Russel Tarr
Expensive advice which the firm later accepted fell short of expectations
I engaged Mr Patel at Wilkes Solicitors to assist with regaining possession of my residential property from a tenant who refused to leave, using the Section 21 procedure. I was charged over £2,000 for reviewing documents and issuing the Section 21 notice. When the notice expired and I contacted Mr Patel to discuss applying to the court for possession, my messages went unanswered and I did not receive any further communication from him. My matter was later taken over by other solicitors at the firm. After reviewing the file, I was advised that “the head of department does not agree with Alpesh” that the paperwork was sufficiently robust to proceed to court and that “you ought to have been advised differently”. As a result, I was not in a position to progress my case despite the fees already paid. Wilkes subsequently issued a further bill of approximately £1,000 for this additional review and advice. Following a formal complaint, this bill was withdrawn, and the firm acknowledged in writing that “I do have concerns relating to this advice and accept that it falls short of the standard you would have expected”. With no confidence left in the company, I instructed the firm to close my file. Based on my experience, I would not choose to use this solicitor or the firm again.
