Based on checking the website, Harris-harris.co.uk appears to be the online presence for Harris & Harris Solicitors, a long-established law firm operating out of Frome and Wells in the UK.

The site presents itself as a professional and client-focused legal practice, offering a range of services including conveyancing, wills and probate, family law, employment law, dispute resolution, commercial law, commercial property, and ecclesiastical law.

Their website emphasizes a “putting clients first” philosophy, highlighting accreditations like the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS and Lexcel, which signifies adherence to high management and client care standards.

This firm focuses on providing sensible, practical advice to individuals, businesses, and charities, aiming for a stress-free experience for their clients, as evidenced by numerous testimonials on their homepage.

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IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

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Understanding Harris & Harris: A Glimpse into Their Legal Practice

Harris & Harris Solicitors, as presented on their website, seems to embody a traditional yet alert approach to legal services.

They highlight their longevity, with Lexcel accreditation since 2004, indicating a consistent commitment to quality.

Their services span a broad spectrum, catering to both personal and business legal needs.

This comprehensive offering suggests they aim to be a one-stop shop for various legal challenges, from the complexities of property transactions to sensitive family matters and intricate commercial disputes.

The firm also underscores its local knowledge, serving clients from Shepton Mallet and the Mendips, while also extending their reach to regional, national, and even international interests.

Client-Centric Approach and Professional Accreditations

One of the most prominent themes on the Harris & Harris website is their dedication to client care. They proudly state that over 95% of clients in recent surveys would recommend them, underscoring a strong reputation for service quality. This commitment is further solidified by their various accreditations. The Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS indicates a high standard in residential conveyancing practices, providing assurance to clients engaging in property transactions. Similarly, the Lexcel Accreditation is a quality mark awarded by the Law Society to firms that meet the highest management and customer service standards, a distinction held by only about one in ten firms in the country. These accolades suggest a firm that is not only experienced but also committed to continuous improvement and adherence to professional benchmarks.

Harris-harris.co.uk Review & First Look

Based on looking at the website, Harris-harris.co.uk presents a clean, professional, and user-friendly interface that clearly communicates the firm’s legal services and client-first philosophy.

The design is straightforward, prioritizing ease of navigation and access to information.

Website Layout and Accessibility

The website uses a classic, uncluttered layout with clear navigation menus at the top and bottom.

This design choice makes it simple for visitors to find specific legal services, read client testimonials, or locate contact information for their Frome and Wells offices.

The responsive design ensures it adapts well to different screen sizes, from desktop to mobile devices, making it accessible on the go.

Initial Impressions and Branding

The branding emphasizes professionalism and trust, with a focus on their long-standing presence and established reputation.

The use of client testimonials directly on the homepage builds immediate credibility, showcasing real-world positive experiences.

The overall impression is one of a reliable and experienced legal partner.

Key Information Readily Available

Crucially, the website ensures essential information is easily discoverable.

Office addresses, phone numbers, and a direct contact form are prominent.

Information about their legal services is organized intuitively, allowing potential clients to quickly identify whether the firm can assist with their specific legal needs.

Harris-harris.co.uk Pros & Cons

When evaluating Harris-harris.co.uk, several strengths and potential areas for improvement emerge.

