Hall Smith Whittingham LLP Reviews 

24
TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

2.6

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I’m still struggling to comprehend how badly you represented me three years ago. You continually dangled a carrot of hope by clutching at straws and did not follow my instructions. You would not chall... See more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Incompetent , rude, untrustworthy, the list goes on. Today I received a letter asking if my mum wanted to discuss her will. She died last year and I was in contact with HSW recarding her death, so inc... See more

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I wouldn't use this company unless you are happy with high fees and low quality. Used the company for a house purchase, any time that anything went wrong it was our fault and not the sellers, but the... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All staff were efficient and helpful. Nothing too much trouble. As a couple we were rewriting our wills. Saw Ang Lewis, advice given was useful, relevant and informative. We were helpfully given... See more

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Company details

  1. Legal Services

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Hall Smith Whittingham Solicitors LLP is a progressive law firm with offices in Crewe and Nantwich. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.


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2.6

Poor

TrustScore 2.5 out of 5

24 reviews

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2.6

All reviews

(24)

5 reviews in the last 12 months

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Very Poor Litigation Service

I’m still struggling to comprehend how badly you represented me three years ago. You continually dangled a carrot of hope by clutching at straws and did not follow my instructions. You would not challenge the reasons I was excluded from my late father’s Will even though it was lies which could be proven. I placed my trust in you but you let me down badly. You never even acknowledged you had made a mistake, it is not for a client to point out your errors. You are employed by a Client.

30 August 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 2 out of 5 stars

I wouldn't use this company unless you…

I wouldn't use this company unless you are happy with high fees and low quality. Used the company for a house purchase, any time that anything went wrong it was our fault and not the sellers, but the solicitor would rather blame yourself than fight your case. Will not use again.

9 June 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Incompetent

Incompetent , rude, untrustworthy, the list goes on. Today I received a letter asking if my mum wanted to discuss her will. She died last year and I was in contact with HSW recarding her death, so incredibly insensitive on so many levels. Not to mention being accused of lying , telling me I never went to my mums will appointment with her. Honestly if you’re dealing with a death go else where. The most insensitive company I have ever dealt with

23 April 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

AVOID!

AVOID!! Awful people, company!! I was claiming legal aid, 2yrs later sent me a bill!! Don’t go there, they don’t know what they are doing! Emma Appleyard I hope you sleep well at night.

22 December 2025
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Dear Emma,

We note the review you have left and after review of the matter can confirm they are factually incorrect. The comments you have left do not reflect the discussions that we have had between ourselves. We are disappointed with the comments made as well as you naming individual staff which we believe to be inappropriate. We will be inviting you to discuss the comments left in the review as well as the discussions previously had shortly and would hope you engage.

Kind Regards
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great conveyancing service from Michael Wright's team

I have used Michael Wright and his team (Samantha and Emma) for both a property sale and purchase over the last year as two separate transactions. Having used two other firms previously, I have to say the service Michael and co provided was incredible in comparison. They were far more thorough whilst also moving more quickly, and whenever I was unsure on anything I received very clear explanations. They also did a good job of managing a slow and unresponsive solicitor on the other end of the transaction to meet a very tight deadline for completion. This in comparison with the staggering incompetence of the other firms I have used.

Early on I was a little concerned about receiving few updates, but before long didn't worry about this as it became apparent they were powering through things in the background. Very much unlike previous conveyancers I have used who needed to be constantly chased or they wouldn't do anything.

I will certainly be coming back to Michael and his team whenever I move again.

23 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

HSW staff are very professional

HSW staff are empathetic, well-informed, efficient and helpful with great customer service skills. I am currently having to deal with another firm of solicitors in the south of England who do not display the same level of professionalism. I shall definitely use HSW in the future.

6 August 2025
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, we are glad to hear you had such a great experience with us.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Emma Spender was brilliant

Emma Spender was brilliant, she kept me updated throughout the whole conveyancing process and was always happy to answer any questions I had as a first time buyer.

