Every review we hold for the Newbottle Street office, from every platform, shown as written. First names only.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleShambolic, disorganized service.
Claire would ignore emails and getting any sort of communication was effortful, and things frequently were long and needlessly drawn out. Searches were sent in May and yet I was told about a notice against the title of the property from those searches in July! This could’ve lead to the sale falling through- yet this important material information was not handed over in any hurry.
The blame game with the sellers solicitors was played too. The firm were stating they had not received paperwork from the sellers side- yet this had indeed been sent with an extensive email trail that was forwarded on.
You would think paying the firm their £1.5k in fees would be easy- yet 30 hours before I was due to complete I had no statement of fees. How am I supposed to have the funds sent when this is the state of affairs? This required multiple phone calls and escalating it to the director to be sorted, as once again Claire ignored all emails. The lack of professionalism and sheer chaos in getting anything sorted is astonishing. Do not expect any answers in any sort of hurry.
Over a week after a complaint was raised I have still had no answers. Without family and friends in the business I would’ve been waiting years for my sale to go through. Save your money and go elsewhere!
Krista · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Dear Krista. Thanks for your review and I am sorry your experience did not match your expectations. We have reviewed the matter fully and
on this occasion we cannot agree with your comments. Updating clients is a priority for us however daily updates to clients are not deemed a necessity due to the volume of work undertaken on these matters. Having reviewed your matter I can see you were updated with every significant milestone and issues with the the title were out of our control.
★★★★★ 2/5
GoogleI recently purchased my first home through Michael Cook and unfortunately I cannot say I'd recommend. Updates were scarse and had an unnecessary 2 week delay due to forgetting to answer enquiries. Limited communication with the sellers solicitor. When it came to complete I was never made aware I had to give authority on the day of completion which could have resulted in the sale not going through. The app is a good idea but never gets updated making it redundant. If I had known I would have gone elsewhere
M · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 28 November 2023
Hi Mathew. Please see below message from the conveyancer who worked on your matter. If you wish to discuss matters further she is more than happy to discuss your concerns further.
Key updates were given, the delay was caused by receiving replies to enquiries from the seller's solicitors suggesting that the seller had little to no information regarding the solar panels which would have resulted in the lender being unable to lend. The seller's solicitors then proceeded to look for this information and finally provided - this then needed to be reported to the lender. Seller's solicitor were aware, buyer was aware. There was no risk to the sale not going through on the day of completion, the authority was given around 11:15am and we exchange at around 1:15pm after giving a release to the sellers solicitors earlier. The app was updated when key events happened but this transaction had issues which were not covered by the app (solar panels, help to buy isa). Client never made me aware he was unhappy
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleFantastic solicitors! We have just completed a sale a subsequent home purchase using the firm and it has been faultless. Communication is prompt and professional. Advice is given thoroughly when needed and the legal fees are very competitive. Almost all of our communication was through Claire, she is an absolute asset to the firm and without a doubt she made a huge difference to our overall experience. Thank you also to the team of solicitors who worked on our instruction. We have no problem recommending Michael Cook Law to anyone needing their services and will definitely return should we need to in the future. Thank you!
Paul · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Hi Paul, thankyou so much for such an amazing review. It was great working with you and wish you all the luck and happiness in your new home.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleMichael Cook Law Firm was totally different to the 2 big conveyancers I've used before. We are extremely happy with the conveyancing service we received from MCLF. They were contactable, responsive, flexible and got the job done within a reasonable timeframe. We couldn't ask for anything more. I'd absolutely recommend MCLF to anybody.
L · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Thankyou so much for your review, it's greatly appreciated and it was great working for you.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleClaire and Michael were our lawyers when we sold our house and were absolutely fantastic. Their communication was great throughout and they handled the sale very well. There was no drop in service at any point during the various lockdowns and I would not hesitate to recommend them.
James · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou so much for your amazing review. It is greatly appreciated :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAbsolutely outstanding service for both my house sale and house purchase. Great communication, expert advice, and lovely people to deal with. Michael Cook Law Firm is absolute world away from any other conveyancing service I have ever used.
Callum · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Hi Callum
It was great working for you and I'm aware your sale and purchase went through so quickly. You were excellent clients too.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleUsed Seaham branch. Very good communication (fast and efficient), staff went above and beyond to keep us informed on our house purchase. Ensured the completion met a strict deadline. Price was very reasonable.
K · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Thank you for your lovely review. We really appreciate such an amazing comment. We do try our hardest to meet expectations and deadlines.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleAvoid! Waste of time and unprofessional!
Needed a solicitor to review already drafted pre-nup and post-nup agreements. I phoned a few local places for quotes and Michael Cook Law Firm offered me the cheapest one at £120 plus vat. The secretary asked the solicitor (Elsa) for a quote whilst I waited on the phone.
I was then asked to come in to discuss further with Elsa (bear in mind she just took some of my personal details and didn't even look at the content of the documents). To my surprise I was then quoted £360 plus vat. I was really thrown off by this because why would I come in to see you if you hadn't quoted me a price on the phone already. Other law firms have managed to.
I mentioned that £360 plus vat isn't what we agreed on the phone. Elsa said she would ask Michael Cook (Director) if the £120 plus vat is ok.
After chasing them I then got an email back a few days later saying they can't do it for £120. It would have to be £360 plus vat.
