dispute with solicitor for services, claim form received

[esom]

Hi,

I have been "dumped" by my previous solicitor (after having paid thousands for their services) in a particularly stressful time. They also overcharged (GBP1500 for a trip to London from Oxford... just the journey time, then also charging even after they stopped acting for me, etc)

It led me to file a complaint with them first, then with the ombudsman.
Ombudsman says it will take one year(!) before they look at the case.

The interest racked up, I responded to their Letter before Claim with request for more information and respond in time by paying a significant part which they suggested in a "without prejudice letter".

Today it turns out they already filed and I received a claim form several days before end of the 30 days waiting time (according to pre-action protocol).

The sum claimed is now >10000 GBP and it's extremely frustrating. I have paid most of it and really don't think I should pay the rest.
What's the best defense? What is the next step?

Shall I say I dispute all of the debt?
I have not acknowledged the claim or responded in any other way yet.

I need to react tomorrow, of course...

Thanks in advance!

[charitynjw]

Hi

Yes, you must acknowledge or risk a default CCJ.

I would suggest 'defend in full' for now.

You can always change your mind when (if) you file your defence.

Was the court claim via MCOL?

[charitynjw]

Could you clarify?......is it with the Ombudsman now, or were you just gathering info there?

[esom]

Hi,
thank you for your responses!
The court claim came via MCOL. The claimant agreed to an extension for filing the defense -- court clerk told me they could still file for a default payment despite agreement?
The ombudsman people said it will take up to a year to look into this and I should pay the money "under protest".
How would I go about defending the claim?
Thanks in advance!
E