Does a solicitor have to send you all the documents that the court send to them?
Q. I have a solicitor and sometimes he just said that he receive a decision from the court but don't send me the document.
Asked by Clare - Sun Feb 28 17:57:52 2010 - Law & Ethics - 4 Answers - Comments

A. No, he doesn't have to send you the documents. If you want a copy of everything, put the request in writing and send it to him.
Answered by evilattorney - Mon Mar 1 01:10:18 2010

What is the diffence between lawyer and solicitor ?
Q. After qualifying as a ILEX fellow membership, the person will be a lawyer, however they won't be a solicitor and will undertake further training.
Asked by Rani 25 - Wed Mar 28 16:42:59 2007 - Law & Ethics - 8 Answers - Comments

A. In the UK we have two divisions of 'lawyer' so to speak. 1) Barrister - top advocate. They have the necessary advocacy qualifications to advocate in any UK court. From the Magistrates to the House of Lords. Barristers usually belong to 'chambers'. They don't so much work with the client but receive cases from a solicitors firm, in turn the solicitor acts as a liaison between client and barrister. Barristers are 'freelance' so to speak - they don't belong to a firm and it is up to them to seek the work. 2) Solicitors - They can advocate in the Magistrates Courts (criminal division of courts) and County Courts (civil division of courts), but usually no higher Acourts A as this is where barristers advocate. Solicitors' usually act as liaison… [cont.]
Answered by cadsaz - Thu Mar 29 04:35:56 2007

What kind of work does a solicitor do in commercial law?
Q. What kind of work does a solicitor do in lets say commercial law?? if you cant answer that, what exactly does a solicitor do in general?? and also is the difference between a barrister that a barrister represents someone in court is that the difference?
Asked by The Kid - Tue Dec 16 15:58:42 2008 - Law & Ethics - 1 Answers - Comments

A. Solicitors traditionally have been the first point of contact for anyone who needs legal services, they provide generalized services like help writing wills, buying a house, etc. They used to refer issues to the barristers but that isn't required anymore. Barristers provide specialist opinions on difficult legal problems, draft the more complex documents for use in court and act as advocates in court. Barristers are also relied upon to give definitive legal advice where a solicitor may not be able to.
Answered by Faughorn - Tue Dec 16 16:26:49 2008

How many types of solicitor are there ?
Q. As far as I know, there are two types of lawyer namely barrister and solicitor. I would like to know how many types of solicitor are there and what do they responsible for ?
Asked by Jennifer - Fri Feb 29 09:02:30 2008 - Law & Ethics - 1 Answers - Comments

A. Jennifer Those are English terms for lawyers. A barrister is a litigator- or a courtroom lawyer and a solicitor is a transactional or business lawyer. Solicitors/Tran sactional Lawyers draft contracts, write wills, negotiate terms of mergers, plan estates, tax planning etc. A good way to see what a business lawyer does is to look at the website of a large law firm in your area and look at their practice areas. Everything outside of litigation, criminal defense and appellate practice will pretty much be transactional work which is what solicitors/tran sactional lawyers do. I will give you an example firm below
Answered by Keisha - Fri Feb 29 09:23:52 2008

What level of compensation should I expect for solicitor not requesting mine survey until after house sale?
Q. Our solicitor requested the survey after the completion of the sale, by then it was too late. We would not have bought the house knowing there was a mine shaft. If we claim compensation, how does this work and how can it be valued? We may now be stuck with a house we can't sell. Thank you for your answers, could you clarify, if possible, how a value of compensation could be decided upon with regards to the fact that the mine shaft may put off future buyers altogether as it would have us? This would of course render the property worthless?
Asked by Leah Shepard - Wed Jun 17 12:15:51 2009 - Renting & Real Estate - 3 Answers - Comments

