Should a solicitor return their fee if they are unable to help?

[Contrarian]

I need to repay the balance of.a bridging loan for a largish sum of money (>700k), and the repayment has to be made via a solicitor. The solicitor I engaged charged me £400+vat in advance, but having looked at my financial background, determined that they were unable to satisfy themselves that my funds were from legitimate sources, and so couldn't assist me in making the loan redemption.

If this is the case, then do they not have an obligation to refund the fee? I might understand if they had uncovered something criminal in my situation, but, I feel, they simply gave up at the slightest difficulty. (My situation is a little unusual, but not difficult to prove legality).

[echat11]

Hi CONTRARIAN

Solicitors carry out all sorts of checks before they carry out work for their client. Their terms and conditions should help you determine if the monies should be refunded. If the monies should be refunded, then follow the solicitors complaints procedure. Once you get a final response, if you still aren't happy, then make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman.

[Contrarian]

Thanks ECHAT11