Anyone used Trethowans for their conveyancing?

MrWary

Right, looking for a good conveyancer (online / offline don't really care which).

Someone mentioned Trethowans to me in passing, but a quick google search threw up some mixed feedback.

Anyone on here got any opinions, or any previous experience?

Richard_Webster

Ignore Solicitors from Hell entries.

They are a reputable local firm, probably more expensive than some, but I have no reason to believe that they wouldn't do conveyancing in a proper competent manner.

SmlSave

Dealt with their sailsbury office late last year and they seemed fine

MrWary

Thanks for the advice everyone. Didn't bother going with them in the end, was put off a bit by their website. Just seemed like they did so much other stuff, they might not have the time to dedicate to MY move.

And although you said ignore it, it's hard not to take negative feedback into account. They ARE on solicitors from Hell, and weren't they in the Daily Mail a few years ago for bribing hairdressers or something? Seemed a bit dodgy to me...

MrWary

Er...of course I don't have first hand knowledge of the firm. Hence me coming on here and asking for anyone that does. All I stated was that I'd found a few things on Google that put me off using them after all. Why so aggressive? Do you work for them or something?

As for "missing out", maybe I have, but if you don't feel comfortable with someone then what can you do? Certainly not going to be bullied into it by a relatively new poster on Money Saving Expert.

MrWary

Dunno if I should say...don't want to be accused of spamming again!

Who cares though...went with Goldsmith Williams in the end - they seem to have the right mix of everything and their website was pretty helpful. And, more importantly, no bad news stories in the press!!!

perspicacious

I think you dodged a bullet. I have had very recent experience of this firm during which I didn't point out I am an ex-lawyer. We were dealing with a contract matter. Their legal knowledge was shocking! I have an email from the person I dealt with in which s/he said they had to check with their client as to whether contract law applied! I was gobsmacked. It's a basic area of law that every lawyer is taught about and why ask the client? Surely they are the legal experts?

Later on, I pointed out the relevant statute. They then gave some incredibly ridiculous reason - which actually defied logic - as to why it did not apply. I showed it to a lawyer from OFT (who was an expert in this area of law) and even she was incredulous at their stupidity. I still have those emails. Whichever lawyer wrote them, is shamefully moronic about the law and lacks the ability to make reasoned, logical argument.

MrWary

Just an update, in case anyone is particularly bothered.

Despite my initial good impression of Goldsmith Williams I've been nothing but disappointed so far. To use another posters analogy, I might have dodged a bullet only to then step on a landmine!

They've been pretty average so far - right pain in the proverbial to get hold of. Think I've spent most of the past few weeks waiting for them to return calls and emails. I get that a lot of the conveyancing process is waiting around whilst the 2 conveyancers talk to each other, so it could be the other side holding things up, but I could still use an update every now and again just to let me know.

Or maybe I'm just being to demanding?