Solicitors : next level to complain about poor service OR how to sue a solicitor?
I am receiving no response from or action by the solicitors who were involved in conveyencing my property sale FOUR YEARS AGO.
There are outstanding issues, they are holding £1500 (plus interest) of my money in escrow against disputed (and non-existent) building charges invoices on a leasehold property that are dated 1996, 1997 & 1998. The Management Co. has never produced full and correct invoices & docs.
The property was sold via an option agreement, in which I believe (but am not sure since I no longer have a copy) the Buyer agreed to pay all legal expenses. But those expenses were deducted by my solicitor from the Sale Proceeds. My solicitor drafted the agreement, so was aware of clause.
I have tried to contact him & I receive no response. The company (based in Reading) is still in business, and I can see no reason why he isn't acting on my behalf.
Who can I
a) make a formal complaint to?
b) use as my legal advisor
for this?
What process should I follow?
Answer:
Contacting the Law Society is a good first step but you might also like to try looking at the website for the Legal Services Complaints Commissioner at www.olscc.gov.uk they will have the full procedure. It does involve an investigation and serious complaints are picked up by the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal ( if referred). I reckon if you tell your shonky solicitors that you are contacting the olscc and copy them in on any correspondance you may well find an uplift in their attitudes.
There is a local bar association where your complaint can start, but you have to put it in writing, and some even require you to have it notarized (under oath). If you have no money for legal service, they may also be able to provide you with an attorney, if necessary.
Try contacting the Law Society
Contact the law society
lawsociety.org.uk
Not "Harrisons" by any chance ?
You need to contact the Law Society on that,
Put your complaints in writing and explain exactly what you want to be done to resolve the issue (including a time limit)and what action you will take should it not be done.
Speak to the citizens advise bureau.
Contact the law society. They are the governing body for solicitors and legal advisors.
Finally, speak to another solicitor. They will tell you how to proceed and may even take your case on board. Expect to pay though although you may be able to claim costs from your original solicitors.
I say go for choice A first and THEN if that doesn't work go for B. Make choice A as a sort of warning for them first and B as a form of action to be taken.
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