If you run a UK law firm and you’re budgeting for managed IT support in 2026, expect to pay between £45 and £100 per user per month. Where you land in that range comes down to your firm’s size, your cyber security and compliance requirements, how many offices you run, and how much support and strategic input you need.
For SRA-regulated firms, IT is about much more than fixing problems when something breaks. The right technology partner protects client data, keeps secure hybrid working running smoothly, gets you back on your feet quickly when something goes wrong, and makes sure your systems can grow with the practice. Below we look at what affects the price, what a typical service includes, and how to judge value beyond the monthly fee.
A simple way to understand the cost
Many firms compare providers on monthly price alone. It’s worth looking instead at five areas, because each one moves your figure within that £45 to £100 band.
1. Number of users
Most managed IT contracts are priced per user, so headcount is the starting point. A 10-person firm has very different needs from a 100-person firm: more devices, more Microsoft 365 accounts, more security monitoring and more demand on the helpdesk. It pays to think about where you’ll be in two years, not just where you are now. A provider that can support growth saves you from costly migrations and disruption later on.
2. Cyber security requirements
Law firms are a favourite target for cyber criminals because of the sensitive client information they hold. For most firms, security is now a core part of the managed service rather than an optional extra. The controls that affect price include:
- Endpoint protection and security monitoring
- Email security and multi-factor authentication
- Cyber Essentials readiness
- Staff security awareness training
- Incident response planning
3. Compliance and regulatory support
SRA-regulated firms carry extra responsibilities around information security, confidentiality and risk management. Not every IT provider understands the compliance pressures solicitors face. Look for a partner who can help with risk assessments, Cyber Essentials requirements, documentation and policies, supplier due diligence, and compliance-related technology decisions. The right specialist knowledge saves management time and lowers your risk.
4. Multiple offices and remote working
Supporting one office is very different from supporting several sites, remote workers and home-based fee earners who all need secure access to documents. As firms spread out geographically, the networking, connectivity and security all get more complex, and so does the cost of getting them right. Your provider should design systems that keep performance and security consistent wherever your people work.
5. Strategic IT guidance
The cheapest provider is rarely the most cost-effective. Many firms get real value from strategic guidance such as IT budgeting, technology roadmaps, cyber security planning, infrastructure upgrades, getting more from your Microsoft 365 setup, and growth planning, rather than purely reactive support. Good advice helps you make better decisions and avoid expensive mistakes.
What’s usually included in managed IT support?
Packages vary, but most managed IT agreements for law firms combine the following.
- User support: day-to-day help with logins, email, Microsoft 365, printers and software
- Device management: monitoring and maintenance of desktops and laptops to keep them secure, updated and reliable
- Cyber security management: security monitoring and protection as a core component, not an add-on
- Microsoft 365 support: user administration, security configuration, licensing and collaboration tools
- Vendor management: a single point of contact that coordinates your other technology suppliers and takes the admin off your team
Look at value, not just cost
A monthly fee only tells part of the story. What really matters is the level of support, security, expertise and scalability you get for it. A provider at £45 per user can deliver a very different service from one at £100. When you compare proposals, weigh up legal-sector experience, cyber security expertise, compliance support, responsiveness, strategic guidance and the ability to support growth. A strong partner should improve efficiency, lower risk and help your firm grow.
A real example: supporting growth across multiple offices
One of the clearest signs of a capable IT provider is how well they support growth over time. We helped a client expand from 1 office to 6 and from 20 users to 75 in just two years. Growth like that brings challenges well beyond buying more laptops. You need consistent security controls, reliable connectivity between sites, standardised systems, support processes that scale, and proper technology planning. With the right IT partner in place, expansion is far smoother and stays secure the whole way through.
Why law firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002 and understands the technology, security and compliance challenges professional service firms face. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford. We support SRA-regulated law firms that need IT to be secure, compliant and ready to scale.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
If you’d like a clear picture of where your firm stands, and what managed IT support should cost for a practice your size, book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT. We’ll assess your current setup, point out any risks, and show you how the right support can help your firm grow.