General

The old days where a client consulted his family firm of solicitors have long gone.  It is impossible to watch daytime TV without being bombarded by adverts such as “Phone Bob for a claim – we put you in touch with our expert panel of solicitors”, but Bob doesn’t tell you that :-

• The solicitor is unlikely to be in your geographical area, and
• The solicitor will have to pay a fee of several hundred pounds for Bob to pass your name and address to the solicitor

Why should you care about that? 

It’s simple.  Firms of solicitors are commercial organisations.  They have to make a profit.  Having that profit eroded by a hefty up front fee operate as a disincentive on how much work they are prepared to do before it becomes unprofitable.  In some cases the solicitor’s fee is fixed by court rules as to how much can be recovered from an opponent.  Frequently the sum is £1500 to £2000.  Would you want your solicitor to cut corners or use non-qualified staff so as to bring the work in under budget?

It is the same with insurance panels.  Many insurers offer family legal protection in home or car policies but unlawfully stipulate that you have to choose their own panel solicitor.  Why?  Because the insurer receives a hefty fee for recommending the solicitors in the first place.

Don’t be fooled.  Always instruct a solicitor who is a personal injury specialist local enough to you to arrange a meeting with that solicitor from time to time.  The solicitor you instruct should be a panel member of the Personal Injury Panel of the Law Society.

Advice

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