We're Open Our Offices Are Open

Our Services

Professional Negligence Claims Against Solicitors


Our professional negligence solicitors have years of experience in suing negligent solicitors.

Suing a Solicitor for Negligence

When you instruct a solicitor, you expect a professional service. Unfortunately, there are occasions when solicitors fall short of the standard required of them, which can result in delays, errors, poor advice, resulting in financial loss.

To bring a claim against a solicitor for professional negligence, you must be able to show:

  • The solicitor owed you a duty of care
  • That duty was breached through negligent action or lack of action
  • You suffered a loss as a direct result of that breach

Negligence can arise in many different ways. You may have received incorrect legal advice, experienced avoidable errors in documents or contracts, or been let down by a solicitor who failed to meet important deadlines. While delays alone don’t always amount to negligence, if a solicitor has taken too long which has, led to missed deadlines , missed opportunities and ultimately financial loss, a claim may be possible.However not all acts of negligence lead to a claim and it is important that you seek legal advice as soon as possible once you believe you may have a claim.

Poor communication, lack of progress updates, or substandard handling of your matter can also be grounds for complaint or a negligence claim, especially if these failures have had a measurable impact on your outcome.

At Thomas Harvey Solicitors, we understand how frustrating it can be when your solicitor lets you down. We can help you assess whether your solicitor’s conduct has amounted to professional negligence or poor service.

We offer a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and advise you on the next steps.

Need Help? Contact Us Today!

With over 30 years of experience. We can assist you with your dispute.
Contact us today for a FREE no obligation consultation.

Types of Professional Negligence Claims Against Solicitors

Our solicitors have dealt with a number of professional negligence claims against solicitors, licensed conveyancers and legal executives. Solicitors owe a duty of care to their clients (and sometimes non-clients); you may be able to sue your solicitor if this duty is breached. Types of claims include:

Errors in Conveyancing Transactions

Errors can present themselves if a solicitor fails to identify key points within a property transaction such as, missing easements, rights of way restrictions, planning permissions, mortgage conditions, adverse entries on searches.

Get In Touch

Wills and Probate Disputes

These can include failure to follow the client’s instructions, negligently prepared wills, failure to have the will properly executed, failure to recognise capacity issues, failure to properly deal with the administration of the estate, failure to realise assets in a timely manner and failure to carry out proper distribution.

Get in touch

Missed Deadlines

If a solicitor misses a deadline, whether this is to do with the court or a contract, this may result in the case failing or receiving penalties.

Get In Touch

Incorrect Legal Advice

You receive inaccurate legal advice from your solicitor which impact negatively on your case or personal life.

Get In Touch

Mishandling a Settlement

Your case can be mishandled by settling too quickly, or something was missed in your case.

Get In Touch

How Can We Help You?

When buying a house, drafting a will, making a legal claim and more, choosing the right solicitor is crucial. However, if your solicitor doesn’t meet the expected standard, and their actions result in negative outcome, you could be entitled to make a claim.

Professional negligence claims against solicitors can be difficult and complicated, that’s why it is important to have the right team on your side. Thomas Harvey Solicitors are experts in this area and have years of knowledge and skills to help you with your claim.

So, if your solicitor has failed to provide proper advice, mishandled your case or even missed deadline, we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Professional Negligence occurs when a solicitor has failed to perform their duties to the standard expected of them, causing financial loss or harm. This can be either through the tort of negligence or by breach of contract.

To prove a Professional Negligence claim in tort against a solicitor, you must be able to show:

  1. The solicitor owed you a duty of care.
  2. They breached their duties through negligence.
  3. The breach caused you financial loss or harm.
To prove a Professional Negligence claim in contract, you must be able to show:

  1. You had a contract with the solicitor for them to perform services.
  2. They breached that contract.
  3. The breach caused you loss or harm financially.
Often claims in tort and contract run together. For a FREE 30 minute consultation about your Professional Negligence claim against a solicitor please book your appointment here.

The compensation which you can claim depends on the loss you have suffered due to the solicitor’s breach of duty and/or contract. The aim of any award of damages, is to place you back in the position you were in prior to the breach. This could include the cost of rectifying mistakes, financial losses, or damages for lost opportunities. <br
For example:

  • If your solicitor has missed a deadline for filing a legal claim and your case results in being thrown out, compensation could be claimed for the loss of opportunity to pursue your claim.
  • If your solicitor fails to ensure that your Will is properly executed this may lead to claims by disappointed beneficiaries.
  • If your solicitor fails to advise you in relation to a defect in the title of a property you are purchasing, this may lead to a claim for the difference in value of the property with the defect in title and the property without the defect.

Yes, usually you have six years from the date of negligence and/or breach of contract to make a claim. Sometimes, the limit is extended by three years from when you became aware of the negligence.

You should always act as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss any deadlines, as limitation (the time you have to bring the claim) can be complex.

Get in touch on 0113 512 7737.

Yes, if your original case was handled under a no-win, no-fee agreement, you can still make a claim. If the solicitor acted negligently and cause you financial loss or harm, you may be entitled to compensation.

Yes, in certain circumstances, usually a disappointed beneficiary under a Will may be able to bring a claim for negligence even through the solicitor did not act for them.

If you have already filed a complaint with the Legal Ombudsman or the SRA, you can still pursue a Professional Negligence claim.

A Professional Negligence claim focuses on obtaining compensation for the losses you have suffered, while the Legal Ombudsman and SRA address disciplinary matters. These processes serve distinct purposes.

It is essential to seek legal advice before accepting any settlement offer, as doing so could impact your ability to pursue a Professional Negligence claim.

Our Approach To Professional Negligence Claims Against Solicitors

STEP 1
Case Evaluation

We start with a comprehensive evaluation of your case to understand the specifics and determine the merits of your claim. This involves gathering all relevant information and evidence to establish a clear picture of the situation.

STEP 2
Diligent Preparation

Once we have evaluated your case, we meticulously prepare by assembling a strong foundation for your claim. This includes gathering detailed documentation, consulting with experts if necessary, and formulating a strategic plan tailored to your unique circumstances.

STEP 3
Robust Representation

With thorough preparation in place, we provide robust representation to advocate for your interests. Our professional negligence solicitors are committed to fighting relentlessly on your behalf, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Why Use Thomas Harvey?

At Thomas Harvey Solicitors, we understand how complex and sensitive Professional Negligence Claims against a solicitor can be. Our goal is to ensure you receive the resolution you deserve.

We take pride in our in-depth knowledge of the law and our unwavering determination to secure the best outcomes for our clients. With a strong focus on your needs, we are here to provide clear, practical advice and support throughout your case.

When you choose Thomas Harvey Solicitors, you’ll have direct access to our Managing Partner, Steven Newdall, a highly experienced solicitor with a strong track record of achieving successful results for clients.

We know how significant these matters are and the impact they can have on your life. That’s why we take a firm, no-nonsense approach to advocating for your best interests, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.

Need Assistance? Get In Touch Today!

Our approach to handling professional negligence claims involves a thorough evaluation of the case, diligent preparation, and robust representation.

Our Accreditations

Logo

Contact Us

With over 30 years of experience, we’re committed to delivering exceptional results for you.

Contact us today to talk to one of our expert team – we’re here to help!



This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name