Pros

Strong Emphasis on Client Testimonials: The homepage prominently features multiple positive client reviews, which immediately builds trust and credibility. This social proof is a powerful indicator of client satisfaction. For instance, R Preston states, “The Harris & Harris team have been consistently good when dealing with a multitude of legal matters… A highly recommended company.”
Clear Accreditations and Quality Marks: The firm proudly displays its Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS and Lexcel Accreditation since 2004. These are significant third-party endorsements of quality and professionalism in the legal sector, providing assurance to potential clients. Lexcel is a particularly strong indicator, as only about 10% of firms in the UK achieve this.
Comprehensive Service Offering: Harris & Harris covers a wide range of legal services for individuals, businesses, and charities, including Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Family Law, Employment Law, Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Commercial Property, and Ecclesiastical Law. This broad spectrum caters to diverse client needs.
Transparency in Location and Contact: The website clearly lists two physical office locations Frome and Wells with dedicated phone numbers for each, along with a “Contact Us” section. This transparency fosters trust and makes it easy for clients to get in touch.
Professional and Informative Content: The language used is professional yet accessible, providing “sensible, and practical advice.” Sections like “Preparing For Your First Meeting” and “Proof of Identity” offer helpful resources for prospective clients.
Evident Client Care Focus: The website highlights that “over the past 5 years more than 95% of clients responding said they had received a good quality service and would recommend us” in client care surveys. This data point underscores their commitment to client satisfaction.

Cons

Limited Online Engagement Features: While functional, the website primarily serves as an informational brochure. It lacks features such as a blog with regularly updated legal insights, online appointment scheduling, or live chat support, which modern clients often appreciate for quick queries or preliminary consultations. A recent “News” section exists but doesn’t appear to be extensively populated or highlighted.
Static Design: The design is traditional and effective but lacks dynamic elements or interactive tools that some contemporary legal websites employ to enhance user engagement. This isn’t necessarily a drawback for a professional services firm, but it might feel less cutting-edge compared to some newer online presences.
Lack of Detailed Case Studies Beyond Testimonials: While testimonials are valuable, detailed, anonymized case studies demonstrating their approach to complex legal matters could further illustrate their expertise and problem-solving capabilities in specific scenarios.
Absence of Attorney Bios with Direct Contact: While there’s an “Our People” section, it’s not immediately clear if individual attorney bios offer direct contact information or highlight their specific areas of expertise beyond general service categories.

Harris-harris.co.uk Alternatives

When seeking legal services, exploring alternatives is always a prudent step to ensure you find the best fit for your specific needs.

Here are some general categories of alternatives to consider beyond a specific firm like Harris & Harris, alongside what to look for:

Local Law Firms with Specific Specializations

What to Look For: If your legal need is highly niche e.g., very specific environmental law, intricate intellectual property, you might seek out smaller, boutique firms that specialize exclusively in that area. These firms often have deep expertise in a narrow field.
Example: A firm specializing solely in agricultural property law if you have land and farming-related legal needs, rather than a general commercial property team.

Larger Regional or National Law Firms

What to Look For: For highly complex cases, multi-jurisdictional issues, or situations requiring extensive resources, larger firms might be a better fit. These firms often have multiple departments, a larger pool of solicitors, and greater capacity for high-volume work.
Example: A Tier 1 Legal 500 firm that has offices across the UK or internationally, capable of handling large corporate mergers or high-profile litigation. They often boast specific “banded” lawyers recognized for their prowess in particular fields by legal directories.

Online Legal Service Platforms

What to Look For: For simpler, standardized legal tasks like drafting basic wills, straightforward non-disclosure agreements, or property searches, online platforms can offer a more cost-effective and convenient solution. These services often automate parts of the legal process.
Example: Platforms like LegalZoom in the US or similar UK-based services that provide templated legal documents or access to a network of solicitors for a fixed fee for routine matters. However, these may lack the personalized touch for complex issues.

Pro Bono Services and Legal Aid

What to Look For: For individuals with limited financial means, pro bono services legal work done for free or legal aid government-funded legal assistance can be crucial. Eligibility criteria are often strict, but these provide essential access to justice.
Example: Citizens Advice Bureau CAB in the UK, which offers free, confidential advice on legal, money, and other problems. Also, university law clinics that provide free legal advice under supervision. Data from the Legal Aid Agency in the UK shows that over 700,000 legal aid services were provided in 2022-2023, primarily for family law, criminal defense, and immigration cases.

