What a New Court of Appeal Decision Means for Clients Who Think Their Solicitor Overcharged

 A recent Court of Appeal judgment has sent an important message to clients: 

if your solicitor failed to properly support you—especially if you were vulnerable—you may be entitled to significant fee reductions or compensation.

At Check My Legal Fees, we specialise in helping clients challenge legal bills. This case highlights just how powerful the Legal Ombudsman can be in protecting clients.

The Case in Brief

In R (Aina Khan Law Ltd) v Legal Ombudsman [2026] EWCA Civ 773, a client complained that her solicitors failed to properly assess her mental capacity and vulnerability and charged excessive legal fees without adequate updates.

The Legal Ombudsman agreed and ordered the firm to pay over £51,000 in compensation.

The solicitors challenged the decision—but the Court of Appeal ultimately upheld the Ombudsman in full.

What the Court Confirmed (And Why It Matters to Clients)

1. The Legal Ombudsman has real power to reduce fees

The Court confirmed that the Ombudsman can reduce or refund legal fees, award compensation for poor service, and decide cases based on what is fair and reasonable.

What this means for you: Even if your solicitor wasn't negligent, you can still win a complaint if their service wasn't reasonable.

2. Vulnerable clients are entitled to extra protection

The Court confirmed that solicitors must recognise signs of vulnerability, take extra steps to support clients, and consider involving family members where appropriate.

What this means for you: If you were stressed, unwell, or struggling to understand what was happening, your solicitor should have adjusted how they dealt with you.

3. It's not just about capacity—it's about support

Even if a client technically has capacity, solicitors must ensure they understand decisions, costs, and are properly supported.

4. Hidden or escalating costs can be challenged

If your legal costs increase significantly without clear updates, you may be able to recover overpaid fees or reduce what you owe.

5. Courts rarely overturn Ombudsman decisions

If the Legal Ombudsman rules in your favour, it is very difficult for a solicitor to overturn that decision.

Why This Case Is Important

You don't need to prove negligence—only poor service or unfairness. The focus is on your real experience as a client.

When Should You Challenge Your Solicitor's Fees?

You may have grounds if costs increased without warning, you didn't understand decisions, or you weren't properly supported.

How Check My Legal Fees Can Help

We help clients challenge bills, prepare complaints, and recover overpaid fees.

Final Thoughts

Solicitors must ensure clients are properly supported, especially where there are signs of vulnerability. If they fail, their fees can be challenged.