Stephensons Solicitors LLP

I had no choice in selecting this firm to represent me for a negligence claim due to it being the solicitor selected through my home insurance legal cover. The solicitors at the firm are incompetent and do not have a basic understanding of what it takes to win a case.

I provided all my evidence to the reviewing solicitor who wrongly determined there wasn't a prospect of success and wasted nearly 2 months of my time. I've had to complain and get my claim reviewed independently by the solicitors manager who then determined there was a prospect of success and the documents the solicitor was requesting were unreasonable and not required for my case. Eventually the legal insurance covered my expenses.

Despite this and making a formal complaint they don't think they've done anything wrong.

Overall a very poor service, delays in responding, wrongly assessing the claim and ultimately they were behaving as though they were defending the case rather than supporting me though it as they should be.

Overall a terrible and stressful experience- deeply disappointed in their services and extremely regretful for hiring them.
I was referred to these solicitors for conveyancing services. They were dishonest, incredibly slow, showed no urgency in dealing with costly issues and low to zero responsiveness- truly incompetent.

Biased and Incompetent.
I am basing this on my recent experience with one solicitor and her 'assistants'.
I used Stephensons for the purchase of a property in 2016 which was a relatively straightforward process. Rather unfortunately (in hindsight), I decided to use them again for the sale and purchase of another property in 2021 and it was an agonising, distressing and disturbing experience. When I first started the process (after paying the deposit) there was little to no communication between solicitors and myself/ estate agents for about 2 weeks. I got a few calls from the sales agent asking me to 'urge' them to respond to queries.
When communication improved, they continually ignored requests or questions whilst simultaneously requesting actions off myself. You would hope that the lead solicitor will be capable of being neutral, however, I found on a number of occasions that they take sides with one party in order to get things over the line. Even when I logically explained the reasons for my decisions they simply ignored this and kept trying to push me to accept poor decisions by saying things as simple as "the buyer is not happy about it". It was mistake using them again in 2021 thinking I will at least get the same level of service. There was also no explanation behind most of the actions undertaken. It was not until I specifically demanded for explanations that we were provided with information/answers. I ended up dealing more with my mortgage lender than they ever did even though it was within their remit to understand the new mortgage and what it entails, I also found out through the mortgage lenders that in some instances, I was not being given the correct information and I was also being provided with expired document (Redemption Statement etc). I could go on and on about the bad experiences, however, the one positive I can say was the purchase/ sale of the properties was eventually completed (i did threaten to pull out once or twice) - for which they were paid of course. If you want an unbiased, helpful and informative legal process, I would recommend that you avoid this solicitor(s).

Joke of a lawfirm. Rude receptionist told me the starting fee for ONE hours telephone call (no documentation supplied, just to discuss whatever the case was) was £1,250 + VAT. Clearly just very money hungry and nothing else. Didn't even bother. Avoid like the plague!

Complete waste of time went through all the case with me on the phone and then recommend a houseing solicitor as after wasting my time and useing legal aid their advice is I need another solicitor as they are a waste of time don't bother with this solicitor you may aswell talk to the wall conmen avoid at all costs

Advertising services on their website which they simply do not provide. Made a perfectly viable enquiry which was point blankly refused based on "current work load". Seems to be a trend across all solicitors which is making it impossible for anyone to gain access to support in taking legal action. This is allowing gonverment bodies to get away with more and more every day, so I wouldn't be suprised if it wasn't orchestrated in some way.

Tried to purchase a property through them however they abandoned me at the last minute without any explanation. After having my offer accepted I was referred to them, they took months asking for 1 document at a time, I had no access to my case manager and he would rarely reply to emails or call me back. After providing all the docs requested, 1 week before my offer expired I was told they couldn't proceed and to find someone else. I have brought several properties in the past but have never experienced such unprofessionalism or incompetence of this level. I wish I had seen the reviews before I appointed them, I've now lost the house as the seller is fed up of all the excuses and pulled out. Please do yourself a favour and find a reputable company to represent you, I wouldn't use them to buy a bag of crisps.

I paid Stephensons an upfront fee and provided them with indisputable proof of the transaction alongside proof of address. Because of their accounts department's inability to provide confirmation of receipt of payment, the meeting which I had gone to considerable trouble my end to make happen, did not go ahead. I was informed of this half an hour before the time. I was a prospective new client. Relationships with solicitors are fundamentally based on trust. I found the focus on money really poor. I'm also waiting for details on a full refund. Extremely disappointed.