Barristers’ Chambers for Direct Access

What to Look For: In some jurisdictions, it’s possible to directly instruct a barrister without going through a solicitor first known as ‘direct access’. This can be beneficial for specific advocacy needs or obtaining expert legal opinions.
Example: If you need a barrister to represent you in court for a specific hearing or to provide a binding opinion on a complex point of law.

Mediators and Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR Services

What to Look For: For disputes where parties wish to avoid court, mediation, arbitration, or conciliation services offer a less adversarial and often quicker path to resolution. These services focus on facilitating agreement between parties.
Example: A family mediator for divorce or child arrangement disputes, aiming for amicable solutions outside of court. According to the UK’s Family Mediation Council, mediation has a high success rate, with over 70% of mediated cases reaching full or partial agreement.

When comparing alternatives, always assess the firm’s or service’s specialization, reputation, fee structure, client reviews, and the level of personalized service they offer against your specific requirements and budget.

Harris-harris.co.uk Pricing

Based on the information available on Harris-harris.co.uk, specific pricing details for their legal services are not openly published on the website. This is a standard practice for many professional legal firms, as legal fees are highly dependent on the complexity, duration, and specific nature of each case.

Why Legal Firms Don’t Publish Fixed Prices Online

Case-Specific Nature: Legal work is rarely a one-size-fits-all service. The cost of, say, a conveyancing transaction can vary significantly based on the property’s value, whether it’s freehold or leasehold, issues like shared ownership, or unexpected complications.
Hourly Rates vs. Fixed Fees: Many firms work on an hourly rate, where the total cost depends on the amount of time spent by solicitors and their support staff. Other services, like a standard will or simple conveyancing, might be offered on a fixed-fee basis, but even these can have variations based on individual circumstances.
Disbursements: In addition to professional fees, clients are responsible for “disbursements” – third-party costs like Land Registry fees, search fees, court fees, or expert witness charges. These vary greatly per case.
Regulatory Requirements: While some legal services in the UK have transparency requirements regarding price ranges for specific services e.g., conveyancing, probate, some employment tribunals, firms often choose to provide these only after an initial consultation, allowing for a personalized quote.

How to Obtain Pricing Information

Typically, for a legal firm like Harris & Harris, you would need to:

Contact them directly: The website provides phone numbers for their Frome and Wells offices and a contact form.
Schedule an initial consultation: Many firms offer a brief initial discussion sometimes free or at a reduced rate to understand your needs and provide a tailored fee estimate.
Receive a detailed quote: After understanding the scope of work, the firm will provide a comprehensive quote or a breakdown of their fee structure, including any likely disbursements.

What to Expect Regarding Fees

When you do inquire about pricing, expect to discuss:

The type of service required: Clearly define your legal need e.g., “I need a will drafted,” “I am buying a freehold property at X price”.
The complexity of your situation: Be prepared to share details that might impact the time and effort required e.g., “It’s a complex probate with assets overseas”.
The fee structure: Confirm if it’s a fixed fee, hourly rate, or a combination.
Disbursements: Ask for an estimate of third-party costs.

While the absence of published prices might seem inconvenient to some, it reflects the bespoke nature of legal services.

The emphasis is on providing a tailored solution, and thus, a tailored cost.

How to Engage with Harris & Harris Solicitors

Engaging with a legal firm like Harris & Harris Solicitors typically follows a structured process designed to ensure clarity, professionalism, and client satisfaction from the outset.

Their website simplifies the initial contact points.

Initial Contact

Phone Call: The most direct method is to call their Frome office at 01373 463366 or their Wells office at 01749 674747. This allows for immediate interaction and the ability to ask preliminary questions.
Online Contact Form: The “Contact Us” section on their website provides an online form where you can submit your inquiry, name, and contact details. This is convenient for non-urgent matters or if you prefer written communication initially.
Email: While not explicitly listed as a primary contact method on the homepage, once you connect, email will likely be a primary form of ongoing communication.

Initial Consultation

After the initial contact, the firm will likely arrange an initial consultation.

