Hi, my delightful Solicitor is taking me to Court rather than discuss the issues I have with her charges! Does anyone know what "costs" she could claim should I lose? I'm at a point of negotiation where she has offered £1000 off the bill of £4100 left to pay, plus £500 compensation (this has all been done through the Legal Complaints Service) but I don't think that is enough of a reduction. If I do not agree a settlement and let her take me to Court on 5th Sept, could she add her "time" to the fees payable to the Court - in which case it will be a massive gamble and could cost me far more..... Debbie.

Debs,
You said in your other thread; that she had overcharged the agreed hourly rate. If you calculate the hourly rate you've paid; less the hourly rate agreed; does the difference come to around the £1500 she is offering to deduct?

If a judge deems her as having HAD to go to court to resolve this issue; then I'm pretty sure she'll charge for it! If she's there with a barrister representing her (or her firm) then that's a double-whammy!

I complained once about sols fees of £7,000 which was immediately reduced to £5,800 There is a normal rate for complaints!

It's like gambling. Are you prepared for the losses if you lose?

No, Sera - I simply don't have the money regardless. (Penniless from divorce!)
The £1500 is a £1000 for what she overcharged for the FDR, plus £500 "compensation" for distress. The difference in hourly rates equates to another £600 on top. If I can get her to agree to something around that figure then I'd settle now rather than take the risk of a Judge seeing my point of view. I spoke to the LCS yesterday and they agree with me so there's still hope! She's responding on Monday so I'll go back to the LCS if not happy.