Conveyancing Solicitor on Holiday and Won't pass file on to anyone else in the firm

[nnug]

We've got everything in place to move house and were hoping to move this Friday, but someone in the chain can't make that day. The next day that everyone is available is Monday. However, our solicitor has advised that she's on annual leave from Friday. She's perfectly entitled to be on holiday, and no doubt deserves it - I've got no issue with that - but because she's on holiday for two weeks, the sale now can't proceed for a further 3 weeks (because someone else in the chain is on holiday when our solicitor gets back!)

As far as I know, it is a fairly big firm with a few other solicitors working there, but when I asked if our solicitor could pass the file to them she said no because they are too busy and she isn't asking that of someone. I just want to know if that's normal? She's also been quite deceptive and has been telling us that the people buying our house can't move on Monday, but when I spoke with them directly they said they can and that their solicitor can accommodate it.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Have you asked? It is normal to pass files over when on holiday.

That isn't normal at all and is very poor service. I am a conveyancing solicitor and we always have cover when we are away, even though we are a small team of 3.

Your house move should be dictated by your solicitors holidays!

I asked, but I can't get a clear answer from her.

*shouldn't! Sorry

Thanks. If it was a normal thing to do, I wouldn't be as bothered by it. The thing that bothers me most is that I think she's taking advantage of my lack of knowledge!

When you first instructed her she should have sent a client care letter setting out who to complain to in the event of complaints. I would do that immediately as they need to draw down mortgage money.

If you can't get hold of the person in the letter ask for the senior or managing partner and complain to them and insist your matter is dealt with in the absence of your solicitor.

Spiralling has it.

Get on the phone and start complaining. If everything is ready to go - there will be a relatively small amount of work for a covering solicitor to do.

Instruct her to pass this file on or you'll be making a complaint. Copy in the complaints partner.

"Dear Arsewipe,

I bumped into x persons and it turns out they can exchange on Monday after all, which is also our preference. Please arrange for one of your colleagues to take over the matter and get up to speed with our file immediately, with a view to a Monday exchange. Waiting for your return is not an option for any of the parties.

Sincerely,

Less gullible now"

As far as I know, it is a fairly big firm with a few other solicitors working there, but when I asked if our solicitor could pass the file to them she said no because they are too busy and she isn't asking that of someone.

You were literally first to comment, literally only just read OP 🙄it's so frustrating

OP, get on phone and ask to speak to managing partner or partner of conveyancing department today and explain the situation.

This happened to a relative last year and I was gobsmacked that the solicitor didn't have holiday cover. We're selling atm and I definitely won't be using them, and I will make a point of asking if they have holiday cover

Sounds to me like she's trying to cover her arse for some reason, speak to the managing partner in the morning and get it sorted.

Spot on @KievLoverTwo!!
OP I've bought and sold well over 20 properties and certainly there were a few times when my solicitor was away or whatever during crucial moments - and there was ALWAYS someone to do the work if necessary, at one time the head of the firm stepped in!

Yes, it's odd. Well it's either odd or she's massively taking the piss.

This and if no reply or negative response, complain!

If an average solicitor takes 5 weeks off a year, and a chain has e.g. 5 houses, you could end up unable to move for 50% of the year because one solicitor or another was off.

I'd be getting very grumpy if moving this week was what you wanted.

This. And you have a right to see your file which you shouldn't be afraid to ask for.

Our conveyancer hired a locum to cover

Thanks for all of your comments, everyone! I really appreciate knowing that I'm not being unreasonable by asking her to pass the work over to her colleague.