first time buyer - need a lawyer

[sixunforced]

I need a recommendation please. First time buyer in London.... so many options, however there are many firms and solicitors that aren't taking on any new clients.

[loanarranger]

Where are you located in London?

[Flashback1966]

Why are n't they taking on new clients? That sounds odd?

[loanarranger]

Further to my earlier response , there is a potential problem in just picking a firm to act for you, lenders have specific requirements on who is elibible and invariable have a panel of approved solicitors , if the firm selected isn’t on the panel then they would have to apply for appointment which under the current problems associated with Covid19 could prove time consuming and ultimately delay the processing of an application.

[flyingfreehold]

They don't like sole practitioners. The mass market firms work like sausage machines, with a different team attending to each stage of the work and that isn't very satisfactory either. The ideal firm to go to is a smallish partnership of ten or so partners. Don't choose based on price because cheap can be dear where it comes to legal advice.

[loanarranger]

Flyingfreehold makes a constructive comment , Lenders who offer “ free conveyancing” often use such types of conveyancing firms and it is rare that one can speak with the same person, this leads to delays and frustrationson everyone’s part.

[Samsontryn]

Why would any organization/corporation refuse to take new clients?

[AlexR]

I need a recommendation please. First time buyer in London.... so many options, however there are many firms and solicitors that aren't taking on any new clients.

Do you have a friend ,relative or workmate who has used a solicitor in the last year or so who would be able to recommend one to you? Bear in mind that your solicitor does not have to be located right next to the property you wish to buy. I would be careful when comparing on price alone as much of the costs in buying will be for searches and fees which will be the same for all

[jpkeates]

Why would any organization/corporation refuse to take new clients?

Because they can't process their business.
For most legal firms a new client is someone who has a pressing need for some work to be done, now.

There is a huge shortage of solicitors and other legally trained people.

Much of which is due to how much it is possible for a newly qualified solicitor to earn in the large legal firms, particularly in London.

The starting salary for a newly qualified solicitor with an international legal firm in London in 2022 can be £95k plus bonuses.
Smaller legal firms in London can't afford to pay staff that much and there is a significant trend of people moving from smaller to larger firms.

[Gordon999]

Best to choose a local solicitor firm for conveyancing work ( easier to show your identity document ). You can find their adverts in the yellow pages or telephone directory at your public library .

Check out the firm's website for solicitor for property conveyancing. Give solicitor a telephone call and ask for quotation for conveyancing ( buying property with mortgage, registration at Land Registry and serving notice on freeholder for leasehold property ). Ask how many years experience the solicitor has for property conveyancing work and how busy they are ?. Ask what charges are applied if the property is withdrawn before exchange of sale contracts ?.

Make this enquiry to 3 conveyancing firms to find a favourable price.

Just realised this is an old thread , started nearly 2 years ago..

[loanarranger]

Earlier in the OP’s I enquired where they lived as I know solicitors in various locations whom I would have no hesitation in recommending but to help I would suggest a call to TWM in Guildford, they act for several lenders and recently acted for a client purchasing in Nottingham but who was delighted with the professional manner they dealt with the conveyance, also the client himself lived in Nottingham.