Grounds for Complaint?
Last Updated 11/06/09
If you are unhappy with any of the above, you have probably good reasons to make a complaint.
Common Complaints concerning poor service are:
1. Not telling clients about their Code of Professional Conduct. (A solicitor must put his client's interests first).
2. Not giving the client adequate and full cost advice before accepting a retainer or asking him to sign a contract.
3. Work done by unqualified clerks but clients not told this and client charged full solicitor's fee.
4. Not adhering to instructions.
5. Making decisions without consultation and without the client's permission.
6. Failure to follow the client's reasonable approach.
7. Non-itemised bills which make it difficult for a client to check that a bill is fair.
(See Bills under Helpful Information)
8. Taking on work, doing little or nothing, but charging a lot for it.
9. Taking on work which the solicitor lacks the time and experience to handle properly.
10. Not taking enough trouble to make sure that they understand the case and not checking with client to prevent misunderstandings.
11. Long delays - i.e. not replying to letters for weeks, not acting quickly enough.
12.General lack of diligence - case not progressing.
13. Waffle - i.e. long letters or telephone calls with client or other solicitors which are irrelevant, do not get to the point or have unnecessary repetition.
14. Withholding information and documents.
15. Dealing with unqualified personnel and being charged at qualified staff rates.
16. Being charged an extra 50% for GOOD WORK without prior notice.
N.B. It has been established that bad advice is misconduct. Also, when a mistake is made, it is often compounded when attempts are made to cover it up and the truth is not told.
See Useful
Information - Conduct Guidance Notes.
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