Not everyone that describes themselves as a lawyer is qualified or regulated. For example, someone who works as a paralegal or a McKenzie Friend may not have any legal qualifications.
However if you use a lawyer regulated by an approved regulator of legal services, for example a solicitor or a barrister, then they will be qualified to a set standard, and extra protections will be available to you if something goes wrong.
Below we’ve set out some problems you may face with a law firm and the protections available to you. Some protections are available to everyone, regardless of the type of lawyer you choose.. - but there are additional options on hand for those using a regulated lawyer.
I have a problem, what are my options?
A firm has stolen my money
When using any type of lawyer:
- Report to the Police and they may catch the person who stole it and make them pay it back.
- Employ a private detective or debt collection agency to try and find them.
Your extra options when using a regulated lawyer:
- Report them to the relevant legal regulator
- Money may be refunded to you or you may be eligible for compensation
- The firm may be closed down
A firm owes me money and they won’t pay
When using any type of lawyer:
- Employ a debt collection agency
Your extra options when using a regulated lawyer:
- Report to a 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
Your extra options when using a regulated lawyer:
- Report to a regulator
- Money may be refunded to you or you may be eligible for 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 the insolvency will add you to a list of creditors
- You may get some of your money back depending on the circumstances
Your extra options when using a regulated lawyer:
- Report to the relevant legal regulator
- Money may be refunded to you or you may be eligible for compensation
- Your file may be passed on to another firm
- Firm may be closed down
I'm not happy with the work or behavior of the firm
When using any type of lawyer:
- Complain directly to the firm
- If the firm doesn't resolve it, you can make a negligence claim
- The lawyer’s own terms and conditions outline 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
- Find out more about complaining about a law firm
Your extra options when using a regulated lawyer:
- Complain directly to the firm
- If the firm doesn’t resolve it, you can go to the Legal Ombudsman if it’s a service related complaint
- These lawyers have rules they need to follow, if they break these rules you can complain to their regulator
- Find out more about complaining about a law firm
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