Inde · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Dear Mr Singh
I am extremely sorry you are unhappy with the fees quoted. However, after speaking to various members of staff we are unaware which member of staff would have quoted you a fee of £120.00. Unfortunately, it would be the fee earner dealing with your matter who would officially quote you for such a service, in this case, Elsa Duffield.
We do hope you manage to resolve your matrimonial matter successfully.
Kindest regards
Lorretta Coulson
Practice Manager
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHighly impressed with the legal services of Michael Cook Solicitors in relation to my property purchase transaction.
I must compliment the highly competent and friendly staff who displayed great client care throughout the purchase process.
Having spent 30 year's of my life working in and around the legal profession, I feel extremely happy in recommending the services of Michael Cook Solicitors.
Colin · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 28 November 2023
Hi Colin
Thank you for your lovely review. I passed this over to Faye, who is over the moon you are satisfied with her standard and quality of work. It's been a pleasure working for you. :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleUsed Seaham Brach for a recent house Sale ! Claire and her team gave a very friendly professional service. Would not hesitate to recommend them.
Susan · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Hi Susan, thankyou so much for your review, it's greatly appreciated by the whole firm and Claire and her team are especially thankful. If we can help you with any other matter then please so not hesitate to contact us.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleLiterally cannot thank Michael and Claire enough. As a first time buyer I was clueless whilst buying my first home. I went with this lovely local business hoping for a personal service and I have not been disappointed. From fast responses to emails to being at the end of a phone, which we all know in covid and working from home is a feat in itself, Michael and Claire have been with me every step of the way. Thank you so much!
Anita · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review Anita. Greatly appreciated.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleTerrific service from start to finish, i used michael cook to buy my first house and they were incredible throughout the entire process. Answered all of my queries (of which there were many) in a quick and easy to understand fashion. They even helped me in branch to fill out forms and explain the meanings of things that i didnt understand. 10/10 would definitely recommend!!
TomThe · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Hi Tom
Thanks for your amazing review. It was great working for you.
★★★★★ 1/5
GoogleNeeded help with a financial issue with a property. Paid for a service which did not get anywhere near resolved. Subsequently all of my emails and requests to persue my legal issue further have been ignored. I'm disappointed and upset that I now have to look for another law firm. Waste of my time and money.
Kerry · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Hi Kerry. I am so sorry you feel disappointed that matters are progressing slowly. Your matter has been progressed but if you could kindly call the office I will arrange an appointment for you to come in and bring matters up to date.
Lorretta Coulson
Practice Manager
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleUsed to purchase the freehold of my property. Took longer than expected but they were very thorough and found something that two sales and four remortgages had not. Will use this firm from now on.
Ian · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
Hi Ian, thank you for your lovely review and it was great working for you and thanks for your patience.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI recently used Michael Cook law firm to write my will. The lovely Elsa and Leanne could not have been any nicer.
I was extremely satisfied with entire experience. Very highly recommended
Susan · 28 March 2024
Agent replied · 28 November 2023
Hi Susan
thank you so much for your lovely review. I will sent this over to both Elsa and Leanne. It will make their day! :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI found this law firm to be extremely friendly and helpful
Elizabeth · 28 December 2024
Agent replied · 28 December 2024
Thank you for your review. We appreciate the positive feedback you have given us and look forward to working with you in the future.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI've been working with Michael and his team since the start of 2021 on a series of property sales/purchases. They have been supportive, professional and fast in spite of lockdown making things difficult.
I am looking forward to continuing to work with a team I can trust.
Mark · 15 April 2021
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou so much for your amazing review. It is greatly appreciated :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleI have recently used Michael cook law firm for the sale of a property.
I was regularly updated from start to finish of the sale and queries were dealt with quickly all in all a very easy process, will definitely work with them again in the future.
Craig · 15 April 2021
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou so much for your amazing review. It is greatly appreciated :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service from Michael and his team for sorting out a really tricky leasehold problem. A few delays out of everyone's control but Michael was extremely professional and would not hesitate to recommend this company.
Morc · 23 June 2021
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou Morc for such a lovely review. Greatly appreciated :)
★★★★★ 1/5
GooglePoor communication, difficult to get hold of and unreasonable pricing.
Richard · 15 April 2023
Agent replied · 2 October 2023
We are so sorry your transaction did not proceed Richard. The unreasonable pricing lies with the Estate Agent you instructed in respect of your sale as our fees are included within the Estate Agent fee structure and out of our control.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleHighly recommend this firm, completed my sale and purchase. Kept me updated all the time. Would definately recommend..
Anne · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou Ann for such a lovely review. Greatly appreciated and we hope you are really happy in your new home xx :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleEfficient, very personable, responsive and extremely helpful. Highly recommend and would absolutely use this firm again.
Jessica · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review Jessica. Greatly appreciated.
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleAs good as solicitors get. Good team of workers, would happily recommend!
Ian · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thankyou Ian for a lovely review. It was a pleasure working for you :)
★★★★★ 5/5
GoogleExcellent service, very friendly helpful staff. Would 100% recommend
Gemma · 15 April 2022
Agent replied · 23 June 2023
Thank you so much for your lovely review Gemma. Greatly appreciated.
Where the same review appears twice we show it once. We leave out reviews that name another agent or another of the brand's offices.
