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.