Abie
Collected on:
Systemic Failures at Clarion Solicitors
ChatGPT
You said:
Look at review below, reword for a review on separate site, enhance the sloppy,un professional, lack of integrity, accountability,poor service beyond comprehensive, oh and Phil Feather ( now at Gordon's Solicitors, Bradford
Lawyer in Leeds, EnglandClosed
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Abie Ansari
10 reviews
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was an absolute nightmare from beginning to end. Philip Feather, assigned to my case, displayed shocking incompetence by confusing basic legal concepts like injunctions, acceptable forms of evidence and …More
🙏1
sharon basran
1 review
3 months ago
What amazing people! I would like to say a massive thank you to Sandeep and Ashleigh for helping me get back my daughter from my ex partner, under stressful circumstances within 48hours. …More
❤️1
Julian Bailey
1 review
4 months ago
This was a very poor experience in 2022-23 involving a child custody case. My solicitor Jane Ingleby was not at all present during the process, leaving the work to a much less experienced colleague. There was no pace and yet it was very expensive. In the end, I moved to Winston's who handled the case with much more drive.
❤️🙏2
George K
2 reviews
6 months ago
Very helpful advice received from Andrew McAulay (and very friendly), when I called to ask about services. Even though my claim was too small he suggested the best approach for me.
Ann Neville
7 reviews
10 months ago
I had a dispute in regards to a Court of Protection dispute with a Council, I was advised by the Solicitor at Clarions he felt I had a good case. I was charged 1 hour 18 minutes for an engagement letter at a cost of £383.50. …More
🙏1
Abigail Barker-O'Neill
17 reviews·2 photos
8 months ago
I'm at the beginning of working with Simon but already he has made me feel very reassured that he knows what he's on about and is happy to hold my hand through the process. Looking forward to getting the deal over the line together!
🙏1
C S
Local Guide·12 reviews·42 photos
8 months ago
I had an awful experience with Clarion. They are completely incompetent, do terrible work and constantly overbill. Avoid them at all costs if you want to save yourself from frustration and financial loss.
❤️🙏2
Carly Rheilan
11 reviews
a year ago
Helpful and accurate advice on website. Excellent advice given in person re specific case. Instructions carried through promptly and successfully, rescuing an otherwise very sad and difficult situation affecting several different parties. Comprehensive communication and updates throughout. Very pleasant and accessible to deal with.
Sean Miller
Local Guide·12 reviews
2 years ago
The advice we got from Clarion was fantastic. Lucy really took the time to understand our business and found an outside of the box solution that worked brilliantly for the issues we were facing. I couldn't be happier with their service.
Kaushal Shah
Local Guide·95 reviews·12 photos
a year ago
Worst Solicitors I have ever had dealing with. We are buying a property and the bank used them to deal with their side of the case. Instead of making the process easy, they just try and increase the work load and costs of the other side. …More
🙏1
Ian Thurley
6 reviews
2 years ago
Clarion have a broad base of specialists covering all aspects of business and commercial legal matters. Such matters are attended to promptly when required and all members of the team I have had correspondence with have given me confidence …More
Nimesh Shah
12 reviews
a year ago
Excellent advice and service from Stephanie Parish and Keil Walsh - very clear and comprehensive advice, delivered in a super personable manner. Always responsive and proactive and the work was turned around in an excellent timeframe.
Tracey
Local Guide·20 reviews
a year ago
It was a pleasure to work with Michael Francos-Downs during our recent transaction. With a continually professional and approachable manner Michael Francos-Downs used his obvious expertise to confidently take us through the process in a …More
Matt Wilkinson
1 review
3 years ago
Unfortunately, my solicitor and I have had to deal with a real estate team that demonstrate a clear lack of detail, ownership or communication. Their ownership is to settle their clients estate (who's house we are buying) and they have …More
🙏6
Di Drinkwater
1 review
2 years ago
Good quality practical legal advice provided quickly and at a reasonable cost. Clarion have supported us on both long and short journeys and I would highly recommend.
