part 36 offer accepted but claimants solicitors costs are huge

[eddie101]

I hope this is in the right section.

I accepted a part 36 offer from a claimants solicitor.
That is £1700.
However the no win no fee is claiming costs of 171 units which is
£4651.20+VAT (£5581.44).

But has said
With a view to concluding costs swiftly we are prepared to accept £3750+VAT (£4500)
I wasn't expecting anything like this amount.
This was for non protection of a rent deposit.
He has given me an xl file that lists things like an email from me is 1 unit etc etc.

I was not expecting anything like this.

He says If this is not agreed, I will prepare a formal schedule of costs and send the same to you in the coming days, and thereafter if costs cannot be concluded, a detailed bill will be required which can be assessed by the court if not agreed.

Please note the preparation of the aforementioned schedule and/or detailed bill will incur further time and costs that can be recovered from you.

Does this seem right or can anyone give me help.

[echat11]

Hi EDDIE101

Welcome to LB

Try not to worry.

Did your solicitor keep you updated regards the costs as the case progressed?

I don't know what he's done on the case in hours / units etc. You will have some idea. Do your own spreadsheet, then you will know for certain.

How are the other elements being charged, i.e. email = £27 ex VAT.

How much is a letter, etc ?

Have a read of the following:-

https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/me...service-v3.pdf



.

[eddie101]

Hi,
I have not used a solicitor for myself - big mistake.

The claimants solicitor has just sent a spreadsheet at this point listing all the items 171 units which is
£4651.20+VAT (£5581.44) - so per unit is £27.19 + vat roughly i guess.

So reading an email fro me he has charged 1 unit.

I can attach the spreadsheet if that helps.

But has said
With a view to concluding costs swiftly we are prepared to accept £3750+VAT (£4500)

The other odd thing is that they do not have their vat number on any letterheads or website so I am querying can they charge VAT?

I really need some guidance as to what to do next.

[atticus]

What was the amount of the original claim? You *may* be able to argue on assessment that small claims costs rules should apply.

[echat11]

Yes, upload the spreadsheet without personal details / identification.

[HariSeldon]

Hi,
The other odd thing is that they do not have their vat number on any letterheads or website so I am querying can they charge VAT?

They only need to show their VAT number on an actual invoice so there's nothing odd about it not appearing on their letterhead or website.

Fundamentally though, how did the costs get so high? If you did not protect the deposit, did you not just immediately agree to their initial claim or was there more to it than that?