Anonymous
This review was submitted by a verified client of Clarkson Wright & Jakes Ltd.
Disappointing - would not recommend
At my first meeting over the phone, I felt Laura really heard and understood what I was facing and what I needed from her. However, she lacked energy and dynamism when dealing with my case. She lacked the fight & commitment I needed when dealing with the big bully tactics of my organisation. She delivered the basics of having a settlement signed and she did deliver negotiating a contribution to the legal fees from the organisation, but overall I felt the service was overpriced. I really needed a professional who would lift the fight from my shoulders (after a long, incredibly stressful time with my employers and very poor representation from my union) and take it on fully but she needed me to push her on at times. I tried to communicate this with her several times but she either didn't understand (strange in an employment solicitor) or didn't care enough. Communication wasn't great - an important email wasn't read correctly and everything took too long. At times I felt undermined by her - for example I knew the organisation's request to meet with me re payslips was not a genuine attempt to move things on and I, very understandably, did not want to see them again. Laura advised me to go ahead with it, despite my reluctance, which I did and I was right - it was pointless and painful. I was left at the end to chase up the payslips and the settlement payment which was stressful - given how much I had paid Laura I would have expected her to achieve receipt of payslips and to check in with the employers to confirm payment was being made on time as routine and before signing off. I feel Laura is pleasant and will deliver the basics. But in my case she lacked the understanding of how being victimised by your bosses leaves people traumatised and exhausted and how she needs to take on the fight with determination to get the very best for her client. My employers would have sensed quickly that this legal rep was not very strong and therefore I would have received a lower settlement as a result. I couldn't face finding another solicitor at this stage. For these reasons, I would not recommend Laura if clients have been victimised/have vindictive employers to deal with.
Solicitors tagged in
this review
A representative from Clarkson Wright & Jakes Ltd responded to this review
We appreciate clients taking the time to provide feedback. We are sorry to read that you feel we did not meet your expectations in this case. Whilst we do not agree that your review reflects the circumstances of the matter, due to our professional duties of confidentiality we are unable to comment on the specific details of your case in a public forum. We appreciate you sharing your experience and wish you all the very best for the future.
