What is solicitor negligence?

In basic terms solicitor negligence is where a solicitor fails to perform to the professional standards required of them. This results in their client suffering either damage or loss. This could be for example undersettling on a personal injury claim where their client was entitled to more compensation. A solicitor like many professional people has a duty of care to their clients, this means they have to perform their role with reasonable care and to a reasonable standard.

Time limits for solicitor negligence claims?

You must be in time to make a claim, this is known as the 'professional negligence limitation period'. There are different time limits for different types of claim, but on the whole there is a time limit of six years to bring a claim from the date the negligence occurred. However, if the negligence does not come to light until a later date there are circumstances where this can be extended.

How do you know if you have solicitor negligence claim?

If the advice you were given by a solicitor has caused you a loss or if a solicitor did not carry out your instructions, you may have a claim. It is important for any solicitor negligence claims to prove that there has been a loss and that the solicitor breached their duty of care to you when carrying out your instructions.

How much is my solicitor negligence claim worth?

The value of your claim against a solicitor is like all professional negligence claims; it varies greatly depending on many factors including your personal circumstances, the value of your loss, the negligence on the part of the solicitor. For example we secured a further £90,000 in compensation for a recent client whose personal injury claim was not handled correctly by his solicitor. Our team will work with you to determine your individual claim and the losses you have suffered. They can also advise you on the potential value of your claim if you choose to move forward and sue your solicitor.

How much will it cost me to claim solicitor negligence?

Every claim is different, once we have done our assessment of your claim we will be able to advise you on the costs to move forward and the options for funding your claim. In many cases we are able to work on cases of solicitor negligence on using a conditional fee agreement, more commonly referred to as a no win, no fee basis. In some instances your legal expenses for this type of claim are covered by insurances policies you already have, some insurance policies refer to it as Family Legal Protection. We will discuss all your funding options with you after our assessment of your claim.

Do I need evidence to sue a solicitor?

Yes. You will need to show that negligence occurred, that it caused your loss and what those losses are. We can help gather the necessary documents and expert evidence.

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Suing a solicitor

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Our specialist professional negligence solicitors help clients bring claims against solicitors who have failed to meet the standards of their profession. If you have suffered financial loss because of poor advice, mistakes or a solicitor’s failure to act, we can advise you on whether you have a valid claim and how to pursue compensation.

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When can you sue a solicitor? >

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When can you sue a solicitor?

You may be able to sue a solicitor if their actions or advice fall below the standard expected and cause you loss.

Common examples include:

Missed court deadlines or limitation dates.
Poor handling of property transactions, such as conveyancing errors.
Under-settling personal injury or clinical negligence claims.
Incorrect legal advice that leads to financial loss.
Failure to follow instructions or keep you informed.

Our experience in solicitor negligence claims

Our professional negligence solicitors have successfully pursued claims against solicitors across a wide range of legal areas. Because negligence can arise in almost any type of legal matter, it’s important to work with a team that understands how these cases should be handled and where mistakes are most likely to occur.

We regularly act for clients in claims involving:

Property transactions and conveyancing

Such as failing to register title, missing restrictive covenants or errors in lease agreements.

Litigation and dispute resolution

Including missed limitation dates, failure to follow court directions, or mishandling evidence.

Wills, Trusts and estates

Mistakes in drafting Wills, administering estates incorrectly or giving poor Inheritance Tax advice.

Corporate and commercial matters

Providing incorrect advice during business sales, acquisitions, or reorganisations.

Employment law

Failing to advise properly on settlement agreements, contracts or Tribunal claims.

Personal injury and clinical negligence

Under-settling claims or failing to issue proceedings in time.

By combining our expertise in professional negligence with insight from across our firm, we can quickly identify how a solicitor’s mistake caused you loss and what compensation you may be entitled to.

Why choose Wright Hassall?

We have a proven track record of holding solicitors to account when their work falls short.

Clients value our clear, pragmatic advice and our ability to handle cases efficiently while managing costs. We understand how stressful negligence claims can be and work hard to resolve matters quickly, securing fair compensation whenever possible.

FAQs

What is solicitor negligence?

In basic terms solicitor negligence is where a solicitor fails to perform to the professional standards required of them. This results in their client suffering either damage or loss. This could be for example undersettling on a personal injury claim where their client was entitled to more compensation. A solicitor like many professional people has a duty of care to their clients, this means they have to perform their role with reasonable care and to a reasonable standard.
Time limits for solicitor negligence claims?

You must be in time to make a claim, this is known as the 'professional negligence limitation period'. There are different time limits for different types of claim, but on the whole there is a time limit of six years to bring a claim from the date the negligence occurred. However, if the negligence does not come to light until a later date there are circumstances where this can be extended.
How do you know if you have solicitor negligence claim?

If the advice you were given by a solicitor has caused you a loss or if a solicitor did not carry out your instructions, you may have a claim. It is important for any solicitor negligence claims to prove that there has been a loss and that the solicitor breached their duty of care to you when carrying out your instructions.
How much is my solicitor negligence claim worth?

The value of your claim against a solicitor is like all professional negligence claims; it varies greatly depending on many factors including your personal circumstances, the value of your loss, the negligence on the part of the solicitor. For example we secured a further £90,000 in compensation for a recent client whose personal injury claim was not handled correctly by his solicitor.

Our team will work with you to determine your individual claim and the losses you have suffered. They can also advise you on the potential value of your claim if you choose to move forward and sue your solicitor.
How much will it cost me to claim solicitor negligence?

Every claim is different, once we have done our assessment of your claim we will be able to advise you on the costs to move forward and the options for funding your claim.

In many cases we are able to work on cases of solicitor negligence on using a conditional fee agreement, more commonly referred to as a no win, no fee basis. In some instances your legal expenses for this type of claim are covered by insurances policies you already have, some insurance policies refer to it as Family Legal Protection.

We will discuss all your funding options with you after our assessment of your claim.
Do I need evidence to sue a solicitor?

Yes. You will need to show that negligence occurred, that it caused your loss and what those losses are. We can help gather the necessary documents and expert evidence.