2 reviews (1/5) and information for Shoosmiths LLP, Birmingham

23/03/14 - Reviewed by Amelia Lewis

I recently dealt with Richard Follis of Shoosmiths (clinical negligence). I received a written agreement that Mr Follis would be taking conduct of my clinical negligence case from another firm, following inappropriate conduct on the part of my previous solicitor and the court ordering the transfer of the files to another firm, as a result. I have extensive, disabling health problems, and was left in an extremely vulnerable, fragile state after my previous solicitor's behaviour. Mr Follis' approach was insensitive to say the least, and Shoosmiths' apparent policies for dealing with disabled/ vulnerable clients are inflexible and don't take into account the client's actual needs. When I experienced difficulties in meeting with Mr Follis on the 3 dates I had been offered, he withdrew his offer to take my case- despite me suggesting alternative dates, alternative means of discussing the case with me (skype and telephone), and even my agreement to travel to the Birmingham office, on one of the dates suggested by the firm, to fit in with his diary commitments. I did attempt to explain the difficulties I was having, but the firm refused to resolve the situation with me, and my case is now going to be struck out of court, as I have been left without legal representation. I wasn't even afforded the courtesy of a telephone appointment with Mr Follis to try to resolve some of the difficulties I'd been having- which I could have resolved had I been given the opportunity. He left it all to his PA to deal with. No empathy or consideration was shown, even when I attempted to communicate some of my concerns directly with Mr Follis. I am astonished that a vulnerale person can be left in this situation by a supposedly professional lawyer. I can't comment on Shoomsiths' professional abilities, but can say certainly that in my experience, their client care, any empathy and consideration for a disabled/ vulnerable client's actual needs, and concern for their welfare is non-existent.

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24/02/14 - Reviewed by TinaB

I found the service very poor. Our solicitor kept sending legal documents without any explanation of the jargon and when we asked for explanations, she would copy and past bits of the lease. Every time we call, we are put through an inexperienced intern who keeps having to refer to someone else for answers without ever putting us through to someone senior. Our solicitor's emails are peppered with typos and spelling mistakes. Buying a property is stressful enough, and Shoosmiths have just added to the stress of the whole procedure.

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