Barrister's fee paid but not confirmed - solicitor scamming extra margin for himself?

[PlainMan]

hi, very simple question: I hired a solicitor who then hired a barrister. Was told the solicitor had made "Unbilled Disbursement" to the barrister for a fair amount of money, listed on my solicitor's bill.

Later found out two things:

First, amount of money actually sent to the barrister's chambers significantly less. We now know the solicitor had not paid the money he said he had.

Second, the barrister has now refused for many months, and despite over 15 requests, to issue copy of his original bill or to certify anything said by the solicitor.

Surely this is a scam!??

Can anyone please very kindly advise on which steps I take to recover my money?

[nemesis45]

Re: Barrister's fee paid but not confirmed - solicitor scamming extra margin for hims

hi, very simple question: I hired a solicitor who then hired a barrister. Was told the solicitor had made "Unbilled Disbursement" to the barrister for a fair amount of money, listed on my solicitor's bill.

Later found out two things:

First, amount of money actually sent to the barrister's chambers significantly less. We now know the solicitor had not paid the money he said he had.

Second, the barrister has now refused for many months, and despite over 15 requests, to issue copy of his original bill or to certify anything said by the solicitor.

Surely this is a scam!??

Can anyone please very kindly advise on which steps I take to recover my money?

Solcitors Regulation Authority for complaints about the Solicitor if he's a sole practitioner of the
the managing partner if he's in a partnership.

Head of Chambers for the barrister and or the Bar Council.

nem

[EXC]

Re: Barrister's fee paid but not confirmed - solicitor scamming extra margin for hims

I think that the first thing you need to do is raise a formal complaint with the solicitor. If it doesn't resolve the issue you can then take the complaint to the Legal Ombudsman.