Any Thoughts?

[brandyrose]

My solicitor has missed 3 meetings (all arranged by him) and cancelled 15 mins after they were meant to start (I know this isn't good!) - he was then instead supposed to be writing to me as he now has new crucial information (this was 3 weeks ago).

I haven't heard anything and I'm really stressed about it. I am thinking the worst! but I'm probably over- thinking things.

I dont want to be unreasonable - does this sound normal? (I'm not doubting the quality of input or anything like that).

What do you think?
Is it best to leave it and wait (he is aware as his staff have mentiond it to him too)
Thank you

[FredPuli43]

I'd be inclined to ask the solicitor, or the senior partner, why that has happened. It isn't normal. Is it a very small firm?

[brandyrose]

Thanks Fred - on the contrary it is big and he is one of the top aswell! which is why I am concerned. (he does come across as over booked etc but that's not the point)

[FredPuli43]

Even so, he ought to have someone managing his diary better than that, and he shouldn't be overrunning his appointments. Do you need a man at the top? He'll be expensive. In a big firm he won't be doing the work anyway; his role is normally PR (solicitors on here won't thank me for that) and giving preliminary, brief advice, which usually someone less senior can do. After that, in a big firm, one of his specialist underlings does all the work. For example, I employ a big firm. Their senior conveyancing partner always sees me, defines the work, and promptly hands it to her, for example, specialist agricultural or development conveyancer. I don't see her again; she has junior specialists in everything. She even has one whose specialty is adverse possession cases. She only reappears to present me with the bill!

[brandyrose]

Thanks Fred - much appreciated.
I do think what you say makes sense. Yes I'm afraid I do think he needs to be involved as he leads in a specialist area and its complex but I have had other members of the practice deal with certain things for him on occasion.
I know where you are coming from though re - promoting the practice etc.,. He just better not abandon me in the middle of it all! (it would be better to have someone else who has the capability but available there)

I need to speak to him to see whats what. Thanks again.

[johnny37]

Are you on legal aid? If not charge him fo your time.

[themas]

If a solicitor (or any other professional for that matter) did that to me I'd be b....y furious. There's only so much messing about you can put up with. I'd get details of the firm's complaint procedure & go ahead with a formal complaint - or let him know you will do so unless you get what you need from him within (say) 3 working days.

[FredPuli43]

That's good; the lawyers are ganging up on your side! Themas has given the most accurate answer viz. solicitors have a complaints procedure

[TheRtHonSec]

Try phoning his golf club. You'll probably have more chance of finding him there.

[brandyrose]

I have made contact in writing today.

I have been looking at the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) Handbook and in it there are two areas that apply really - one is about client expectations and sol should be delivering here and the other is about the solicitor having regard to their client's mental capacity or other vulnerability etc etc.,

I'm holding it together (no choice) but the legal matter has really heavy aspects and I had contemplated dropping everything this week - and thats completely out of character.
Ideally you need your energy to fight your case! I feel better about it now though. Thank you.

[tonywiltshire]

It is most definitely not acceptable behaviour for a solicitor, or anyone else come to that matter to break three appointments they have made, one could be caused by emergencies but not three. I would suggest you speak to the senior partner at the practice and express your concerns and strong disapproval, he or she should be pleased to learn how their clients are being treated. I think it is generally known that Solicitors do not do all the work themselves they will pass it on to others in the practice who have the specific experience but may not have the same qualifications, however the solicitor will take the responsibility for the work of others, which will include the time scales, you should have been informed when you first gave your instructions who would be dealing with the matter.

[FredPuli43]

Don't give up. Other firms can deal with it. What area of law is it? Sounds like Family or Probate , both of which deal with mental illness/ incapacity in the course of everyday practice, powers of attorney etc

[brandyrose]

Thanks Fred. I know. No I wont give up. It isn't in the areas you mention. Negligence/Abuse is the one.