Lawsuits against soliciors were up an incredible 163% in 2009, according to data gathered by Reynolds Porter Chamberlain.
210 claims were launched in the High Court in 2009, compared to a mere 80 in 2008 and only 31 in 2007. RPC suggest that many firms are facing professional negligence claims fuelled by the growth of speculative "no win, no fee" arrangments. Investors (including banks and subprime lenders hit by mortgage fraud) burnt by the failing economy are out looking for scapegoats - and their professional advisors are the first to feel their wrath.
Paul Castellani of RPC said "there is always a temptation during a recession when people have suffered losses to look for someone to blame...solicitors represent an easy target and they are seen as having deep pockets".
Given that so many people are suing their lawyers, it's no great surprise that the popular image of your average solicitor has fallen pretty low. A survey from legallybetter.com released this week has shown that almost a quarter of adults think that solicitors are "incompetent and expensive". According to this scientific survey, those are the qualities most associated with Simpsons lawyer Lionel Hutz. Over a third of respondees went for "ruthless and efficient", just like Patty Hewes in Damages (Who? Ed.). Strangely there was no third category combining the best of both - ruthless and expensive.
Of the rest, 12% think that solicitors are "amiable and conscientious" (that's like Stephen Fry's depiction of Peter Kingdom according to the survey) but only 4% are "young and enthusiastic" (like Ally McBeal, or how Magic Circle trainees used to be).
But it's a love-hate relationship the public have with the profession. Two weeks ago, the Law Gazette reported on research showing that 90% of people would recommend their solicitor to their friend.
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210 claims were launched in the High Court in 2009, compared to a mere 80 in 2008 and only 31 in 2007. RPC suggest that many firms are facing professional negligence claims fuelled by the growth of speculative "no win, no fee" arrangments. Investors (including banks and subprime lenders hit by mortgage fraud) burnt by the failing economy are out looking for scapegoats - and their professional advisors are the first to feel their wrath.
Paul Castellani of RPC said "there is always a temptation during a recession when people have suffered losses to look for someone to blame...solicitors represent an easy target and they are seen as having deep pockets".
Given that so many people are suing their lawyers, it's no great surprise that the popular image of your average solicitor has fallen pretty low. A survey from legallybetter.com released this week has shown that almost a quarter of adults think that solicitors are "incompetent and expensive". According to this scientific survey, those are the qualities most associated with Simpsons lawyer Lionel Hutz. Over a third of respondees went for "ruthless and efficient", just like Patty Hewes in Damages (Who? Ed.). Strangely there was no third category combining the best of both - ruthless and expensive.
Of the rest, 12% think that solicitors are "amiable and conscientious" (that's like Stephen Fry's depiction of Peter Kingdom according to the survey) but only 4% are "young and enthusiastic" (like Ally McBeal, or how Magic Circle trainees used to be).
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A solicitor reacts yesterday |
But it's a love-hate relationship the public have with the profession. Two weeks ago, the Law Gazette reported on research showing that 90% of people would recommend their solicitor to their friend.