Over Charged and bad service

I Would highly recommend that no one uses BBM attorneys unless they don’t mind wasting their hard earned money and their time, trying to get a response from the Directors (one in particular) of the firm.

The level of service that BBM offered me for the amount of money charged was atrocious. And on top of this, and despite the fact that they were well aware of my objections raised in respect of the last two fees charged, I received a Letter of Demand, for the small amount of outstanding fees charged by them.

Incorrect dates and demands were sent to the other side’s attorneys and, the incorrect parenting plan was presented at a round table meeting with the opposing attorneys. Did I complain NO, did I pay my bill YES.

I was charged by a senior attorney, as well as by a junior attorney, which, in my opinion was unreasonable and unfair as I only requested an attorney not two.

The cherry on top was when I made them aware 2 weeks prior to my court date that my case would more than likely be postponed as the opposing attorney had passed away and the other party required a postponement in order to appoint a new attorney. In addition to the aforesaid, I advised BBM that the Parties would most likely settle the matter prior to the court date.

BBM decided to go ahead and do the work.

R3420 for research regarding the rights of unmarried fathers. My case was straight forward but they needed to charge for research. Research that, in my opinion, was not necessary due to that fact that the matter was likely to be settled before the court date. I am also of the view point that attorneys should not need to charge for research of a topic that should be known by professionals in the legal fraternity. In my view, if the attorneys are unsure of a certain legal point, they should research it free of charge and for their own knowledge and growth as an attorney.

In addition to the above charge, I was charged an additional fee of R3420 for attending to prepare argument for the matter. The parties settled prior to the court date (as I thought we would and as my attorneys were informed – timeously). So, the attorneys did not need to go to court as the parties (on their own) requested the court to make the signed parenting plan an order of court.

A total of R6840 was charged for the research and preparation. This, in addition to all of the fees charged prior, which fee were paid by me, without any complaints. At the very least, I would have expected the firm to give me some sort of discount (bearing in mind the circumstances).

During a meeting with one of the directors of the firm, the Director stated that he was of the view that I had received a good service for the money that I had paid. I, on the other hand, voiced my opinion that the last bill of R6840 was unfair due to the fact that I had timeously informed the attorneys of the possible postponement and of the very strong possibility that the matter will be settled prior to the next court date. I further informed the Director that I feel that the attorneys were unreasonable in charging for work done 2 days before my court date and still find it viable to invoice me this (even though the attorneys were well aware that the matter would either be postponed and/or settled).

The said Director said that he would look at the fees charged and that he would get back to me. Four emails later and still no response from the Director. I also requested that the Director please send me the Bill of Cost so that I may approach the law society in order to request them to investigate the matter. Still, the Director continues to ignore my emails.

I truly hope that other BBM Clients have had a better experience. Unfortunately, mine was not a good experience.