Our Ethos
Providing personal and proactive legal advice since 1840.
We know that reaching out to a lawyer can be a daunting prospect. We want to give you the most positive and personal experience possible when using our legal services. You can expect nothing less than friendly, polite and informative contact from our team.
We understand that sometimes when you contact a solicitor you may feel pressured, stressed, worried, anxious or even angry either about your legal problem or having to contact a solicitor. To alleviate any confusion during a potentially difficult time, we aim to provide a compassionate, personal experience from start to finish.
Throughout your legal case, you will have:
- Only one lawyer dealing with your matter*
- Direct e-mail details for the lawyer and support staff dealing with your matter
- Direct contact details for the lawyer dealing with your matter in the absence of your usual contact(s)
In some instances, you may also be provided with your lawyer’s mobile telephone number to ensure contact can be made even when the lawyer is absent from the office.
Whatever your legal matter, we understand the importance of confidentiality. That is why we will never discuss your case either with you or anyone else in the public areas of our offices, including reception.
And just to make sure you know that we really care… From time to time throughout your legal case or at the end of your matter you may be contacted by me just to check that everything is going ok and that you are happy with our legal services. We’re happy to do this over the telephone, but if you are free to meet for a cup of tea that’s even better!
We are legal advisors, but we are human too and sometimes that means although we try to give 100% all of the time, we may accidentally let our standards of service slip. If you feel that the level of service you have received from any member of staff is anything less than you expected or were led to expect, please do not hesitate to contact me directly so that I can investigate the matter and do my best to put it right.
Sincerely,
Ian Stirzaker, Senior Partner
*except in unavoidable circumstances, or if you should involve another person.
What our clients say
It is always a pleasure to deal with the team at SME, they have a way of cutting through the broader points and addressing the finer detail which is refreshing.
Mr S, Worcestershire
I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone in a similar situation (although I would advise against getting into such a situation in the first place!) and I'm very grateful for all you have done.
Mr S, Worcester
I just wanted to send you a note to thank SME for their legal advice during my recent divorce and house purchase. I moved to SME after a difficult (and very expensive) time with another firm in Birmingham. SME was recommended to me by David Denovan-Smith and after speaking with Denise McCabe, I had no doubt I was with "a safe pair of hands". Denise has been exemplary throughout the entire difficult and very long process. There were times when I doubted we would ever finalise matters but Denise offered the right balance of support, legal advice and a friendly ear! I am so thankful that I switched firms to SME. I would also like to thank Joanna Gardner who dealt with my matters if Denise was ever away and Liz Stirk who did the conveyancing when I bought the house outright from my husband. Everyone has always been very professional, but still friendly.
I've joked with Denise that I hope our paths never cross again! Seriously, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending SME in the future and am grateful to David for his recommendation.
Jane F
Thanks for the clarification, I'm so glad I asked you to handle it rather than me trying to do it (the divorce) online!
EP
Ian, many thanks for all the support over the last two years, from day one your advice and support have been excellent.
Mr H, Worcester
Lisa and I would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to you and the team at SME for everything that you have done to make our house move possible. It wasn't the easiest of situations for any of us but we made it in the end!
Mr W, Worcester
We would just like to thank you for all your hard work in the conveyancing of my late stepfather's property. We doubted it would complete, so we were so relieved when it finally did all thanks to your perseverance and professionalism. We were very impressed at being kept informed every step of the way, which really helped us through this arduous sale, and we would certainly recommend you should the need ever arise. Wishing you the very best for the future.
Mr & Mrs P, Worcester
We just wanted to say a HUGE thank you. I think we were all looking forward to the day when this sale would be over and nonetheless you have been incredibly dedicated in combating all the issues we have had to face to purchase our home and we cannot thank you enough for the service you have provided. You really are highly skilled in your sector and we hope you are rewarded and continue to be successful because you deserve it. We are so overwhelmingly excited and are in love with our new home.
Mr & Mrs Z
As ever I have been very pleased with the attention and service received, and we are returning to you again.
Mrs L
I am very pleased with the work you have done for me and my brothers. Thank you so much, and Jane too.
Miss C, Worcester
Many thanks for your wise and empathic council over the last two years. I have really appreciated your guidance through such a distressing period of my life.
Mrs A, Worcester
We would just like to thank you for all your hard work in the conveyancing of my late stepfather's property. We doubted it would complete, so we were so relieved when it finally did all thanks to your perseverance and professionalism. We were very impressed at being kept informed every step of the way, which really helped us through this arduous sale, and we would certainly recommend you should the need ever arise. Wishing you the very best for the future.
Mr & Mrs P, Worcester
You’ve been brilliant and I’m more than happy with your work!
Ms S-J
Ian offered a great service during the short time he dealt with my divorce. He was prompt in responding to my queries and questions and explained things clearly to me every time. I felt comfortable dealing with Ian face to face and over phone and email. I would recommend him to others in the future.
Mrs L, Worcester
I used SME solicitors through strong recommendation from professional friends that are in the property business and SME have always been my parents solicitors – I was not disappointed. I had what I thought was going to be a difficult move, my chain had 4 properties in it, me being the end property. I also had another property that had to be sold before I could move on in my chain, it was all happening at the same time. Liz Stirk was the solicitor dealing with both of my property chains, she was brilliant! We had our up’s and down’s in the whole process but due to her very professional approach, always being on hand to speak to and answering emails straight away! She made it happen, all with very little stress for me. It is all down to Liz for all the reasons above. I would not hesitate to recommend SME Solicitors and their services to anyone.
Mr B, Tewkesbury
This week has been a foretaste of life as an old person and it wasn't great but seeing you was a spirit booster for sure.
Thank you again and as always for your help, patience and understanding whilst holding our hands through the minefield of legalities, we knew nothing of that world and you were the perfect guide!
Mr & Mrs D
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and all the staff involved in the work carried out on our [behalf]. We have been coming to SME for nearly 50 years and we have always been extremely satisfied.
Mr & Mrs B
Thank you for your help with the contract. Justine's comments about the various issues were spot on, and I went back and challenged them wholesale. They agreed on all points (with a couple of minor caveats) and we duly signed & have started work.
JH