Problem with your lawyer? Don't stew about it, sort it out...

Cheryl from Oxford

These is the summary of obligations that lawyers have to clients - if you have a problem with your lawyer, it's usually best to contact the lawyer first (and early on), and explain what part of the following seems to be missing. In my experience, most issues involve miscommunication, lack of adequate supervision, or lawyers taking on too much work.

Client care and service information
Whatever legal services your lawyer is providing, he or she must—
* act competently, in a timely way, and in accordance with instructions received and arrangements made:
* protect and promote your interests and act for you free from compromising influences or loyalties:
* discuss with you your objectives and how they should best be achieved:
* provide you with information about the work to be done, who will do it and the way the services will be provided:
* charge you a fee that is fair and reasonable and let you know how and when you will be billed:
* give you clear information and advice:
* protect your privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality:
* treat you fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination:
* keep you informed about the work being done and advise you when it is completed:
* let you know how to make a complaint and deal with any complaint promptly and fairly.