Solictors Charges

IanDunn_2

Never mind the rip-off bank charges that we've all suffered - there is not greater rip-off than the fees/charges expenses charged by solicitors. Their hourly charging rates are bad enough - but in my experience they don't stick to them - often grossly exaggerating the time (and cost) they have run up. You will always know a solicitor firm is over-charging when they say " we have exceeded our cost estimate but we are keeping your costs to that agreed" or similar words. One often is afraid to challenge them, but I have found many to be little more than " crooks in suits"! I always ask for a copy of their logged time printout (don't always get it ) - invariable it takes 2 minutes to read a letter - you'll be charged for 5 or 6 minutes - or a 5 minute phone call - will appear as 15 or 20 minutes - all at up to £200 per hour or more.

eira

So agree with you-especially when they make mistakes to cap it all and you have no redress.They make cowboy builders look like Winnie the Pooh. They cost a fortune and they can ruin your life with their mistakes.

jazzyjustlaw

Firstly, Solicitors charges are usually in line with county court guidelines. The reason why they are so high are simply the indemnity insurance which is used to pay out any claims that client's may have, amongst other things.

Secondly, do you have any idea how much it costs to obtain a law degree then pass the LPC? No thought not well its about £25,000.

Thirdly, its not always easy to estimate costs, sometimes these are increased as the client takes a principled view point which cannot be justified.

Fourthly, a unit is usually 6 minutes i.e. letter, tel call and preparation etc.

Finally, could you be more specific as to why you needed to use a solicitor, what was it for, on what basis do you say that over charged you.

Eira I once heard a joke which said something like you have a problem and you cannot sort it out so you go to a solicitor who cannot sort it out then you blame him because its their fault. A lawyer can only act within the ambits of the law.

PayDay

jazzyjustlaw wrote: »

I once heard a joke which said something like you have a problem and you cannot sort it out so you go to a solicitor who cannot sort it out then you blame him because its their fault. A lawyer can only act within the ambits of the law.

I once heard a joke too. God and the Devil were having a boundary dispute. Where did Heaven end and Hell begin. The devil was getting quite angry,
so God said "Let's just get solicitors' to sort this out for us".
The Devil started laughing.
So God said "What are you laughing at?"
The Devil replied "Where are you going to get a solicitor":D

dunstonh

Perhaps if you had studied harder at school and spent the rest of your teens and early 20s in University and then had to do all the low paid legal jobs to build your career and continue training then you could charge those fees too.

PayDay

dunstonh wrote: »

Perhaps if you had studied harder at school and spent the rest of your teens and early 20s in University and then had to do all the low paid legal jobs to build your career and continue training then you could charge those fees too.

I have got a degree. Back in the days when studying for a degree was free:D
Unlike the poor kids now who have to pay a fortune to get a degree

moonrakerz

PayDay wrote: »

Unlike the poor kids now who have to pay a fortune to get a degree

Most of which are not worth the paper they are printed on.

skkskk

I'm so fed up with people criticising my profession! Sseriously, it cost me in excess of 25k to get here!

If you don't know what your Solicitor is charging you, then your the one with the serious problem! Ask them for a copy of their client care letter and ask them to have their bill to be taxed by the Law Society if you feel so badly done by.

But make sure you read the client care letter, becuase all the information will be in it!

jazzyjustlaw wrote: »

Firstly, Solicitors charges are usually in line with county court guidelines. The reason why they are so high are simply the indemnity insurance which is used to pay out any claims that client's may have, amongst other things.

Secondly, do you have any idea how much it costs to obtain a law degree then pass the LPC? No thought not well its about £25,000.

Thirdly, its not always easy to estimate costs, sometimes these are increased as the client takes a principled view point which cannot be justified.

Fourthly, a unit is usually 6 minutes i.e. letter, tel call and preparation etc.

Finally, could you be more specific as to why you needed to use a solicitor, what was it for, on what basis do you say that over charged you.

Eira I once heard a joke which said something like you have a problem and you cannot sort it out so you go to a solicitor who cannot sort it out then you blame him because its their fault. A lawyer can only act within the ambits of the law.

jazzyjustlaw

skk skk why did you quote me then say nothing?

I would like to add, I did low level jobs yes I have even cleaned toilets when a single mum. Oh and I have working class background.

I feel like I am treated less as a professional then when I cleaned toilets!!

jazzyjustlaw

ts_aly2000 wrote: »

What a daft thread.

The OP wasn't too bad, but everyone who has posted thereafter sounds like spoilt demanding children.

Why bother posting a comment?