Michael Hughes
11 reviews
9 years ago
The business I run has been working closely with Clarions for over 4 years and they have proven good advisors. One of the strengths is the firm's partners we have worked with are always commercial which you don't always find with lawyers!. …More
Jo Young
4 reviews·1 photo
10 years ago
Massive help from Clarion. It was a brilliant customer experience, it really was - first friendly phone call, meeting at your brilliant premises, lovely receptionist, lovely environment, lovely cappuccino and the team were great to work …More
Alex Willcocks
Local Guide·20 reviews·27 photos
9 years ago
We've worked with Clarion for a number of years, over which time they've helped us navigate through the legal aspects of a number of (often quite complex) business requirements. Over this time we've always found them to be both professional …More
Roger Fayle
5 reviews
10 years ago
I was looking for some clear advice that would help me with a staff restructuring exercise at our business and was delighted with the service that Clarions team gave me which helped give me the confidence to complete the process and move …More
Jo Thirsk
5 reviews
a year ago
I'd recommend Clarion to anyone because their advice is always driven by the commercial situation of the client and takes into account the overall needs of the business.
Neil Kettleborough
3 reviews
9 years ago
Clarion are always at the end of the phone when we need them
They have helped our business grow to a multimillion company in a short space of time. With the right advice and guidance they have helped Chalk Social secure …More
🙏1
ben fleetltd
4 reviews
10 years ago
Awful Solicitors Firm , over charge you, give you their lowest paid junior solicitors, who just can not deliver. This is the biggest waste of money ever - avoid Clarions for all Matrimonial affairs - also trade under ABR who are just as bad. Most of these solicitors have never won a case. Very poor service and over priced.
🙏8
Kate Beverley
3 reviews
8 years ago
Absoloutley professional and welcoming. Not your average preconception of what a law firm is like. Modern and approachable for definite. Put my mind at ease and excellent client facilities.
🙏2
J B
Local Guide·56 reviews
a year ago
Professional, efficient, keeping us up-to-date etc. Have full confidence with these guys. Recommended.
Abie Ansari
10 reviews
10 months ago
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was an absolute nightmare from beginning to end. Philip Feather, assigned to my case, displayed shocking incompetence by confusing basic legal concepts like injunctions, acceptable forms of evidence and appeals. His inability to meet court deadlines and arrange Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) showcased a profound lack of legal knowledge, indolence and care, leading to extensive delays and exacerbated legal issues.
Escalating my concerns to Sophie Morley, the partner overseeing Philip Feather and my case, proved futile. She was consistently unavailable and took months to respond, demonstrating a blatant disregard for urgency and client needs. When she finally did engage, her grasp of and understanding of the difference between an injunction and consent order was beyond shocking, contributing further to the chaos and confusion surrounding my case, utterly abysmal in every way.
Requesting my client file from Susan Hemingway was equally disastrous. It was an embarrassment to discover crucial details such as call logs, shared information, and advice were intentionally omitted. This deliberate mishandling of client documentation reflects a complete disregard for transparency and accountability.
Adding insult to injury, Clarion engaged in opaque and exploitative billing practices. Philip Feather would routinely demand last-minute payments, such as joint reports, court costs for a barrister, mere days before a Monday trial. This unethical behavior not only caused financial strain but also jeopardised the preparation and outcome of my case.
Despite their numerous failings, Clarion has failed to acknowledge the absolute mess they made of my legal matters. Their refusal to take responsibility for their gross negligence and incompetence is a testament to their unprofessionalism. They could not even respect their own policy and respond within their own prescribed timeframes to a client complaint, further highlighting their lack of integrity and client care.
In conclusion, Clarion epitomises negligence and incompetence in legal representation. They are a disgrace to the legal profession. If you value your legal matters and seek effective resolution, avoid Clarion at all costs. There are numerous reputable solicitors in Leeds with superior legal knowledge and a commendable work ethic. Choose wisely and prioritise firms that uphold integrity, competence,and genuine client care.
ChatGPT said:
Here's a reworded and enhanced version of your review for posting on a separate site, with a sharper focus on their sloppiness, lack of professionalism, integrity, accountability, and including Phil Feather now at Gordons Solicitors, Bradford:
Review:
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was utterly appalling, defined by shocking incompetence, complete lack of professionalism, and a disturbing absence of integrity or accountability. In particular, Philip Feather — who has since moved to Gordons Solicitors in Bradford — demonstrated a breathtaking level of ineptitude. He consistently confused basic legal principles such as injunctions and consent orders, fumbled court deadlines, and failed to arrange essential ADR proceedings. His negligence caused severe delays and significantly worsened my legal position.
