December 16, 2019
20191216130240
Excessive and unfair charging
In December 2015 I completed the purchase of our home using Stuart Q Murphy solicitors who I had used several times before. In 2019 Stuart retired and his business was taken over by The Law Firm Group (TLFG). Due to a dispute with my neighbour (who was threatening to remove part of our driveway access) I had to request my conveyancing file back from TLFG. Despite multiple request over several days for the complete file, I only received 1 document (the Property Information Form). I chased again to be told the rest of the file would only be released on payment of £312.00. I pointed out that the majority of the file was my property but was told the entire file would have to be 'perused' and scanned before it could be released. Despite TLFG agreeing this would take an admin assistant about 1 hour, they would not budge on the cost of £312.00. The justification they used was that there was no charge out rate for admin assistants, so a partners rate would have to be used. I was so desperate to obtain the file, I had no option other than to pay the £312.00 under duress. The whole experience was deeply shocking. I can only advise NEVER USE THIS FIRM.