Disappointed by Lack of Transparency on Fees
I am writing this review to share my experience with Barnard & Webb Solicitors.
In May 2025, I consulted a Barnard & Webb partner regarding an employment matter. I submitted five documents in advance and paid £336 for a one-hour video consultation, which I felt was conducted professionally and appropriately priced.
However, when I returned an consulted the same solicitor in November 2025 regarding the same matter, my experience was notably different. During a phone call prior to booking the second consultation, I explained that my maximum budget was around £336. She acknowledged this and advised me to send any relevant documents, after which I would be provided with an accurate cost estimate. I then submitted seven documents for review, two more than in the previous consultation.
Unfortunately, despite this clear request and my expressed budget constraints, I never received the promised Accurate Cost Estimate. Due to the stressful nature of my employment situation and the approaching consultation, I regrettably overlooked following up on this point, trusting that the cost would be comparable or just above to the previous session £336.
After the consultation, I was surprised and frustrated to receive an invoice for £504 significantly higher than expected. This amount included £168 for reviewing the documents (as I mentioned the difference were 2 more documents and none of the documents were more than 3 pages) and £336 for the consultation itself. Given the prior verbal agreement to provide an accurate estimate based on the documents submitted, and my clear indication of financial limits, I found this handling of costs disappointing and inconsistent with the promise to provide (Accurate Estimate) on fees in advance.
In my view, the lack of a proper and accurate cost estimate left me without the opportunity to make an informed financial decision before proceeding with the service. Transparency and clarity around costs are particularly important when clients are navigating challenging personal circumstances.
While I acknowledge the legal services provided were of a professional standard, the overall management of client communication and fee transparency during my second engagement fell short of my expectations. I would encourage potential clients to insist on a written estimate before proceeding, especially when cost and budget is a key concern.