This meeting, which may be in person, over the phone, or via video conference, serves several crucial purposes:

Understanding Your Needs: This is where you explain your legal situation in detail, allowing the solicitor to grasp the full scope of your requirements.
Assessing the Case: The solicitor will assess the complexity of your case, the likely steps involved, and any potential challenges.
Providing Initial Advice: You may receive some preliminary advice or a general overview of the legal process.
Discussing Fees: This is the critical stage where the firm will outline their fee structure, provide a cost estimate, and explain any potential disbursements. They are obligated to be transparent about costs from the outset.

Formal Engagement

If you decide to proceed, the firm will send you:

Client Care Letter: This is a legally required document that outlines the terms of engagement, the scope of work, the agreed fees, details of the solicitor responsible for your case, and the firm’s complaints procedure.
Terms of Business: This document details the firm’s standard terms for providing legal services.
Proof of Identity Requirements: As part of anti-money laundering regulations, you will be asked to provide proof of identity and address e.g., passport, driving license, utility bills. The website has a “Proof of Identity” resource under their “Resources” section.

Ongoing Communication and Progress

Once formally engaged, the firm will keep you updated on the progress of your case.

Their “Putting Clients First” ethos suggests they prioritize clear and regular communication. You should expect:

Regular Updates: Progress reports, summaries of legal actions, and explanations of next steps.
Direct Contact: Access to the solicitor or legal professional handling your case for questions and discussions.
Documentation: Copies of relevant documents, correspondence, and legal filings.

Important Considerations

Prepare for Your First Meeting: The Harris & Harris website even has a “Preparing For Your First Meeting” guide, which is a great resource. It typically advises bringing all relevant documents, a clear timeline of events, and a list of questions you have.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask about anything you don’t understand, especially regarding fees, timelines, or potential outcomes.
Be Honest and Thorough: Provide all relevant information to your solicitor, even if it seems minor, as it can be crucial to your case.

By following these steps, you can effectively engage with Harris & Harris Solicitors and ensure a clear, professional start to your legal matter.

Lexcel and Conveyancing Quality Mark: What They Mean for You

When considering legal services, accreditations like Lexcel and the Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS are not just badges of honor.

They are tangible indicators of a firm’s commitment to excellence and professional standards.

Harris & Harris proudly displays both, which speaks volumes about their operational integrity and client focus.

Lexcel Accreditation

What it is: Lexcel is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for excellence in legal practice management and client care. It sets strict standards for how a law firm is run. This includes everything from client service, risk management, and file management to human resources and financial management.

What it means for you:

Assured Quality of Service: A Lexcel-accredited firm has undergone rigorous assessment to ensure it meets high standards in managing client affairs. This means you can expect structured processes, clear communication, and efficient handling of your case.
Improved Client Care: Lexcel places a strong emphasis on client care. Firms must have robust systems for managing complaints, ensuring client satisfaction, and providing clear information about fees and timelines. Harris & Harris highlights that only about one in ten firms in the country hold this award, indicating a notable commitment to quality.
Better Risk Management: Lexcel-certified firms are required to have comprehensive risk management procedures. This reduces the likelihood of errors, negligence, or security breaches, ultimately protecting your interests.
Efficient Processes: The accreditation promotes efficient and effective internal processes, which can lead to a smoother and potentially faster resolution of your legal matter.
Independent Verification: The assessment is carried out by independent assessors, providing an objective endorsement of the firm’s quality.

Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS

What it is: The Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS is a recognized quality standard for residential conveyancing practices. It is administered by the Law Society and aims to provide a reliable benchmark for buying or selling property.