A. Simon C is absolutely correct in what he says. The first thing that you have to do is to raise the issue with your former solicitor and see if (s)he is accepting liability and has informed their insurer. Assuming that this has happened, the basis of compensation in this instance is the diminution in market value. This will be calculated on the basis of the current market value (what you paid) less whatever you can now get for it on the open market, using all reasonable measures to sell. This could be anything up to 100% of the price that was paid. In addition, as Simon C indicates, any reasonable additional expenditure that comes about directly due to having to sell (together with reasonable incidental costs) is also claimable. Please note… [cont.]
Answered by old.holly265 - Wed Jun 17 19:44:58 2009

What happens when solicitor fails to tell you about mine entry in garden until after house sale is complete?
Q. Our solicitor only requested the mining survey 3 days after the house sale went through, it has revealed a mine shaft in our front garden. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We are obviously rather angry at our predicament.
Asked by Leah Shepard - Wed Jun 17 07:27:13 2009 - Renting & Real Estate - 2 Answers - Comments

A. This is a search that should have been done before exchange of contracts. You would then have had a choice of whether to pull out of the sale or to negotiate a lower selling price. It is especially relevant to mining searches because if compensation has already been paid by the Coal Board for subsidence a further claim can not be made. As your solicitor was late with this search you have an obvious case against him for professional negligence. You will be entitled to compensation for any loss you have suffered, eg for the costs of any remedial work required or for any loss in value now this fact is known. The solicitor will have indemnity insurance and he should accept his mistake and work with you to resolve the issue. But if he does not… [cont.]
Answered by SimonC - Wed Jun 17 09:08:13 2009

Just received letter from solicitor because of my unpaid loan.What fees will this solicitor charge?
Q. I have a loan from a ANZ bank, Australia for $25 000.Due my family circumstances I couldnt pay every month. Does anybody know what fees will charge bank + solicitor for this procedure.
Asked by miro r - Wed Jul 16 07:10:34 2008 - Personal Finance - 1 Answers - Comments

A. astro amounts
Answered by angryangelx - Wed Jul 16 09:14:10 2008

How long can a solicitor hold funds for possible ground rent, after the sale of a house?
Q. I have been informed for 5 years - which seems a bit excessive. I lived in the property for 10 years and never paid ground rent. Also, I used a differerent solicitor to buy my next house - so the solicitor who sold the old house does not have a forwarding address for me nor has he asked for it - how will they reimburse me if they do not have a forwarding address? Many thanks
Asked by Tess7 - Wed Aug 18 05:53:13 2010 - Renting & Real Estate - 2 Answers - Comments

A. It's easy really. You just contact the old Solicitor and give him your new address.
Answered by Kernow Lady - Wed Aug 18 06:08:51 2010

How much should a maintenance draft take to draw up by a solicitor ?
Q. Im in the final stages of selling my flat but the buyer (lease) want an official document detailing what maintenance charges cover. The first part of this has been done quickly by a surveyor but the buyers solicitor says that her part will take around 2 weeks. This sounds a long time to me for such a document. Any idea what this should take
Asked by CHEEKY - Sat Feb 26 16:53:39 2011 - Renting & Real Estate - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Go to antartica and build an ice house
Answered by Kindest Girl In the World - Sat Feb 26 16:54:33 2011

What's the difference between a conveyancer & a solicitor when buying a flat in Australia?
Q. I'm in the process or buying a flat and have to find a conveyancer and a solicitor. I'm told that the conveyancer is better because they're cheaper but is there any difference between what they do? I'm in NSW Australia.
Asked by Sars - Sun Jan 11 20:04:30 2009 - Renting & Real Estate - 5 Answers - Comments

A. A standard conveyance is a simple process that any person with basic training can perform. Most conveyances are like this. The trick is identifying that the wheels are falling off at a stage when appropriate action can be taken to protect the client's interests. A solicitor should pick that up (and if he or she doesn't you can sue their backsides off). A conveyancer may not notice that there are problems and you may find yourself buying into a parcel of problems. I am a lawyer and I use other specialist lawyers to do my conveyancing. I see it as cheap insurance. I would not use a conveyancer.
Answered by iansand - Wed Jan 14 23:49:29 2009

