I have a problem, what are my options?

A firm has stolen my money.

When using any type of lawyer:

  • Report it to the police. They may catch the person who stole it and make them pay it back.
  • Ask a private detective or debt collection agency to try and find them.

When using a regulated lawyer:

  • Report them to their regulator .
  • You could get a refund or compensation.
  • The firm may be closed down.

A firm owes me money and they won’t pay

When using any type of lawyer:

  • Ask a debt collection agency to help you get your money back.

When using a regulated lawyer:

  • Report them to their regulator who may investigate why this is.

A firm closed and owes me money/work

When using any type of lawyer:

  • It may be difficult to get this money back.
  • You might not get the file back.
  • You will need to find a new firm.

When using a regulated lawyer:

  • Report them to their regulator.
  • You could get a refund or compensation.
  • Your file may be passed on to another firm.

A firm is insolvent and owes me money

When using any type of lawyer:

  • The professional in charge of insolvency will add you to a list of creditors.
  • You may get some of your money back, but it depends on the circumstances.

When using a regulated lawyer:

  • Report them to their regulator.
  • You could get a refund or compensation.
  • Your file may be passed on to another firm.
  • The firm may be closed down.

I'm not happy with the work or behaviour of the firm

When using any type of lawyer:

  • Complain to the firm.
  • If the firm doesn't resolve it, you can make a negligence claim.
  • Read the firm’s own terms and conditions to find out what they can and cannot do.
  • You are also covered by criminal and consumer law when you pay for a service.
  • You can speak to your local trading standards office.

When using a regulated lawyer:

  • If you complain to the firm and they don’t fix your issue, you can go to the Legal Ombudsman if it’s a service-related complaint.
  • If the firm has broken the rules that they should stick to, you can complain to their regulator.