Woodfines Solicitors Reviews 10

I am writing to document my recent experience with Woodfines and Ms Jane Anderson, a Senior Solicitor-Advocate at the firm. Having since reviewed other feedback, I feel I may have avoided a potentially unsatisfactory engagement.

I initially sent a detailed email to the firm requesting representation in relation to a private action for an abatement order at the Magistrates Court. The following day, I received a telephone call in response. Unfortunately, the discussion gave me little confidence in the advice provided.

During the call, I was informed that such an order could only be pursued by the local council. When I attempted to clarify that this was incorrect having already obtained and reviewed official guidance documents issued by the council outlining the procedure for private individuals I was interrupted and admonished, and advised not to rely on information sourced online. This was despite the documents originating directly from a local authority.

I allowed the conversation to continue, during which I was repeatedly told that the process could not be undertaken privately and would need to be handled by the council. This appeared inconsistent with the information I had already obtained and subsequently verified through further research across multiple local authority resources.

When I was given the opportunity to respond, I explained that local councils commonly provide statutory nuisance guidance for individuals wishing to pursue private action, and that legal representation is not a strict requirement for proceedings in the Magistrates Court. However, I had sought professional representation for additional reassurance.

The conversation concluded with Ms Anderson advising that she did not have experience in representing clients in abatement order proceedings and, therefore, would be unable to assist.

In summary, despite having outlined my requirements clearly in advance, I was contacted only to be informed incorrectly that my understanding of the process was flawed, before ultimately being told that the she could not assist due to a lack of relevant experience.

Whilst I did not employ Mr Dino he acted for a buyer to whom I sold an annex. I was selling two properties and splitting the title so 3 solicitors were involved. IMO Mr Dino caused the sale to be held up by 2 months the whole process, taking over 5 months. He is slow to respond to other solicitors it was as if he got pleasure in being difficult.
I could list a series of examples but to give you an idea in the final 3 weeks before the sale went through on two occasions, we had to threaten to withdraw the Annex from the market to force him into line. We were in grave danger of loosing the sale of the main house due to his overzealous actions. There are many solicitors out there some good and some not so good. I'm of the opinion that Nic Dino is awful.

Very disappointing experience with this firm. I was charged £700 for 45 minutes of sketchy advice which left me no more informed than I already was. Very poor.

I would like to thank Mike very much for helping me out of a very difficult situation regarding my taxi licence which had been ongoing for several months. Mike put my case together as easy as 1, 2, 3 and his expertise and advice was exceptional. To add, I found Mike a genuine and caring person who was very supportive, just by speaking to him from day one. I would recommend him to all without any hesitation.

Conveyancing:
Only ever had one call from my solicitor in nearly three months. Neither are my calls to them answered. My buyers solicitors are waiting for information requested on 20th June (now 15th August) which I completed and returned the same evening as I received the email. I could go on but really I just wish I’d gone to a different solicitor!

I found the whole legal process with Woodfines (Bedford) and John Leadbeater a very expensive and disappointing experience.

I had to deal with a Solicitor who dropped the ball on several occasions, and who gave bad advice in choosing my first barrister as well as sending the Court papers to the wrong Court.

I was then hit with a surprise final bill of £18,000 that neither Woodfines' account department, or myself knew nothing about. I am now in the process of contacting the Legal Ombudsman, as well as the SRA to recover some of the money that I feel I should not have paid

I used Claire Dunn, Asha Ali and Anna for our 2 sales and a purchase. They are professional, experts in their field and always accessible. They always return calls and respond to emails in the most timely manner.
They helped ensure a somewhat traumatic experience at times went as smoothly as possible. I can not recommend Claire and her team enough. They are how all conveyancing teams should be and are an example to the rest. I would never use anyone else.

I Paid over £11,000 to Woodfines Solicitors in Bedford, who then refused to carry on with the two claims they were handling for me. I received no help whatsoever from the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and the Legal Ombudsman. Who as usual found no wrong doing on the part of the solicitors. Regardless of all the documentary proof I had to substantiate my claims, I then with no legal knowledge at all carried on with one of the claims and which I won outright on all points! Although Woodfines stated I had no chance of succeeding.

If you have had similar bad experience with solicitors please contact me at exposedandrecorded.org.uk to help me expose these legal thieves.

Woodfines were extremely professional and helpful. I would highly recommend them, and have suggested their services to others.

Andrew Carter of Woodfines Solicitors is someone you would want defending your rights. A very able, knowledgeable and dedicated lawyer.

A true warrior who goes the extra mile.