I want to change solicitor

Do you need to change your solicitor?

I do take over cases from other solicitors. This does not mean the current solicitor is poor, it usually means a client is not receiving the time and attention they deserve. Working with a solicitor is a personal experience, and it should be personal.

It is easier to change solicitor than you may think.

I rarely find location a problem. My office is in Exeter but I have clients in Leeds, Southampton and Hayle in deepest Cornwall. You will not need to see me every five minutes, so it is time to dedicate to you and your case which is most important. When we need to meet I will travel to you.

Many people do not choose their solicitor. You may have been referred to solicitors by your insurance company, your broker, or some other agency.

The most common problem we hear about is that clients are not happy with the way they are dealt with.

Solicitors are often set up to deal with high volumes of cases. They are heavily computerised, and sometimes give the impression of being a call centre, rather than your personal adviser. There are sound business reasons for handling cases in this way, but if your case needs a more personal approach, you are perfectly entitled to change solicitors.

You only have one chance to get things right, so best be sure the case is in safe hands.

As ever, please feel free to discuss a case with me without obligation.

You are liable to pay your own solicitors fees and disbursements, but almost all will wait until the case is completed. It is usually understood that costs and disbursements will be recovered from the other side at the end of the case, so there should not be a problem.

Your new solicitor will have to agree the basis of transfer, and the term “lien” will be used. The first solicitor owns its file until it is paid, so we can agree to preserve their “lien,” or ownership, of these papers.

Do not be concerned, as transferring papers between solicitors is not unusual. A solicitor might welcome the chance to transfer the file of a client falling outside their systematic approach, or will see transfer as preferable to handling a complaint.

Contact Mark Thompson now for help.