Can you instruct two solicitors?
Asked by: Dr. Demetrius Heller | Last update: August 17, 2022Score: 4.6/5 (56 votes)
If you want to get a second opinion, you can instruct another solicitor, and you don't need to tell your original solicitor about it, if you don't want to.
Can I have two solicitors?
In practice, when a firm of solicitors agrees to act for both parties in a conveyancing transaction, they will usually arrange for a separate solicitor to work for each party. These solicitors will often work in different offices so much of the conveyancing will proceed in the same way as if separate firms were acting.
What happens when you change solicitors?
All you need to do is to find a new solicitor to take over your case for you. The new solicitor will ask you to sign a form of authority so they can obtain your files from your previous solicitor. Your previous solicitors will release your files and then your new solicitor can pick up where they left off.
Can you both use the same solicitor?
Yes, most of the time you can use the same conveyancer for buying and selling – provided that certain criteria are met. (These criteria are set to protect both parties from any potential risks associated with using the same lawyer.)
Can you swap solicitors?
Absolutely! You are entitled to switch your solicitors for whatever reason you wish. Common reasons we have encountered include: Being unhappy with the service your current personal injury solicitor is providing to you.
Working With Your Instructing Solicitor
Can you change solicitors once instructed?
In short, yes, you can change solicitors. If you're unhappy, for whatever reason with the solicitor handling your property purchase or sale, you can switch firms. And the process to change solicitors is quite simple. You just need to find a new solicitor to take over your case.
What to do if you are unhappy with your solicitor?
If you have complained to your solicitor about poor service and you are not satisfied with their response, you can contact the Legal Ombudsman. The Legal Ombudsman deals with poor service, such as: delayed or unclear communication.
What is a conflict of interest for a solicitor?
A conflict of interest means a situation where your separate duties to act in the best interests of two or more clients in the same or a related matter conflict. For this situation to happen, you must be currently acting, or intending to, act for two or more clients.
Can the same solicitor act for both parties in a divorce?
It is possible for couples to 'share' one lawyer between them and cut the costs and the time of a traditional divorce. The Divorce Surgery seeks to remove the added tension of the adversarial system by having an impartial lawyer advise both parties of how a judge will approach your case and the most likely outcome.
Do both parties need a solicitor?
Do both parties need a solicitor for transfer of equity? In a transfer of equity, the person being added to the deed must be represented by a solicitor. However, the person who already holds the deed doesn't have to. It's quite common for both parties to have their own representation.
How can I speed up my solicitors?
- You can speak to the estate agent and ask them to chase the solicitor.
- You can speak to the sellers if you have direct contact with them. They can chase their own solicitors.
- Ask the seller to change solicitors.
Can I de instruct a solicitor?
What you do is de-instruct the solicitor, pay the bill and complain to the person in the firm designated to deal with complaints. If you are unhappy with the outcome of that you then go to the legal ombudsman.
Can you fire a solicitor?
When Can A Client Sack Their Solicitor? A client is entitled to sack their solicitor at any time ending legal representation without giving any reason. The solicitor is then normally entitled to retain the file until their costs are paid (known as a "lien").
Can I change solicitor during conveyancing?
Whilst you may incur extra fees if you decide to change your conveyancing solicitor, it is unlikely that you will incur any penalties. However, they will be incurred if completion of the transaction is delayed as a result of a change in solicitors.
Can husband and wife use the same solicitor for divorce?
Can I use the same solicitor as my spouse? Solicitors are not permitted to act for both parties to a divorce. This is known as a 'conflict of interest', so it will be necessary to instruct another firm to represent you.
Do I need a solicitor if my ex partner is buying me out?
Do I need a solicitor to transfer equity? Whilst you can complete parts of the process yourself, you will need a transfer of equity solicitor, or transfer of title solicitor, for some parts of the transaction. If you are buying another owner out, you will need independent legal advice.
Do solicitors tell lies?
Solicitors will lie on behalf of their clients.
Solicitors will not lie on behalf of their clients. To do so would be professional misconduct. On occasions, I have had clients who were startled to hear from me that I was not going to lie to their ex's solicitor or to the court in order to advance their case.
Can you tell solicitors the truth?
If you decide to instruct a solicitor in relation to a certain matter you will have to tell your solicitor all the facts about your case. According to Solicitors' Code of Conduct your solicitor will be bound by a duty of confidentiality and he should therefore not make any unnecessary disclosures about your case.
Can lawyers lie to each other?
The American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that a lawyer “shall not knowingly make a false statement of material fact.” In other words, lawyers aren't supposed to lie--and they can be disciplined or even disbarred for doing so.
Can a solicitor speak to another solicitors client UK?
7. (7) A solicitor should neither interview nor otherwise communicate with the client of another solicitor except with that solicitor's consent. In exceptional circumstances, this general rule does not apply.
Can a lawyer represent two opposing clients?
The California Rules generally permit a lawyer to represent multiple clients with conflicting interests so long as all the clients have provided their informed written consent.
What are some examples of conflicts of interest?
- Hiring an unqualified relative to provide services your company needs.
- Starting a company that provides services similar to your full-time employer.
- Failing to disclose that you're related to a job candidate the company is considering hiring.
Can a solicitor complaint about another solicitor?
"Of course, solicitors remain under a conduct obligation to report to the SRA any serious misconduct on the part of another solicitor or firm.
Why are solicitors so slow UK?
At the moment, solicitors are very overworked, especially with the policies put in place by the government to boost the housing market (stamp duty holiday, we're looking at you) and so there are great delays in the conveyancing process.
Can you sue solicitors for being slow?
Legal firms can be sued if they don't achieve a completion date that they've committed to, especially if the delay is because of their own error.