Pearsons & Ward Solicitors in Malton (part of Ware & Kay with offices in York & Wetherby)

Extremely poor service. Hugely over-charged for basic property purchase (around 4 times the quotation), refused to explain what the charges were for, no response from accounts department, and when we suggested we come in to talk through what the charges were for, we were told if we came in then (yes, you've guessed it) we would be charged to be told what the charges were for. Reported to the Legal Ombudsman and Law Society. Shocking. Never again.

Good firm of local solicitors

Really good and professional service.

The most appalling of services and one which I am considering referring to the Ombudsman if the issue is not resolved in the coming weeks as this has got to be pushing the boundaries of what is permitted.Do NOT use this firm for matters of probate. They provide the minimal of information leaving you in the dark, rarely if ever responding to requests for update, and are clearly not in any haste to resolve and close the estate down. I’ll update further when they have taken their “cut”.______________Update in response to the comment below:I reached out in early June via phone calls and emails - receiving one very generic response in return (and no doubt being charged in the process).I note this method of communication has elicited a far quicker response, which suggests maintaining one’s reputation is a higher priority than customer satisfaction. No doubt if I call, another charge will follow so I’d prefer to keep this public. I am a part recipient of a relative’s estate which allegedly came into your business in January and probate was granted in May. There are real people at the other end of your business for whom these delays are having real world impacts. This was not a complex case and should not under any circumstances have taken this long to close. I know of far larger and more complex estates that have been closed much quicker. You have, in my opinion, sat on your haunches._________Update 12 October 2023:And another week passes with no correspondence on why we are no closer to resolution. Simply unbelievable.Update 18 October 2023:And again another week passes with no correspondence, no update …….and no closure. Like most people, I have relied heavily on solicitors over the years so I know what good service means. This is not it. If you want to minimise stress then look elsewhere.Update 27 October 2023No surprise for anyone to know that there continues to be no update or progress on our matter. I can only stress and advise any future client to go elsewhere as the ‘service’ is the worst I have ever known.Update 3 November 2023If my memory serves me correct, then today is the 6 month anniversary of when probate came through, shortly after we were contacted by Pearson & Ward to ask for our details. Yet here we still are. No update, no communication and NO closure. Take my advice, take your legal business elsewhere.Update 8 November 2023:Any surprises that we are still no further on and still completely in the dark. Terrible, terrible, terrible service.Update 29 November 2023:One would have hoped that after waiting patiently for a further 3 weeks we may have had resolution. Alas no. It is clear that there is no sense of urgency in this company so if that is something that is important to you as a potential client - I advise caution.

To Emma Elwess and colleagues, many thanks for your patience,caring and Professionalism in dealing with our legal matterbest wishes, Kevin & Susan

I would like to thank Juliet Walker and her team for the fantastic help they gave me during my recent time of crisis.Juliet’s experience, understanding and kindness helped me tremendously to deal with difficult events and she was able to produce the best possible results in the shortest possible time.Her professional preparation and her conduct in court were exemplary along side her total support and kindness towards me. I can’t thank her enough.I needed the best and I certainly feel as though I got the best in Juliet.

Very helpful & friendly, even during these testing times. I've found not all solicitors manage this!

Not a good experience

Poor communication, not answering emails, and a very protracted timescale for what should be an extremely simple process27.10.23 To date we have had no feedback or conclusion to this matter. It is as if we have to beg for our money from probate which was granted 6 months ago . An extremely simple Will which should have been sorted out speedily yet 6 months of no communication have now passed. Terrible terrible service