Attempts to escalate my concerns to his supposed supervisor, Sophie Morley, were equally fruitless. She was consistently unresponsive for months, displaying astonishing indifference toward her own firm's failings and my case’s urgency. When she finally did engage, her lack of understanding of basic legal concepts was jaw-dropping, contributing further to the chaos.
Even the simple act of obtaining my client file from Susan Hemingway revealed serious malpractice: crucial communications, advice, and call logs were deliberately omitted, exposing an alarming disregard for transparency and professionalism.
Clarion's billing practices were equally predatory and disgraceful. Philip Feather would suddenly demand payments for urgent matters like barrister fees and joint reports just days before hearings, leaving no time for alternative arrangements. These tactics were not only unethical but placed me under unnecessary financial and procedural pressure.
Despite countless opportunities, Clarion refused to acknowledge or address the catastrophic mishandling of my case. Their disregard for even their own internal complaint procedures — failing to respond within prescribed timescales — was a further testament to their utter lack of professionalism, client care, and ethical standards.
In short, Clarion Solicitors is a firm defined by breathtaking incompetence, systematic negligence, and a toxic culture of denial and unaccountability. If you value your legal matters and sanity, avoid Clarion at all costs. Seek firms that demonstrate genuine expertise, integrity, and commitment to their clients — qualities that Clarion entirely lacks. And be especially cautious with Phil Feather, now operating from Gordons Solicitors, Bradford — a move that unfortunately does not erase his past track record of failure.
Would you also like me to give you a second version that's a bit shorter or even sharper, depending on the tone you're aiming for (e.g., "formal warning" style, or "more scathing")?
You said:
Remove especially cautious aspect of last element, ultimately both both Sophie And Phil clearly not supervised , she by her managing partner, solicitors for graveyard solicitors ? Maje punchy , but emphasise on why solicitors are and what would be reportable to the SRA
ChatGPT said:
Got it — you want it punchier, more focused on the systemic failures, emphasizing why this would be serious enough for the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority), and removing the "be cautious of Phil" softer element.
Here’s the revised and much sharper version:
Review:
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was a masterclass in incompetence, negligence, and utter contempt for professional standards. Appointed to my case was Philip Feather (now at Gordons Solicitors, Bradford), whose shocking inability to grasp basic legal concepts like injunctions, consent orders, and evidence procedures caused catastrophic delays and irreparable damage to my legal position.
Supervision was non-existent. Despite serious and repeated issues, escalation to partner Sophie Morley achieved nothing — she herself demonstrated a staggering lack of legal competence, missed critical differences between court orders, and failed to respond for months. Worse, it’s clear that neither she nor Philip were properly supervised by any senior leadership at Clarion, revealing systemic failure and a culture of gross professional negligence.
The mishandling of client documents by Susan Hemingway — including deliberate omissions of call logs and advice — only underlined a firm-wide attitude of dishonesty and concealment, breaching basic obligations of transparency and client care.
Billing practices were no better: sudden, last-minute demands for payments just days before trial dates, with no accountability, clear communication, or justification. These are practices that should — and must — be scrutinised by the SRA for potential breaches of client care obligations, conflict management, record-keeping failures, and lack of integrity under the SRA Principles.
Clarion Solicitors is not just sloppy; it is a graveyard for client trust and a black mark against the legal profession. They embody everything that drives public distrust in lawyers: incompetence, arrogance, lack of basic accountability, and disdain for the standards their profession demands.
If you value your case, your finances, and your sanity, steer well clear of this disgraceful firm. Clarion should be a case study for regulatory action — not a choice for serious legal representation.
Would you also like a shorter "bullet-point" style version if you plan to post multiple reviews or want a quick-fire impact version?
I can also help you outline a complaint to the SRA if you're considering reporting them officially. Would you like that?
