anonymous
If you’re using this firm as legal aid, DO NOT!!!
I have taken a long time to write this review because what happened to me has had a lasting impact on my life, and I have only recently felt in a good enough place to speak honestly about my experience. When I was 20 years old, I was represented by this solicitor Tom Trobe in a criminal case. I had never been in trouble with the police before, and I was facing a situation that was incredibly frightening and life-changing. Unfortunately, I felt that I was let down by the representation I received. When it came to presenting my defence in court, my solicitor stood up and said, “No other words, Your Honour,” and sat back down. From my perspective, I was given no meaningful defence or explanation of my circumstances at what was one of the most important moments of my life. I subsequently received a custodial sentence of four months. I appreciate that the final decision to sentence someone rests with the court, and I cannot know for certain what difference a different approach in court would have made. However, I have always strongly believed that I did not receive the representation I deserved, particularly given that I had never previously been in trouble with the police. I was only 20 years old. That experience changed the course of my life and has continued to affect me many years later. The consequences of receiving a custodial sentence at such a young age have followed me well into adulthood. I am not writing this review out of anger or to attack anyone personally. I am writing it because I believe clients deserve to feel that their solicitor is genuinely fighting their corner, particularly when their freedom and future are at stake. This is my honest recollection of what happened and how I experienced the representation I received. I sincerely hope that other people facing such a serious and frightening situation receive the level of preparation, advocacy and support that I felt I was missing.
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