Solicitors are not generally known for their attention to customer service. But when handling my conveyancing, Dutton Gregory reach a new low, tarnishing the reputation of all solicitors everywhere.
Dutton Gregory handled my conveyancing in Nov 2021. My solicitor went on holiday not once, but twice, at crucial points in the process, including two days before exchange. Nobody contacted me to tell me this - I found out that my buyers were ready to exchange from my estate agent - and everyone seemed surprised that I should expect it.
A simple email would have done, explaining that my solicitor was away, when she would be back and who was handling my file in her absence. It's not rocket science, it's easy. Instead, I was left with urgent and important legal questions and nobody to answer them.
Let me repeat - I found out that my buyers were ready to exchange from my estate agent! Not the solicitor that I was paying over a grand to handle the legal side. She didn't even know, because she was on holiday!
When I complained, I received a haughty email from Sarah Sams, a partner at the firm, offering no apology, defending and justifying everything that had happened, and saying, "... it is not possible not [sic] notify all client’s [sic] individually when a member of staff is due to take annual leave."
This is such obvious nonsense that it beggars belief that anyone would write it. It would take less than 10 minutes to send an email to a list of clients.
The problem isn't just that this wasn't done, it's that nobody at Dutton Gregory thinks it is worth doing.
Sarah Sams' email displays the root of the problem at Dutton Gregory perfectly. It comes from the top. Nobody cares about customer service there - they don't even know what it is.
So this dreadful vacuum where customer service should be isn't going to get better, because the partners at Dutton Gregory cannot see it.
As a result, they provide a lazy, complacent service, accompanied by an arrogant, high-handed manner.
If you make the mistake of using them, expect the bare minimum, low interest in your situation, late responses or no reply at all to emails and messages, and your solicitor disappearing without notice with no cover.
###### UPDATE 2023 #####
I thought it worth adding that subsequently I've moved again, and this time my legal affairs were handled by a solicitor in Bath.
They were absolutely superb, providing a stark counterpoint to the dreadful customer experience at Dutton Gregory by providing a really personal, sensitive, attentive service to customers.
Interestingly, the solicitor handling my case went on holiday, just like the one from Dutton Gregory did. However, my new solicitors managed the "impossible task" (if you believe Sarah Sams) of emailing me beforehand to let me know she was going away, and telling me who would be handling my case in her absence.
When I called with a question, the person covering for my solicitor had the file to hand, knew all about my situation, and was able to swiftly answer my questions, reassure me and take the necessary action.
Dutton Gregory would do to take note!
Meanwhile, if you're considering using Dutton Gregory for your conveyancing, PLEASE DON'T!