details.