Reduced Risk in Property Transactions: Buying or selling property is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. CQS accreditation signifies that the firm adheres to strict protocols and procedures to minimize risks of fraud, errors, and delays in the conveyancing process.
Expertise in Conveyancing: Firms with CQS accreditation have demonstrated expertise in the conveyancing process, ensuring they have the right knowledge and skills to handle your property transaction effectively.
Clear Information and Communication: CQS firms are committed to providing clear and transparent information about the conveyancing process, including costs, timescales, and any potential issues that may arise.
Client Protection: The CQS framework includes measures to protect clients from common conveyancing pitfalls and ensures that the firm meets high professional standards. For instance, it covers aspects like client identity verification and dealing with mortgage lenders.
Lender Confidence: Many mortgage lenders increasingly prefer or even require that conveyancing be handled by CQS-accredited firms, as it gives them confidence in the quality and security of the legal work involved.

In essence, these accreditations are not just marketing tools.

They are evidence of Harris & Harris’s dedication to operational excellence, client protection, and maintaining the highest standards in the legal profession.

When you choose a firm with these marks, you are essentially selecting a provider that has been independently verified for its quality and reliability.

Harris-harris.co.uk vs. Other Legal Services

When considering Harris & Harris Solicitors, it’s helpful to understand how they might compare to different types of legal service providers in the broader market.

This comparison isn’t about naming specific competitors but rather highlighting the strengths and differentiators based on the typical models of legal practice.

Harris & Harris: The Established Regional Firm Model

Strengths:
- Personalized Service: As a long-established local firm, they likely offer a more personalized, accessible service where clients can build a direct relationship with their solicitor. Their emphasis on “Putting Clients First” and “local people with local knowledge” supports this.
- Accreditations: Their CQS and Lexcel accreditations provide a robust benchmark of quality and procedural excellence, which not all smaller firms might possess.
- Local Knowledge: For property or business matters within Somerset, their “local knowledge” can be a significant advantage.
Typical Client Profile: Individuals, families, small to medium-sized businesses, charities, and churches in their geographic vicinity seeking comprehensive, reliable, and personalized legal support.

Vs. Large National/International Firms

Difference: These firms typically have vast resources, multiple specialist departments, and a global reach. They handle very large, complex corporate transactions, high-stakes litigation, or specialized international law.
Comparison: Harris & Harris might not have the same depth of highly niche specialization or the sheer scale of workforce as a massive national firm. However, for most common individual and SME legal needs, the personal touch and cost-effectiveness of a regional firm like Harris & Harris can be more appealing than the potentially higher fees and more corporate feel of a large firm. For example, in 2023, the top 10 UK law firms by revenue collectively generated over £10 billion, demonstrating their immense scale compared to regional practices.

Vs. Boutique/Niche Specialist Firms

Difference: These firms focus on one or two very specific areas of law e.g., solely intellectual property, or exclusively medical negligence. They often boast unparalleled expertise in their niche.
Comparison: While Harris & Harris offers “Ecclesiastical Law,” for example, a firm that solely handles church-related legal matters might have a deeper or more specific understanding of very obscure points of canon law. However, if your needs span multiple areas e.g., a family dispute plus conveyancing, Harris & Harris’s broader offering becomes a strength, avoiding the need to juggle multiple law firms.

Vs. Online Legal Service Providers e.g., Do-It-Yourself Platforms

Difference: These platforms offer templated legal documents or limited, often remote, legal advice for basic matters at a much lower cost.
Comparison: Harris & Harris offers a fully professional, bespoke legal service with direct human interaction. While a DIY platform might draft a basic will for £50, Harris & Harris will provide personalized advice, ensure the will is legally sound for your specific circumstances, and handle complex probate matters. The trade-off is typically cost versus the security, comprehensiveness, and personalized advice of a full-service law firm. Data suggests that while online legal services are growing, complex legal matters still heavily rely on traditional solicitor-client relationships due to the need for nuanced advice and representation.

Vs. Solo Practitioners/Smaller Local Practices

Difference: These are often one-person or very small operations. They can offer extremely personal service and potentially lower overheads.
Comparison: Harris & Harris, as an established firm with multiple offices and accreditations like Lexcel, likely offers more robust infrastructure, dedicated support staff, and a broader team for continuity and specialized input than a very small practice. The accreditations also provide a layer of quality assurance that might be less formal in a solo practice.

