Claims against solicitors increase

Solicitors face a rising number of professional negligence claims, new statistics show.

Some 130 claims were filed against solicitors in the High Court this year compared to 98 last year, an increase of one-third, according to evidence gathered by law firm RPC. This confirms a trend—the number of professional negligence claims against solicitors and barristers in the high court has risen 170% since 2012.

Recently, the Solicitors Regulation Authority revealed that professional negligence claims have cost insurers of solicitors £2bn over the past decade. Conveyancing claims make up about half this total, but there are several factors for the rise, according to RPC. More complex family structures have increased the likelihood of a will being challenged post death, with the probate solicitor often blamed for claims that were difficult to foresee.

There are more law firms specialising in professional negligence claims, some of which advertise aggressively to attract clients. Soaring property prices mean there is often more money at stake therefore more incentive for people to sue. Finally, an increase in litigants in person means more claims go to court rather than being resolved through negotiation.

RPC partner, Joe Bryant said: “Advertising campaigns both by those specialist professional negligence law firms seeking to sue solicitors and organisations promoting access to the complaints system has meant that clients are more aware of how to make a claim than ever before, and therefore are more likely to pursue one if they feel their solicitor or barrister made an error during their case.”