Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

[Walkedoverbylawbullies]

Hi, I am going through a divorce and 2.5 years ago me and my ex had separate solicitors, we were going though the normal letter exchanges and one evening we both received a letter from each of our solicitors saying that they are merging and that due to the circumstance they will no longer represent us from tomorrow morning.
they had the nerve to fully represent us all the way till they merged, they obviously knew for some time they were going to merge but carried on which was a complete conflict of interest and we're not really acting honestly in my eyes as they took the money.

now here it really comes, we selected new solicitors and had our files sent as they requested us to pay which I thought was crazy but being a soft kid I paid, they changed their name on the merge and now 2 years on have sent my new solicitor a letter stating I must pay an outstanding bill that I know nothing about, I don't know what to do on this one as I can't prove it they could print a letter and say I owe anything couldn't they laugh out loud I am lost at present, could anyone shed a light ? Thanks team

[MissFM]

Re: Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

Hi

You need to send a formal complaint to the managing partner(s) of all the solicitors involved, making it clear that you require them to activate their complaints procedure and investigate fully at no cost to yourself.

In your position, I would also contact the SRA and forewarn them that you have initiated a complaint, which, if not satisfied (I believe within 8 weeks but do check) you will expect them to take things further.

[stevemLS]

Re: Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

The SRA doesn't deal with complaints from the public, that is the Legal Services Ombudsman http://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/prob...egal-ombudsman

[MissFM]

Re: Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

The SRA doesn't deal with complaints from the public, that is the Legal Services Ombudsman http://www.sra.org.uk/consumers/prob...egal-ombudsman

Sorry, stevemLS, but I beg to differ - unless things have changed radically while I wasn't looking, lol. In any case, one will refer to the other where the particular complaint is inappropriate (if you get me)....

Whatever, the OP must initiate the complaint ASAP, according to the formal complaints procedure, with the individual solicitor(s) and then either the SRA or the LOS (depending on the nature of the complaint) will kick in if the OP is not satisfied.

[stevemLS]

Re: Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

The link I posted says that all public complaints must go through the Ombudsman and if they, the Ombudsman thinks there is a regulatory issue, they refer to the SRA

From SRA website:

We deal with cases where firms or those we regulate have breached the SRA Principles. Most of the time, complaints about solicitors are about poor service, and therefore should be sent to the Legal Ombudsman. If the Legal Ombudsman thinks your case involves a breach of our Principles, they will refer your case to us. Likewise, if you report a solicitor to us for poor service, we will refer you to the Legal Ombudsman; read our Memorandum of understanding (PDF, 3 pages, 66K) for more information on this arrangement. We do not have the power to award compensation for poor service, or to reduce or refund your legal fees.


I agree that OP must complain asap

[MissFM]

Re: Solicitors merge and request fees 2 years later

The link I posted says that all public complaints must go through the Ombudsman and if they, the Ombudsman thinks there is a regulatory issue, they refer to the SRA

From SRA website:

We deal with cases where firms or those we regulate have breached the SRA Principles. Most of the time, complaints about solicitors are about poor service, and therefore should be sent to the Legal Ombudsman. If the Legal Ombudsman thinks your case involves a breach of our Principles, they will refer your case to us. Likewise, if you report a solicitor to us for poor service, we will refer you to the Legal Ombudsman; read our Memorandum of understanding (PDF, 3 pages, 66K) for more information on this arrangement. We do not have the power to award compensation for poor service, or to reduce or refund your legal fees.


I agree that OP must complain asap

No significant disagreement at all, StevemLS :yo:- let's see the result of the OP's initial complaint....and to the OP: please do post back with this