There are a few previous posts about selling without an EA you should be able to search for them, I think I posted about it, we sold a couple of years ago without an EA. Saved so much money.... Main things I would say is good photos for DAFT and as much info as possible provided (you can take stuff from similar properties in the area i.e. maps etc.). Then the other most important thing is deciding the price. Weigh everything up based on other properties etc. as if you price too high you won't get any callers but no point going lower than you can afford to sell for either.
Regarding the solicitor, ring a few places for a quote and once you decide on a solicitor they will take over and tell you what you need to do, they will look after all the legal side of things - the Estate Agent does none of this!
Best of luck!