Is there a MyBuilder type site for solicitors?

[beardsince1978]

Hi,

For finding a builder or tradesman there are quite a few sites where you can list what you want done and in theory get replies. Is there anything similar for no-win-no-fee solicitors? The few nationally advertised firms I've tried seem only interested in standard no win no fee cases, medical or car related. Anything not falling into that category they are not interested in. I guess my case (or cases perhaps) would better suit an independent with spare time who willing to consider the not run of the mill nwnf cases, so in a sense similar to the small traders you find on these quote-me web sites. Or is there another way to control the cost/risk? I've heard of After The Event insurance but I don't think I can take that out, it has to be solicitor.

BTW I have seen the find a lawyer link but that's not the same as posting "here is an outline of my case, anyone willing to take it on under nwnf?".

Thanks

[Celestine]

Hi - Sorry I missed this post before!

You may find that the obstacle here is No Win No Fee. This fee arrangement only usual covers personal injury, medical negligence and some specialist areas of litigation.

[pt2537]

Hi,

For finding a builder or tradesman there are quite a few sites where you can list what you want done and in theory get replies. Is there anything similar for no-win-no-fee solicitors? The few nationally advertised firms I've tried seem only interested in standard no win no fee cases, medical or car related. Anything not falling into that category they are not interested in. I guess my case (or cases perhaps) would better suit an independent with spare time who willing to consider the not run of the mill nwnf cases, so in a sense similar to the small traders you find on these quote-me web sites. Or is there another way to control the cost/risk? I've heard of After The Event insurance but I don't think I can take that out, it has to be solicitor.

BTW I have seen the find a lawyer link but that's not the same as posting "here is an outline of my case, anyone willing to take it on under nwnf?".

Thanks

As Cel points out there are some difficulties here. As a lawyer myself, i have to say that you will never find someone who guarantees to take on all cases on a no win no fee basis ( or as its properly called Conditional Fee) unless they are raving mad, and their business is on the way to the receivers. No win no fee requires a careful risk assessment, it requires sitting down with the client and going through funding option, making sure the claim is viable, advising the client etc, you need to be sure that the case is winnable before you commit to a CFA option

[beardsince1978]

I think the issue is how to find a solicitor that might consider a case under CFA when a case isn't personal injury or medical negligence. Many solicitors say they do CFA but when you ask they aren't interested in CFA unless it is personal injury or medical negligence. Hence I think the question is how to get an outline of the case before many solicitors, one of which might be interested. Emailing solicitors found via google isn't achieving anything, yet I think I have a solid case with solid evidence, but I can't afford the potential cost. I'm not expecting to find a solicitor that guarantees CFA as clearly you would need to see the case outline first, and then obvious confirm the evidence is solid. But I'm not even getting into the maybe territory.

[R0b]

Many law firms/lawyers are risk averse so and that mindset will inevitably lead to a lot of rejections without even thinking about it. Firms will likely take other factors into account too such as reputation, whether it's something they have experience with, cost and time etc.

Some firms do offer damages based agreements which is a variation of a NWNF arangement but it has to be worthwhile for the firm. If you are seeking a few thousand quid then it's unlikely that a firm would even consider it unless, for example, it would be good publicity. Third party litigation funders are also an option which is relatively new to the UK but they're only interested in high value claims around the six figure plus mark.

Another possible line of inquiry could be legal organisations such as The Good Law Project or, if you are eligible, organisations such as Advocate (https://weareadvocate.org.uk) and the Free Representation Unit (http://www.thefru.org.uk) that may be able to assist or point you in the right direction.

It is probably a total longshot but some firms offer legal advice clinics providing free initial advice to the public. You could see if there's any that offer that service near you, get some advice on your case and ask if they can write up what they've advised and prospects. If they think chances of success are decent, use that as a springboard to go to law firms and see if they will bite, though no guarantee it will work.

I assume you've got no legal expenses insurance as that is also the quickest and easiest way for representation, assuming your case qualifies.

If you've exhausted all of those options, then you might be out of luck unless you can afford to pay the court fees. Even if you could afford the court fees, it's possible that you can make an application to the court of them to consider an exemption form paying any costs whatever the outcome of the case on the basis that you can't afford it but you feel that there is a strong case and the right to seek justice outweighs not bringing the claim at because of a funding issue.

[Elyane]

Hi everyone

[Celestine]

Bye Elyane

[pt2537]

Bye Elyane

ROFLMAO Thats made my afternoon

[beardsince1978]

Thanks Rob. Useful suggestions. I'm not in the area that FRU covers. Perhaps it would help to give an outline of my problem.

I think I have a case of council negligence and council fraud which goes back a ways but the fraud and negligence have only recently come to light (within last 6yrs in other words). The councils continue to act badly and they are now set on a course that could make my house services criminal, and to do this they have ignored the law, defra guidance, and the planning inspectorate. There is also an case for perjury too. One council has form on this issue and recently had to pay out £43k in costs when the council lost its appeal. Looking at that I see a potential 86k which is serious money.

Both my issues apply to the same land so there is potential for a fraud/negligence claim to settle their current actions too. As the fraud/negligence relates to quite a while back the benefits of compound 8% should give a reasonable amount (20k+ I think) for a CFA. There is also potential for looking at the solicitor who was involved at the time in the past (or rather the firm that currently has liability). There is an argument he didn't show enough care but I'd prefer the council's be the target given their current behaviour.

I have tried all my insurances but they all say I have no cover. I have raised the council's current actions with the LGO because that is free. The LGOs powers are quite limited though. They can recommend but the council doesn't have to obey. All they can do then is make the council publish this in the local paper which seems a weak to me.