Solicitors - praise at last!

[inappropriatelyemployed]

Those of you who know me know that I will not be trying to promote or advertise for a solicitors' firm when I praise one on this site!!

I just wanted to say that I have had some poor experiences to date but Irwin Mitchell have been absolutely brilliant. Prompt, responsive, clear advice, combative when necessary and very practical. AND very fair on costs.

I have been so impressed, I felt I really wanted to thoroughly recommend them. For the first time ever, I really feel someone is going in to battle for my son.

I would really recommend Polly Sweeney at the Bristol office who has been a complete star.

Blimey! That is praise indeed. Hope Polly has been warned.

I went to a talk given by two of the Solictors from their Birmingham office last year which had been organised by Contact a Family. I had an unusual query regarding something to do with DD which i asked them about. They gave me some advice and then phoned into the office to speak to other colleagues during the 'comfort' break to get further advice for me. I found them very helpful.

I recently spoke to Chris Barnett at Levenes and he was really helpful - think a few people here have used him for tribunals.
Once the campaign is up and running we can perhaps have a section for recommended solicitors,advocates etc.

Yes I like Chris too. Very straight and hard working.

Can I ask how much their fees are?

I am thinking of approaching a solictor at some point during the process of getting what we want into DS's statement, so read this thread with interest. Has anyone any advice to give about the costs, just an overview of what kind of money will be involved?

I found they were a breath of fresh air Leonie after feeling that people want to screw money out of you all the time.

They are also as feisty as I was in practice rather than shrugging shoulders with an air of pessimism, saying 'LAs always do that'. Irwin Mitchell are more likely to say 'that's unlawful, we will apply for legal aid in the child's name and kick your arse if you don't behave'.

Really truly amazing. And I don't say that lightly!

Thank you for your feedback. This is a very helpful thread. Unfortunately, I have had a dealings with a crook. I would not hesitate to warn anyone of this guy.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Nostopping. I woukd very much appreciate the name of this crook. People regularly ask me for recommendations and I woukd like to be as helpful as possible. Sadly, there is a lot of money to be made from parents.

i would consider Irwin Mitchell but there may be a conflict of interest as i actually am instructed by them in some cases, in my work. So any other recommendations in London gratefully receievd!

Chris Barnett in Levenes.

But if you are instructed by them (as an expert witness or the like?), why would there be a conflict of interest? Or do you mean you'd rather keep your affairs private?

fiona is very very good! i am in touch with her and she carries a lot of experience and knowledge with her