Would definitely recommend.

14 June 2025
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a nice review, we are glad to hear you had such a great experience with Emma.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Terrible experience!

Let me be honest, I used this solicitor for a 2 conveyancing matters! The first time, the solicitor whom I dealt with Mark Wright was amazing so he clearly made a strong impression!

So with that in mind, used them again for another conveyancing matter. However this time it was nothing but utter disaster! So firstly, it was a trainee solicitor (Charlotte McDonough) who dealt with the case, I was bit reluctant initially as it was a trainee but then I thought to myself everyone got to start somewhere so gave her a chance. But I regret it now, I should have listened to my instincts! I instructed the solicitor to work on a commercial purchase which involved a BUSINESS that was operating and is part of the purchase. I mentioned this during the initial conversation when obtaining the quote and also when filling the purchase questionnaire I mentioned there’s a shop! However the paperwork was based on an vacant property because that’s what she had assumed and clearly not checked with us. The paperwork started back in November-23 and we discovered this error in May-24! What’s worst was when questioned about this mistake, she clearly turned around said it was my mistake then when the matter escalated to her supervisor, she did nothing but just defended her junior instead of admitting the mistake!

What’s surprised me was she had the guts to say the info provided was inaccurate by both us and the seller. In the end I switched to another solicitor as I genuinely couldn’t deal with this. When switching over to new solicitor I saw the paperwork she had done (note: for the first time ever!) and that’s when I realised even seller had mentioned it’s a sale of business and there’s staff included in the commercial enquiries! Her carelessness has cost me £1,900 (legal fees I paid to this firm).

All in all terrible experience! I hardly leave negative reviews for anyone because it’s not rice to ruin someone’s/business reputation but this is not acceptable! What’s worst was an acknowledgment of mistake at their end did not appear at any stage.

I wouldn’t say they are all bad but if anyone was to use them I’ll advise you to request for someone who’s experienced and avoid trainees in this firm! It’s a shame but no one wants to be paying extortionate amount of money for nothing in the end!

26 June 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Steven Coles was absolutely amazing

Steven Coles was absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend him enough, as a first time buyer our process was made so easy and he was extremely supportive from start to finish. Thank you very much.

7 June 2024
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a great review, we are glad to hear you had such a great experience with Steven.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Just what you need

Tracy McVeigh and her team carried out the conveyancing for the sale of my late mother’s house in a swift and professional manner. Very easy to talk to, and nice people. Thank you 🙏

17 May 2024
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such a lovely review, we are glad to hear you had such a great experience with Tracy and her team.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Professional legal services !!!

I contacted Emma Appleyard regarding a funeral dispute ,I was executor to the deceased will.And the only person qualified to register the death.The death was unexpected so a post mortem was required .Oxleys funeral services of crewe cheshire were contacted to transport the deceased body for the post mortem.E.Appleyard on making enquiries to Oxleys informs me firstly our daughter was the contractual client then she was next of kin has I was not married to my partner but had been in a relationship with him for 38 yrs!I had contacted Oxleys professional funeral services of crewe cheshire .stating our daughter could make funeral arrangements.E Appleyard & Olivia Rowley state she is next of kin?These are solicitors ? I had grant of probate but had NOT been involved with the funeral and had not signed any documentation with the said funeral services??I made a formal compliant to Angela lewis customer care and later contacted Steven Coles senior partner in this firm.once again the result was fruitless.I recommend this firm read "The cremation act 2008 for England & Wales ".The registration of a death is a legal requirement.if you on the lose of a loved one suffer any mental health issues do not divulge to them .I cannot recommend the persons named in this review has from the start I was given misleading and inaccurate guidance.

11 November 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The service that I received was…impeccable

The service that I received was impeccable. I dealt with Charlotte McDonough and cannot give high enough praise. The purchase of my house was flawless with constant, positive communication. I highly recommend this company.

