Why do solicitors always seem so slow

[Messeduptheplan]

For things like conveyancing, probate etc, especially where it’s uncomplicated, why do solicitors seem so slow?

The other thing is that solicitors are literally paid to be thorough. You might think it should be quick to fill out a form, but their entire role is based on expertise and importantly, diligence.

We had one independent solicitor who worked alone with a support person and she was amazing during our conveyancing. Speedy and efficient. We never had a better one.

It has taken four weeks and a ton of chasers to get a date for a telephone call to discuss next steps.

As others have said, you get what you pay for. Conveyancing factories staffed by unqualified fee earners have driven the price down and down, and service standards have followed. For my last move I paid a proper solicitor to do a proper job. I could have got it cheaper but I wanted it done properly and efficiently.

Compare it to air travel before the budget airlines came in - bigger seats, better service, luggage included, free drinks on every flight, etc. But you paid a higher fare. Now you have the choice to fly Ryanair for a cheap price with no frills. And that has impacted the whole market - the non budget airlines have had to change their business models to compete.

Because you get what you pay for. When we moved 11 years ago, it went like clockwork and swiftly. However, the bill was high

Regarding probate, and I have some recent experience, it isn't always the fault of the solocitors. In the case I was involved with unacceptable delays arose from the utility companies in finalising accounts and refunding overpayment due to direct debit payments by the deceased.

They don't use the fastest method of getting information.
They wait rather than chase.
If you were doing it yourself you would be on the case constantly. When I have done probates it's been completed in a few weeks at most because I follow up every email, letter and phone call constantly instead of just waiting.

We haven’t even applied for probate yet.

What would be a cheap vs expensive rate

Wouldn't you do that yourself?
One reason I've done probates myself is that you have to do the lion's share of running around and obtaining information yourself anyway.