Solicitors firm Russells is facing a negligence claim in the High Court in relation to advice it gave about a charge over property.
Louisa Lalani brought the claim after she retained the firm in 1981 to advise on a second legal charge over her house at 51 Cheyne Avenue, Chingford, in favour of Williams & Glyn (now Royal Bank of Scotland).
The bank subsequently sued for possession of the property and, although Lalani and her husband compromised that claim, she says she suffered loss and damage as a result of failure by the solicitors to advise her properly.
The firm denies negligence, and the solicitor concerned says he would have warned Mrs Lalani of the amount of her potential liability under the charge, and of the risks involved, in accordance with his usual practice. Russells also argues that the claim is time-barred.
The hearing continues.
Lalani v Russells (a firm) (Neuberger J) Chancery Division 12 July 2000
PLS News 12/7/00