Can a solicitor find someones address through Facebook or similar site?
Q. I am wanting to get a solicitor to serve some papers on someone in the UK. I have no address for them, But they have appeared on Facebook and other sites. Can a solicitor gain access through these sites to gain the persons details. This would be a civil case and not a criminal case. And it does not concern abuse over the net. Cheers in advance.
Asked by Victor G - Thu Apr 30 10:25:52 2009 - Facebook - 4 Answers - Comments

A. I dont see how this would be possible, no. Facebook are not allowed to give out members personal information to just anyone... solicitors included unless they have authorization from a court! Profiles on facebook are private and can only be accessed by 'friends' who have been accepted by the user so you cannot just log on and read somebody profile. Even if you could I doubt very much that anything of use would be visible - most people do not have any info on there profile that gives away there exact location... in fact I have yet to find a single 1 that does! Another thing is that when you sign up to join facebook you DO NOT enter your address ANYWHERE... there isn't even a screen/box for that asks for this information so facebook doesn't… [cont.]
Answered by amy - Fri May 1 11:56:04 2009

How much would a solicitor charge to draw up a contract to register a charity?
Q. How much would a solicitor charge to draw up a contract to register a charity in the U.K? Need figures in pounds pls
Asked by naima - Sat Oct 10 14:32:36 2009 - Law & Ethics - 2 Answers - Comments

A. The price usually depends on the amount of time required for the job and the seniority of the person who did the paperwork. It can vary from under 100/ hour to in excess of 400/hour. However, it is definitely worth talking to the firm - they may be willing to do the job at a discount or even as a charitable contribution if they consider the cause worthwhile. Additionally, if the charity is a local one, try local solicitors who may be affected by the cause; if the charity is for a certain group (eg a school or nursery/ people suffering from a certain illness) ask friends and family of those affected if anyone knows a solicitor who would be willing to do it for you. Basically, if you ask you may get a discount/freebi e, but if you don't [cont.]
Answered by Elly - Sun Oct 11 13:19:15 2009

Is a solicitor obliged to inform the beneficiaries if a Will is being contested?
Q. A solicitor informed me 11 months ago I was a beneficiary in a Will in the UK. Is this an unreasonable amount of time for the solicitor to be still searching for all the beneficiaries?
Asked by collie - Sun Mar 27 20:03:16 2011 - Law & Ethics - 1 Answers - Comments

A. It depends on who the beneficiaries are. Maybe ask for a copy of the will and see if you can work out what the hold up is.
Answered by iamjustme - Mon Mar 28 06:51:31 2011

How much does a solicitor charge to change a car ownership in Spain?
Q. Has anyone recently bought a car in Spain - if so, how much did your solicitor charge to change the ownership documents?
Asked by Mandy R - Sat Nov 11 09:03:40 2006 - Other - Spain - 4 Answers - Comments

A. Don't use a solicitor, use a Gestor. They are all over the place. Just look for a gestoria. They are like accountants. I lived and ran my own business in spain, the fee is usually a percentage of the value of the car plus tax so depending on the car 200-500 euro. Gestors do this for a living, they charge anywhere from 30 euros, cheaper than a solicitor.
Answered by fel t - Sat Nov 11 17:48:17 2006

How many years does it take a graduate of non-law to become a solicitor in Northern Ireland?
Q. I have just finished my undergraduate degree at Queen's University Belfast in English and obtained a First Class Honours. I have been accepted onto a Masters in Legal Science at QUB, which is a 2 year conversion degree. However after this I need to know what else I need to do to become a solicitor and how many more years this will take? I am 22 now and don't want to be a student forever so have to decide whether this is worth it or not!
Asked by Jack J - Thu Aug 30 06:40:38 2007 - Higher Education (University +) - 2 Answers - Comments

A. a safe bet is five years without secondment to a law firm
Answered by confucious says - Thu Aug 30 06:51:18 2007

What would happen to an executor who gives false information to solicitor dealing with a will?
Q. An eldest son who was appointed executor of his late father's estate has told the solicitor dealing with the will that he,the executor,is one of only two children of the deceased. There are,in fact, seven children and the executor is fully aware of this. Has he committed an offence under Scot's law and, if so, who'd be responsible for charging him?
Asked by kenglen - Tue May 1 18:11:27 2007 - Law & Ethics - 3 Answers - Comments

