Solicitor at Lyons Bowe
Darrell Collins
Solicitor - Director and Head of Private Client Serv
SRA ID: 27356
Darrell is a Director and Head of the Private Client Department, an experienced associate solicitor based in our Shepton Mallet office, having joined Lyons Bowe in January 2020 after having been a partner at a firm in local area. Darrell specialises in all aspects of Private Client work, especially older client law. Darrell enjoys walking her dogs as well as travelling. Darrell also loves architecture and history Qualifications & Professional Memberships Full Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) TEP SFE Accredited Solicitor LLB (Hons) Private Client Section of the Law Society – Member
54 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5AS
Licensed for 24 years
Practice Areas
Wills, Trusts & Probate
- Wills, Trusts & Probate 100%
6 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About Darrell Collins
Darrell is a Director and Head of the Private Client Department, an experienced associate solicitor based in our Shepton Mallet office, having joined Lyons Bowe in January 2020 after having been a partner at a firm in local area. Darrell specialises in all aspects of Private Client work, especially older client law. Darrell enjoys walking her dogs as well as travelling. Darrell also loves architecture and history Qualifications & Professional Memberships Full Member of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) TEP SFE Accredited Solicitor LLB (Hons) Private Client Section of the Law Society – Member
Languages Spoken: English
Contact Darrell Collins
Resume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
15/09/99
19/09/23
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
AWARDS
Name
Grantor
Date granted
STEP Member
STEP
13-05-2008
Full Accredited Member
Solicitors For The Elderly
10-07-2004
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Director and Head of Private Client Services
Lyons Bowe
2020-present
Stay FAR FAR away! Zero know hoe and shocking client management
They might try and lure you in with competitive prices but they have no know how and will get things shockingly wrong! We instructed them to do a declaration of trust for us. Because it was a slightly more complex set up, I gave them absolutely all the details upfront to make sure they had the expertise to do it. I was told by their new client exec Jayne Moxham that I would hear same day if they can take the instructions but then had to wait for over a week while they were clarifying this with seniors. I was then told that they can definitely do this for us but to also seek tax advise, and was given the name of a tax advisor. After I received tax advise, I immediately shared that with them as well, again mentioning the specifics of how we want the declaration set up and making sure they can do it. I was reassured again and booked in for a call with a solicitor in 3 weeks. At that point I mentioned to Jayne that we need the declaration set up for completion and this was cutting it too close if there are any amendments required etc. She completely ignored my concerns and told multiple times not to worry as the timeline would definitely work out. I was sent the instruction paperwork, which both mine and my partners paperwork wrong! Absolutely no attention to detail which is concerning for a legal firm. After waiting for 3 weeks, we then have a roughly 15 mins call (despite being booked in for 1 hour) with one of their solicitors Rhiannon Cape. She had no knowledge of our details, despite lengthy communication with their firm beforehand, could barely explain the process of a routine declaration of trust setup, and every question we asked was met with "I don't know I would have to check this". She then admitted that she might not have the know how for our case (which I questioned from the start in various phone calls with their team but was always told not to worry). The same afternoon we receive an email informing us that they could not do it after all as no one with the required know how had time for an urgent case. I escalated this asking for someone to make themselves available as we had by now waited for over a month and are about to exchange and complete. I then get an absolutely infuriating email from the Director Darrell Collins now changing the story from "no one with the know how is available" to accusing us of trying to set up the declaration in a way to avoid tax, hence why they didn't want to proceed, when we had followed the advise of the tax advisor THEY RECOMMENDED to us and previously to that had already spent over 2000 pounds to make sure we are setting everything up perfectly legally! This whole thing has led to us having to push back exchange and completion to instruct someone else for the declaration of trust. To avoid something similar we have instructed a barrister which costs a lot more but at least will give you someone who actually understands the law and doesn't make baseless accusations because of their shocking lack of knowledge and incompetence. I don't know where the solicitors at Lyons Bowe went to law school, if they did at all, but I have never seen such utter incompetence.
I have shared this experience with friends, one of which coincidentally instructed Lyons Bowe as their conveyancing firm and he had similarly bad experiences. Names on the reports were wrong, report was full of mistakes, lots of hidden costs in the process, constant need to chase them.
I would recommend to anyone considering this firm to stay far away. Instruct setfords instead, they are our conveyancing firm and have been absolutely amazing and are even cheaper with no hidden costs.
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
A representative from Lyons Bowe responded to this review on 01 March, 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry your experience did not match your expectations. Edward Romaine, Director, I understand has already been in contact with you to apologise and explain that this was an uncommon instance and we will be using this to re-train our staff involved, including the Head of Department, so we can ensure this does not happen again.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Questions fully answered.
I have spoken with this solicitor on two occasions regarding different concerns related to a discretionary trust. The advice has been relevant and helpful and given in an efficient but friendly manner. All aspects of the process were explained and written information given prior to the contacts.
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
A representative from Lyons Bowe responded to this review on 21 January, 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
House sale
Once all the paperwork has been completed you have an app to let you no what’s going on and keeps you updated
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
A representative from Lyons Bowe responded to this review on 06 December, 2023
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a lovely review. We are delighted to hear you found the app useful.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Estate of Mr Holmes
Process of letters of administration was complicated, as no will or house deeds were available. There was also a lack of details regarding his financial arrangements. The team were always polite and helpful when contacted.
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
A representative from Lyons Bowe responded to this review on 07 November, 2023
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Client services
Very polite and friendly, keep you up to date on everything and quickly responding. Very great with my outcome I would highly recommend.
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
Was this review helpful? Yes
Family Tust
Darrell Collins of Lyons Bowe has been advising me on matters relating to a family trust. I am extremely impressed with Darrell's professionalism and knowledge. She has remained approachable and patient with my numerous questions, providing clear explanations and responses in a very timely manner. The situation is complicated for me but Darrell's explanations regarding the legal and tax issues have helped enormously. I am very grateful to her and have no hesitation in giving a five star review to her and the firm. Thank you.
Solicitor named in this review: Darrell Collins
Was this review helpful? Yes