# SOLICITOR COMPLAINT AND LEGAL OMBUDSMAN LETTER
Date: 3 June 2030
Parties: Amelia Fox and Harcourt Legal LLP
## 1. Purpose and parties
To Harcourt Legal LLP complaints partner: I am Amelia Fox, client reference HF-7719, concerning your conveyancing work on my purchase of 12 Oak Avenue, Bristol. This is a formal complaint about delay, communication and costs; it is not an accusation of dishonesty or a claim finally determining negligence.
## 2. Facts, scope and terms
I instructed the firm on 4 January. Searches were requested on 22 February, although the agreed transaction timetable required them by 12 January. Completion moved from 28 February to 11 April, causing £1,200 of lost rental income and £340 of removal rebooking charges. Calls on 5, 19 and 26 March were not returned.
## 3. Process and responsibilities
The initial costs estimate was £1,800 plus VAT. The final bill is £3,500 plus VAT and includes £900 of unexplained time. No revised estimate or warning was given before the significant increase. Please provide an itemised bill, the time ledger, disbursements and the basis for any additional work.
## 4. Evidence, records and safeguards
Please preserve the file, attendance notes, search-order history, emails, file reviews and conflict checks. I enclose the engagement letter, chronology, bank evidence, rental statement, removal invoice and bills. Please explain what advice was given about the delay and whether any loss could reasonably have been avoided.
## 5. Review, escalation and outcome
I request a written apology, reimbursement of £1,540 subject to evidence, a fair reduction of unexplained fees and a clear explanation. Please acknowledge now and give the firm's final response within eight weeks under the complaints procedure. I remain willing to discuss resolution without waiving a negligence or costs assessment remedy.
## 6. Reservations and practical protections
If unresolved after the firm's process, I may refer the service complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, subject to its eligibility, time limits and scheme rules. The Solicitors Regulation Authority may address conduct or regulatory concerns, but it does not determine compensation in the same way. Please do not treat this letter as privileged settlement correspondence.
## 7. England and Wales law and completion
Please send correspondence to 9 Meadow Road, Bristol BS7 3QL or amelia.fox@example.co.uk as separate methods. England and Wales law applies. Yours faithfully, Amelia Fox, 3 June 2030.