2 April 2024
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a 5 star review, it is very much appreciated and we are delighted to hear you had such a great experience with Charlotte and would recommend the firm.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Would highly recommend

All staff were efficient and helpful.
Nothing too much trouble.
As a couple we were rewriting our wills.
Saw Ang Lewis, advice given was useful, relevant and informative. We were helpfully given details to consider that hadn't previously occured to us.
Would highly recommend.

3 April 2024
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you for leaving such a good review for Ang, it is really appreciated! We're happy to hear that you received such a good service and that you would also recommend us.

Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing experience

A very helpful , friendly and understanding team that went above and beyond my expectations when sorting my will. Would definitely use again for other services

9 April 2024
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you for leaving a good review, it is appreciated! We're happy to hear that you received a great service and would use us again.

Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Flawless experience

Emma Appleyard was absolutely brilliant. She is so knowledgeable about employment law and also listens with empathy and understanding. Her advice was invaluable and I would highly recommend her. x

15 December 2023
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you for leaving such an amazing review for Emma, it is very much appreciated! We're happy to hear that you received a great service and that you would also recommend us further.

Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We had a great experience

We had a great experience with Zoe Williams. She was friendly, personable and diligent. She kept in contact and responded to our many queries. We feel their charging structure was transparent and fair. She got the job done and there were no financial surprises.

18 December 2023
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a 5 star review, it is very much appreciated and we are delighted to hear you had such a great experience with the firm.
Best Wishes,
HSW Solicitors

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Had such a horrendous experience with…

Had such a horrendous experience with this firm especially Emma Appleyard that I have referred the matter to the SRA and Legal Ombudsman for deliberately inflating invoices, poor service and making applications to the Court to more than double their costs without my knowledge or consent. Avoid this Firm at all cost. They will not act in your best interests and are motivated solely by personal financial gain. Very disturbing and deeply traumatising experience at the most vulnerable time of my life. Completely immoral and unprofessional treatment by those being paid to protect and act in my best interests.

19 February 2023
Unprompted review
Hall Smith Whittingham LLP logo

Reply from Hall Smith Whittingham LLP

Please note the information in this review is factually incorrect and there is currently an ongoing dispute with regards to this matter. We can also confirm there is no open complaint with the SRA.
Kind Regards, HSW Solicitors

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Many thanks

We express our gratitude to you for the professional, high-quality work throughout the purchase of the apartment at 77 Blagg Avenue. The entire purchase procedure was quick and stress-free for us. May God bless your solicitors company and personally
Tracy McVeigh with all the best , prosperity and many good clients . Tetyana Davies and family.

28 July 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Did nothing but cause us more stress

We appointed these solicitors to assist us with a house sale and house purchase. From start to finish the solicitors were extremely incompetent and unclear on everything they required. We went through months and months of stress and nothing moving along. It actually took my partner to ring through to an external third party company who we needed something off and him to speak to them to get something sorted. We had to do this whilst we were away on holiday abroad as we were about to lose the house. An idea that the solicitor had not even considered. I’m 100% convinced if my partner had not stepped in when he did we would be in our new house. The communication from start to finish was absolutely appalling on every level and we had to constantly chase chase chase. The house exchanges eventually went through in August of last year and we had everything paid and closed down. NOW today nearly 12 months later we have been sent an email to state we owe them thousands of pounds back as they shouldn’t have sent it to us and if we could send it over with no explanation or meaning behind it just their BACS details. We are still waiting for a reply on what on earth they are referring to.

The way we have been treated as customers has really been absolutely appalling and our mental health suffered badly as a result. Here we are nearly 12 months down the line after the sale has gone through still having to deal with these people.

Do not use if you are after a smooth process that is clear, accurate, concise to help you get through an already hard time of selling a house as you simply will not get that from here.

27 June 2023
Unprompted review

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