My Solicitor Is Not Communicating: What Can I Do?

Waiting days or even weeks for your solicitor to respond can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when you’re buying or selling a property and delays could affect the transaction.

If your solicitor isn’t responding to emails or keeping you updated, there are several steps you can take.

Call the Solicitor’s Office

If emails aren’t getting a response, pick up the phone.

Ask to speak directly to the person handling your case. If they’re unavailable, ask when you can expect a call back and whether another member of the team can provide an update.

Escalate the Problem

If you’re repeatedly unable to get a response, ask to speak to the solicitor’s supervisor, department head, practice manager or a senior partner.

Explain how long you’ve been waiting and whether the lack of communication is causing delays to your property transaction.

Make a Formal Complaint

Solicitors’ firms should have a complaints procedure. If normal attempts to resolve the problem aren’t working, ask for a copy of the firm’s complaints procedure and make your complaint formally.

Keep copies of emails and make a note of calls you’ve made and when you attempted to contact the firm.

Can I Contact the Legal Ombudsman?

If you’ve complained directly to the solicitor’s firm and you’re unhappy with how your complaint has been handled, you may be able to take the matter to the Legal Ombudsman.

The Legal Ombudsman deals with complaints about the service provided by legal professionals, including issues such as unreasonable delays and poor communication.

Don’t Ignore Delays During a Property Sale

When you’re buying or selling a property, communication between solicitors, estate agents, lenders and other parties can be essential to keeping everything moving.

If you’re struggling to get updates, don’t be afraid to chase the firm and escalate the issue when necessary.

Sometimes a simple phone call gets things moving. If it doesn’t, there are formal routes available to make sure your concerns are heard.