This page sets out my personal experiences with Albright Kendrick Law Ltd (formerly Shahban Law Ltd). It excludes matters relating to other clients of theirs, which will be covered separately.

The issues described below are based on written agreements, emails, and letters between myself, Alex Palmer and the firm’s staff, including Mr Stuart Basson (Practice Manager) and Mr Bryhan Otubu (Director/COFA).

Referral Commissions Owed

On 26 September 2023, Mr Basson confirmed in writing that for every client I referred to Shahban/Albright Kendrick, I would receive 10% of the fee billed (excluding VAT and disbursements).

Despite this clear agreement, the firm:
- Failed to pay me for multiple referrals.
- Ignored repeated requests for figures so I could raise invoices.
- Attempted to deny the agreement by falsely claiming it depended on “profit,” which was never mentioned in the contract.

I contacted all my referrals directly and confirmed they had been billed fees, yet the firm still refused to honour its obligation.

Pro Bono Property Matter Reneged

In March 2024, Mr Basson offered to act pro bono on a property I owned (excluding disbursements and counsel fees). This was in exchange for pro bono work I did for him. The agreement was confirmed in writing.

I relied on this promise and did not seek alternative representation. However:
- Basson later refused, citing “capacity” and blaming another client's case.
- He admitted he had taken on other work during the same period.
- This delay caused me serious financial prejudice as my mortgage was due to expire within a year and did.

This is a clear example of promissory estoppel: I relied on his representation to my detriment.

Ignored Correspondence

From 8 May 2024 onwards, I sent multiple emails and letters. The timeline is clear:
- 8 May 2024: Initial request (ignored).
- 20 May 2024: Follow-up (ignored).
- 29 May 2024: Another reminder (ignored).
- 10 June 2024: Finally received a response.

Even when responses did come, they were dismissive and failed to resolve the issue. In several letters, I gave 48-hour or 7-day deadlines, but the firm repeatedly ignored them.

Unprofessional and Dismissive Responses

Examples include:
- Basson accusing me of being “vindictive, unprofessional, and unjust” and then asking me to “leave him alone in peace.”
- Otubu claiming my letters were “either untrue or misleading” without giving any evidence.
- Management repeatedly promising a “substantive reply” that never arrived.

Such conduct is incompatible with professional standards expected of solicitors.

Failure to Provide Invoices and Breakdowns

None of my referrals received invoices or proper breakdowns of fees. This breaches both the firm’s Client Care Letter and the SRA’s Code of Conduct.

When asked, the firm falsely claimed invoices had been posted. All of my referrals confirmed they had received nothing.

Subject Access Request (SAR) Ignored

On 27 June 2024 and 28 June 2024, I made a formal Subject Access Request (SAR) under the UK GDPR.

The law requires firms to respond within one month. Albright Kendrick failed to do so.

List of CCJs Against Albright Kendrick

The County Court Judgments (CCJs) registered against Albright Kendrick Law Ltd highlight a wider pattern of financial mismanagement.

Conclusion

My dealings with Albright Kendrick Law Ltd demonstrate a pattern of:
- Ignoring correspondence.
- Breaking written agreements.
- Refusing to provide invoices and breakdowns.
- Failing to comply with data protection law.
- Dismissing legitimate complaints with hostility.

However, these issues pale into insignificance compared to the horrors that my clients experienced, which will be documented separately.