MOB has replied as a true professional, and I do not wish to cast aspersions against him. His profession is been embroiled in a 'wake up call'. How many more will there be? In fact how many will meet the Public Domain ?
However, in the past 5-7 years Joe Public has become taken over by the boys in Suits. The legal profession in this country are very simply - money grabbers. Sorry MOB, but this is the way it is. I use the legal eagles very frequently and most times I have to barter my fees - sounds very professional doesn't it - and times I have not / forgotten to barter I have been ripped off by the same firm or to be told that they are unable to place an estimate on fees.
I could write a book on inadequacies by the legal profession, including madness which the Law Society will not act upon.
And another book on Banks and another on Stockbrokers, where this story commenced first. I trade shares daily and I refuse to use an Irish Broker. The best is one of the on-line brokers, selftrade.co.uk or the likes. For US markets there are a heap of them