greedy solicitors

[dilf]

i went to a solicitor to get some advice on a buisness partners [ex] theiving shenannigans. he explained that though i had a good case against them i must be advised that if i didnt get awarded costs it could prove to be very expensive case. so that was my dilema. there was a good chance that i could win the case BUT i risked winning a lot less than i spent on the case so i went home to think about it and left it at that = �150 . no problems their i accepted the price. 1 week later he sends me a letter explaining what we discussed and saying he was awaiting further instructions = �50 i explained that i was waiting for the accountant to get the books for me so i could work out just how much i'd been ripped off for he wrote me another letter saying he would always be available and will close the file for now. �50
+VAT
= �304

what i mean is how can he charge me for sending letters telling me what we had said in a previous meeting- twice

who can i complain to

[dilf]

p.s i met him for 40 minutes

[Nether Edge]

The Law Society supervises solicitors.

Ask solicitor for a Remuneration Certificate, ie he has to refer file to Law Society which will certify what would be a fair and reasonable fee for work done. It costs you nothing.

[dilf]

thankyou nether edge

[seatrout]

When you consulted him did he make it clear that he was charging you for the advice he was giving.

Even if you knew you were going to be charged for his time it seems OTT for what he actually did. You should take the matter up with the senior partner/complaints partner in the firm first. The Law Society wont do anything until you have at least tried to resolve it. Dont be fobbed off unless you are living in central London his charges seem way above average

[JanineG]

Nether Edge is right - you need to get the remuneration certificate first. There should be information on the invoice from the Solicitor about how to go about getting this, as the information has to be provided to all clients when invoicing them. I think there is a time limit on them though, so check the small print on you invoice and that should tell you what to do.

Also take seatrouts advice - just be wary of the time limit on the question of their bill.

Good luck,

Janine