Ian
A Serious Failure of Representation at a Critical Hearing
This review reflects my personal experience and opinion regarding legal services provided by TML Solicitors (Leicester), specifically Mr. Shabbir Issat, in relation to my magistrates’ court Exceptional Hardship hearing on Tuesday, 14th October 2025. I instructed TML Solicitors (Leicester) and was charged £1,750 for representation. Given this fee, I reasonably expected a standard of service consistent with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Principles and the level of competence and preparation that a client should be entitled to rely upon in a matter with significant legal and personal consequences. However, in my opinion, the representation fell substantially below the level of professionalism I expected: 1) I personally prepared a 16-page Exceptional Hardship bundle, detailing my circumstances and supporting evidence. It appeared to me that no substantive additions, improvements, or refinements were made to this work prior to the hearing. 2) Prior to the court date, I did not feel I received adequate guidance, preparation, or clear communication regarding the legal strategy, the arguments to be presented, or the likely approach of the court. 3) During the hearing itself, I found Mr. Shabbir Issat (the advocacy) to be, in my view (and that of my wife and father-in-law (a retired police officer)), unclear, disorganised, and not presented with the level of confidence or structure I believe is required of a legal representative in a magistrates’ court environment. I left the courtroom with the impression that my position was not coherently or effectively defended. 4) Following the hearing, I did not feel I was provided with a meaningful follow-up (a personal / professional call), further explanation and clarification, despite the outcome having substantial implications for me, more specifically my health and well-being. In my honest opinion, the overall service did not reflect what I consider to be a reasonable duty of care, nor did it meet the standard of representation I expected when instructing a regulated legal professional at this level of cost. For these reasons, and based solely on my own experience, I would not instruct TML Solicitors again, nor would I personally recommend them for representation in similar matters. This review is given in good faith to assist other potential clients in making an informed decision.
Chris Garford
Dear Ian, thank you for your feedback. You were represented by a solicitor with over 20 years experience and a regular advocate before the Court. Your application was made appropriately and the information you supplied was uploaded onto the Court system and considered by the Magistrates. Unfortunately we can not pre-empt the decisions of the Magistrates or guarantee a successful conclusion. The Magistrates on this occasion after careful consideration refused your application. TML Solicitors work in the best interests of our client as we did in your case. We wish you the best in the future.
