The John Hughes Law Practice

I have had a miserable experience with The Wilkes Partnership, 41 Church St, Birmingham (incorporating Coley & Tilley Solicitors). We used them for probate in 2014-15. We asked for tax advice which their terms and conditions clearly stated they could give in relation to probate & wills. The solicitor rang us but didn't know that tax allowances were transferable describing them as personal, and subsequently as individual and a 'use it or lose it' allowance.

But the law had been changed since 2007 to allow them to be transferred between spouses. Later I was told that for a parent to give to children would incur capital gains tax. But that too is not correct. It would be a gift subject to a '7 year rule'. Since I discovered these matters in 2019 onwards, The Wilkes Partnership have told us all sorts of things that just aren't true. Emails alluding to the bad advice disappeared following hacking of my private email account.

But fortunately I discovered a recording of the first call and the advice which totally contradicts what they claim. Bereavement meant having to put our trust in a professional. When I obtained a copy of the probate file I discovered that documents were missing. Also in relation to meetings there were two slightly different written records being made; Client Letters which we received and File Notes we wouldn't see.

The latter contain things that didn't happen, weren't said and which suggest attempts to cover up for the incorrect advise and failure to look after their clients' interests with knowledge it would lose the family the chance to save 130,000 tax. I now find myself turning to the LEGAL OMBUDSMAN to look at the firm. I was disappointed when Wilkes attempted to block the OMBUDSMAN from investigating through a legal challenge, claiming it was NOT IN THEIR REMIT to investigate them. Thankfully the Legal OMBUDSMAN rejected these attempts and agreed to look into their behaviour.

I also find myself turning to the SOLICITORS REGULATION AUTHORITY, the regulatory body set up to 'police' solicitors, to look at Wilkes' behaviour and what they claim to have happened, which I find to go against their own statements in the file, in their emails and in the recorded calls. But as the Trustpilot scores for the Solicitors Regulation Authority unequivocally suggest, they don't seem to be impartial enough from the solicitors who, in effect, actually fund them.

So it appears difficult to get them to properly regulate. Wilkes also sent me the private documentation of other clients which were embedded within our file and appear to have been used as a form of 'crib' sheets. This was worrying and rather upsetting, both for those persons concerned including a juvenile, and for me given my own knowledge of missing documents from my file.

I just hope my paperwork hasn't similarly been sent to others by mistake. Use of older case documents does explain why they were initially unaware of the legislation change of 2007. I hope Wilkes do not try to block this review given that it is a true and honest account of my own personal experience of using their services.

Wilkes Partnership act on behalf of clients who make false claims as to work carried out in order to involve solicitors.

Katherine Proctor thank you! As an Estate Agent all we ask is to be kept up to date with the progress of sales and purchases so we may pass these onto our respective clients/customers. Katherine was brilliant at updating me and also responding to requests for said updates. In addition, she is very knowledgeable, easy to deal with and effective in dealing with issues which arise. Thank you for making what is usually a stressful process, a much easier and smoother one.

I used Wilkes as I have heard nothing but great reviews and I wasnt disappointed. Lesley Power made buying our first home effortless and a stress free experience would highly reccomend and use again without a second thought. Thanks all that helped at the wilkes partnership great job.

I have had dealing with Mr James Leo, who was a partner in Coley & Tiley and now have emerged with Wilkes Partnership. I can honestly say he was fantastic with my dealings and couldn't of asked for a better service, I am the Secretary of a legion Club and Mr Leo help with employees and other issues I had. would highly recommend.

Have called on advice from James Leo in support of personal employment contract issues twice. On both occasions James provided a first class service. He has always been very responsive and attentive providing sound advice, taking the time to make sure that all my questions / concerns were properly discussed and clearly addressed. Happy to recommend James' services to anyone in need of first class advice in support of employment law matters.

We used this firm when buying our first home, we mainly dealt with Lesley Power who was very friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. Highly recommend, would definitely use them again.

After suffering personal trauma and life changing injuries, I contacted a professional solicitor Annemarie Wilde, who is one of the Partners of Personal Injuries at Wilkes Partnership. I whole heartily recommend Annemarie, for her total empathy, sincerity, guidance, and pure professional attitude with dealing with my case. Annemarie dealt with my case with such pure professionalism, but also made sure she explained everything simply, so I knew exactly what was going on at all times. Also, Sheila, Annemarie's receptionist, who is also so very professional and very friendly, and full of empathy. Thank you Annemarie, your guidance and help, has now made such a difference to my life.

Being first time buyers we wasn't sure about the process that had to be taken purchasing a house. But with the help of Lesley Power she helped us with the steps needed going forward and kept us up to date with everything that was happening. Would highly recommend this solicitors and would definitely use again in the future