Eddie 'The Legal' Eagle Sought

[UlstermanAbroad]

G'morning Guys
I've submitted a small claim against a vehicle trader, which will be listed at Northampton Court.
The trader has chosen to contest all of the claim and will likely be represented. I've not received his 'defence papers' yet.
Whilst I believe I have a good case and the trader has past and recent judgements against him for identical transgressions,
I would like a solicitor to review both sets of papers and represent me, if the case is heard and not settled. I will attend.
I would welcome a referral to an experienced solicitor in or very close to Northampton.
Unfortunately my own solicitors only has relationships with firms in London, Edinburgh etc
Any help here or via PM, much appreciated.

 

[Zep]

I will ask someone for a recommendation and let you know.

 

[hashluck]

I asked someone I know who runs a small business in Northampton and he said no they just use the local mafia

 

[dgmx5]

Has he actually filed a defence?

Although you issued in Northampton (was it actually the County Court Money Claims Centre?) has it been transferred to another court? Very little gets heard in Northampton.

Is there a listed hearing? PM me if you want to discuss further.

 

[dickyb]

As stated above, Northampton is effectively just small claims HQ and if your case does go to a hearing it would normally be at a court closest to the defendant’s home or business address.

The small claims system is designed to be relatively straightforward for all concerned and its quite unusual to have legal representation unless you are unable to attend the hearing yourself. Bear in mind that any costs associated with solicitors and representation are not recoverable and you may end up with quite a large and unnecessary legal bill. As a result you should consider whether you really need a solicitor. Don’t be intimidated by the other party, a judge isn’t going to give them any extra credit for having legal representation, in fact to a certain extent they’ll frown on it slightly. There are no wigs or gowns, just a meeting room where a judge makes an informed decision based on the evidence provided. I would suggest that you will know your own case better than a solicitor would so there is no need to employ one.

Don’t panic at this stage, it’s fairly common for a defendant to respond aggressively and with bravado in an attempt to make you question yourself and your case in the hope that you’ll back down. Half of the cases I have been involved with never actually went to court, the defendants filed initial response statements but failed to respond any further. The other cases went to court but the defendants failed to show up.

If you can provide some further details I’ll be happy to help

 

[UlstermanAbroad]

Hi Guys
Thanks for the comments here and via PM.
I'll hold off with the PMs for now, until I see the defendant's defence papers. The offers of advice are very kind however.

To answer the general points raised.
Yes, I was advised to use the Money Claims Centre. But from memory, I nominated Northampton Court,
because its the most convenient for the defendant. I have had direct conversations with the person who obtained
the last judgement against this trader, but this is as far as his case went. Defendant settled in full.
Personally, via police service and HM forces service, I have experience of every kind of court in the UK.
With the exception of The Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. That said, my experience is limited and past sell by date.
I believe the defendant will engage solicitors. In fact he's told me that he already has. An ambulance chasing firm in
Northampton, I'm told.
As courts are not my usual place of work, having learnt never to assume an outcome and based on the principle of never
taking a knife to a gunfight, I believe its prudent to at least take professional advice, if not be represented.
The sum in question is at the upper limit allowed in England and at least one element of my claim is a little unusual. (law of torts)
So, rather than be ambushed, I'd prefer to be over prepared, rather than under.
As I'm a disabled veteran, suffering from physical and psychological conditions, it would be a very cold hearted judge who wouldn't
understand the desirability of representation. I only have to step into a courts building and memories of quite bloody cases come flooding back. (which I won't comment on further) That said, I am usually very confident before any judge, including Lords.
The defendant has a long history of selling dangerous cars and has continued to do so. He really needs nailed to a cross for this and if my case helps put a dent in his activities, it will be time and money well spent. Once my case is concluded, I have a few other surprises in store for the defendant.

As I said guys, I am very, very grateful for your offers of help. If I may, I'll hold off until I receive the defence papers. The deadline for returning these is in a few weeks.

 

[outrun]

Call Phil Harmer at Stormcatcher Legal. He’s a good guy, knows his way around motor trade claims.