Solicitors - Negligence

How does Resolver work?

Free forever

Resolver is free. Just raise a case and leave feedback after. Simple! We’ve helped millions of people find a resolution. Get started now and let’s get this sorted.

Know your rights

There’s no jargon in our rights guides. Instead, they’re full of the info you need to get things sorted. We’ll always be on hand with guidance and support to help you get the results you’re looking for.

Get your voice heard

You can be certain that you’re talking to the right person at the right time. We automatically connect you to contacts at thousands of household names, ombudsmen and regulators to find a resolution.

Your solicitor should provide a high standard of service. They must also meet certain professional standards. For example, they must act with integrity and in the best interests of their clients.

If your solicitor makes a mistake or is negligent, your first step should be to speak to your solicitor and give them a chance to put things right.

You should know

All solicitors in the UK and Wales are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) which sets codes of conduct and quality.
All firms must adhere to high standards of practice and comply with rules and regulations.
If the issue is not resolved after 8 weeks, your case can be forwarded to the Legal Ombudsman Service.
The Legal Ombudsman will either deal with your case or direct you to the SRA if appropriate.
These rights are for England & Wales only.

Helping the company to resolve your issue

To help the company resolve your issue either phone the company using the resolver iPhone or Android App, or email them and explain clearly what happened, how you would like to resolved.

Give the company time to respond, the speed at which companies responds varies but Trading Standards recommends to allow 14 days to expect a response. resolver will record all your communications and remind you what to do.

Making a complaint

If the issue is not resolved, you can make a complaint to your solicitor via resolver. Include copies of any relevant documents or correspondence and notes or recordings of any calls. Explain your issue and what you want them to do about it.

You should request a copy of their firm’s complaints procedure and ask who will be dealing with your complaint.

If you are not satisfied

If your solicitor does not resolve your complaint within 8 weeks, you can refer your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman. The Ombudsman deals with complaints regarding poor service by solicitors.

You can export your resolver case file as a package including copies of the correspondence and supporting documents that you have uploaded. You should ask the lawyers permission before you send recordings of phone calls.

Depending on your case and their findings, the Legal Ombudsman has the power to order the lawyer to refund fees, to return documents or to pay compensation.

Is there a deadline for contacting the Ombudsman?

Make sure you contact the Ombudsman within six months of receiving the final response from your solicitor. resolver will remind you when to escalate your case.

Your final option

If your solicitor is in breach of their professional standards, has discriminated against you or has acted dishonestly, you can take your case to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The Ombudsman can advise you on whether your case should be referred to the SRA.

You will need to fill in a copy of their complaint form and send them a copy of your resolver case file. If your complaint has been reviewed by the Ombudsman you should include a copy of their findings and any other supporting documents. The SRA will investigate your case and has the power to impose fines or even to close a firm. However they cannot issue compensation.

Taking legal action

If you believe your solicitor has acted negligently you can take them to court and if you are successful you may be entitled to compensation. You should seek legal advice from a lawyer specialising in professional negligence cases.

Be aware you cannot take your solicitor to court if you have already accepted a decision from the Ombudsman.

If you need advice

If you need any assistance or guidance regarding your issue you can contact Citizens Advice on 08444 111 444 or the Legal Ombudsman’s helpline on 0300 555 0333.

Find the best rights for you

We have 5,115 pages of rights advice for you covering 10,930 companies and organisations across 16 public & private sectors. Feel free to browse companies for this specific issue - they're all listed below - but the quickest way to find the best rights for you is by using our unique Rights Finder to access our extensive database of advice.

Start by telling us the name of the company or organisation you have an issue with.