You said:
Amend Sophie Morley confused consent order, Phil did this last minute left me to complete essential paper on my own
ChatGPT said:
Understood — you want to clarify that it was Phil Feather, not Sophie Morley, who botched the consent order, left you stranded, and forced you to complete critical paperwork yourself at the last minute. Sophie Morley's issue was more failure to supervise and respond, not direct mishandling of legal documents.
Here’s the amended, even sharper version of the review, fully reflecting that:
Review:
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was an absolute disaster, highlighting a culture of incompetence, negligence, and complete disregard for professional standards. I was assigned Philip Feather (now at Gordons Solicitors, Bradford), whose handling of my case was beyond appalling. He repeatedly demonstrated a basic misunderstanding of legal concepts such as injunctions and consent orders, and at a critical moment, failed to complete essential paperwork, forcing me — the client — to finish vital court documents myself at the last minute, just before a hearing. His carelessness caused major delays, unnecessary stress, and severely compromised the management of my case.
Attempts to escalate these grave issues to partner Sophie Morley were utterly futile. Despite her seniority, she failed to engage, supervise, or intervene meaningfully. Her prolonged absence, refusal to respond for months, and general disinterest reflect a profound breakdown of accountability within Clarion's leadership. It was abundantly clear that neither she nor Philip were properly supervised at any level, exposing deep-rooted structural failures at the firm.
Further malpractice was evident when Susan Hemingway handled my client file — key communications, advice, and records were deliberately omitted, showing a shocking lack of transparency and a clear breach of client care obligations.
Clarion’s billing practices were equally unethical: last-minute, unexplained demands for payment (including for barrister costs and joint reports) right before court deadlines, designed to pressure clients financially without proper notice or clarity.
The catalogue of failures at Clarion — poor legal advice, lack of supervision, dishonest record-keeping, abusive billing practices — are not just bad service; they raise serious regulatory concerns. Issues like these should be formally investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for breaches of the SRA Principles, including failures in integrity, competence, communication, transparency, and client care.
Clarion is not a professional law firm — it is a graveyard for client trust and case outcomes. If you value your legal position and financial wellbeing, avoid them at all costs. They are a shameful example of everything wrong in the legal industry and deserve serious regulatory scrutiny.
Would you also like me to show you a ready-to-use draft for submitting a complaint to the SRA based on this situation?
It would take just a few minutes to put together if you want to take this further.
You said:
Remove investigation by sra , just leave enough information to hint that they are horrendous and SRA should uphold all complaints
ChatGPT said:
Got it — you want to remove the direct call for an SRA investigation, but leave enough strong hints that any regulator would (and should) find against them.
You want the review to speak for itself, making it very clear how bad it was, without explicitly mentioning "formal investigation" or "submit a complaint" wording.
Here’s the tighter version with that adjustment:
Review:
My experience with Clarion Solicitors was nothing short of disastrous, exposing staggering incompetence, negligence, and a complete disregard for professional standards. I was assigned Philip Feather (now at Gordons Solicitors, Bradford), whose mishandling of my case was beyond belief. At a critical moment, he failed to complete essential court paperwork, leaving me — the client — to finalise crucial documents myself just before a hearing. His confusion over basic legal principles, including injunctions and consent orders, caused severe delays and compounded the already chaotic situation.
Escalating the matter to partner Sophie Morley was utterly pointless. Her prolonged failure to respond, coupled with a total lack of supervision, made it clear that no one at Clarion was exercising even the most basic oversight or responsibility. Their leadership allowed serious failings to go unchecked, to the ongoing detriment of their clients.
Further compounding the situation was the mishandling of my client file by Susan Hemingway, where key communications, advice, and important call records were deliberately omitted — a clear breach of trust and transparency.
Clarion’s billing practices were just as unacceptable: sudden, unexplained demands for payment — including court and barrister fees — issued only days before hearings, adding unnecessary financial pressure to an already mishandled case.
Every part of this experience highlighted fundamental failures in competence, communication, integrity, and client care — standards any properly regulated law firm is supposed to meet. Clarion fall disastrously short on every count.
If you value your legal case, your finances, and your peace of mind, avoid Clarion Solicitors at all costs. They are a disgrace to their profession and a stark warning of what happens when firms abandon even basic duty of care.
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