A. As you know, Scottish law is a bit different from English law. But first you need to consider common sense. Yes, he lied and will get away with it unless someone contests his actions. Your first stop for this should be the local magistrate's clerk's office who can give you information of whom to contact.
Answered by rann_georgia - Tue May 1 19:09:56 2007

what if a solicitor is defending you for a criminal charge, but you have found out he has previously defended?
Q. My fella has recently been charged and imprisoned for two offences concerning a person and their property. I have just found out that his defending solicitor less than a year ago also defended this persons son who is a minor and was charged with Murder, he was acquitted but the solicitor knows the whole family very well and worked closely with the boys mum who was the alleged victim this time round. Can a solicitor knowingly do this without saying he has had dealings with my fellas alleged victim.
Asked by Danihell - Wed Mar 31 20:31:37 2010 - Law & Ethics - 5 Answers - Comments

A. Any lawyer should feel that his position would be compromised by such a recent and such a close connection with the other side and not take on the case in the first place. Your fella should ask for a transfer of legal aid to another firm and possibly consider lodging a complaint with this body.
Answered by Doethineb - Thu Apr 1 06:48:03 2010

How to become a solicitor with a non-law degree?
Q. I have a 2.1. Management (Hons) degree and would like to study part time (as I have a part time job and a baby to look after) to become a solicitor. What is the best and quickest route?
Asked by bluecow - Wed Feb 21 16:46:38 2007 - Financial Services - 5 Answers - Comments

A. Do the GDL course, its a conversion course of 1 year and for part time students can be completed in 2 years. after that apply for LPC which you can also complete in 2 years if done part time. good luck!
Answered by chicklette - Wed Feb 21 16:56:08 2007

What qualifications do you need to be a solicitor and how long to study?
Q. First question; What qualifications would you need to become a solicitor? -Preferably listed. How long would i have to study? -Only referring to college and university. In the UK. ( England / Birmingham )
Asked by Jake P - Fri Nov 14 15:07:49 2008 - Studying Abroad - 2 Answers - Comments

A. First of all you need 3 decent A level GCSE'S and then you need to be accepted at a university for a Law degree so that's 2 years for A level and 3 years for your Law degree Once you have your degree you need to be accepted by a Solicitors company as an Apprentice Solicitor. The apprenticeship is known as Articles and this lasts for two years So from A Level to qualifying is 7 Years To be a Barrister likewise you need the A levels and the Degree but then you apply to an Inns of Court to be trained as a Barrister. An Inns of Court is a Law Firm generally with a High Court Judge as its Head The training here is much more intense(and is 7 days a week not five) than as a Solicitor but only lasts one year so from A level Student to Barrister is… [cont.]
Answered by Astray A - Fri Nov 14 20:33:29 2008

How detailed should a solicitor tax invoice be?
Q. I have received a UK tax invoice from my solicitor regarding the closure of the estate of a family member. The invoice lists 13 items of work that I have been charged for, followed by the total money due at the end. But the only figure is the final one: I don't know how they came up with it, because I don't know how they charged for the individual items. Is this normal? Can I request a more detailed breakdown of the costs, and if so, will I be charged even more for the preparation of this breakdown?
Asked by Jan B - Mon Jul 21 02:47:39 2008 - United Kingdom - 2 Answers - Comments

A. Solicitors (and builders) are notorious for submitting obscure bills with minimal information to avoid you spotting the places where you have been over-charged ... As you suspected, should you demand a more detailed bill, they will, no doubt, add the cost of preparing the bill to the final total (despite that fact that EVEY phone call, letter and sheet of paper photocopied will have been recorded in their computer and all they have to do is generate a print out) ... If the total seems excessive, you can apply (to the Law Society ??) to have the charges 'taxed' = a technical term meaning 'checked' ... however this will p*ss them off and you can be sure that any further work you expect them to do will not be 'top priority' ... Demanding… [cont.]
Answered by Steve B - Mon Jul 21 03:03:24 2008