In conclusion, Harris & Harris Solicitors positions itself as a strong choice for clients seeking a reliable, client-focused, and broadly capable legal partner within a regional setting.

They balance the personalized attention of a local firm with the professional standards and broader service offerings often associated with larger, more established practices, making them a compelling option for many common legal needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What services does Harris & Harris Solicitors offer?

Harris & Harris Solicitors offers a comprehensive range of legal services including Conveyancing, Wills & Probate, Family Law, Employment Law, Dispute Resolution, Commercial Law, Commercial Property, and Ecclesiastical Law.

Where are Harris & Harris Solicitors located?

Harris & Harris Solicitors has two offices: one in Frome at 11 Stony Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BU, and another in Wells at 14 Market Place, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2RE.

Is Harris & Harris Solicitors accredited?

Yes, Harris & Harris Solicitors is accredited.

They hold the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS and have been accredited to Lexcel, the Law Society’s Quality Mark, since 2004.

What is the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS?

The Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS is a recognized quality standard for residential conveyancing practices, ensuring high standards in property transactions.

What is Lexcel Accreditation?

Lexcel is the Law Society’s legal practice quality mark for excellence in legal practice management and client care, indicating a firm meets high standards in operations, client service, and risk management.

How can I contact Harris & Harris Solicitors?

You can contact them by phone at 01373 463366 for the Frome office or 01749 674747 for the Wells office, or by using the contact form available on their website, harris-harris.co.uk.

Does Harris & Harris Solicitors offer fixed fees for services?

The website does not explicitly list fixed fees for all services, as legal costs often depend on the complexity of the case.

It is best to contact them directly for a personalized quote.

What are the client reviews like for Harris & Harris Solicitors?

The website features multiple positive client testimonials, with statements indicating that over 95% of clients in recent surveys received good quality service and would recommend the firm. Explorertours.ae Reviews

Do I need an appointment for a consultation?

While the website doesn’t explicitly state whether appointments are required, it’s standard practice for legal firms to schedule initial consultations to ensure a solicitor is available and prepared for your specific inquiry.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Harris & Harris?

Their website has a “Preparing For Your First Meeting” guide under their “Resources” section.

Generally, you should bring all relevant documents, a clear timeline of events, and a list of questions you have.

Does Harris & Harris handle international legal matters?

Yes, their website states that while many clients are local, they also act for regional and national businesses, and clients with international interests.

Is Harris & Harris regulated?

Yes, Harris & Harris is the trading name of Harris & Harris Legal Services LLP, which is regulated and authorized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority SRA.

What types of clients does Harris & Harris serve?

They provide legal advice and services to individuals, businesses, churches, and charities.

How long has Harris & Harris been Lexcel accredited?

Harris & Harris has been accredited to Lexcel since 2004, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to quality.

What is the firm’s approach to client care?

Their approach is described as “putting clients first,” aiming to provide sensible, practical advice and delivering a stress-free experience, as reflected in their high client satisfaction rates.

Can Harris & Harris assist with property conveyancing?

Yes, conveyancing is one of their core services, and they hold the Law Society Conveyancing Quality Mark CQS, indicating expertise in this area.

Do they offer services for charitable organizations?

Yes, they explicitly mention providing sensible, practical advice to charities as part of their services for businesses. 4wheelstation.com Reviews

How transparent are Harris & Harris about their terms and policies?

Their website includes links to various policies and resources such as their Terms of Business, Complaints Procedure, Privacy Policy, and Equality & Diversity Policy, suggesting a commitment to transparency.

What are the firm’s values?

They apply the “old fashioned principle of putting clients first” and offer independence, integrity, and approachability.

Is there a news section on their website?

Yes, there is a “News” section on Harris-harris.co.uk, which provides updates from the firm.

Harris-harris.co.uk Reviews