Questions & Answers
I hired two law firms to help resolve my rental dispute case and failed to deliver. What to do?
I hired two law firms to help resolve my rental dispute case, but both betrayed my trust. The first firm was to settle my balance at Sharjah Municipality.
In November 2023, they asked for 50% of AED 70,942 to initiate an installment plan. Trusting them, I transferred the amount, believing it would go to the municipality.
By June 2024, I discovered a travel ban was imposed on me. When I confronted the firm, they admitted the money never reached the municipality, claiming someone in their company took it.
In October 2024, I hired another firm, they asked me to pay 8,000 AED upfront as lawyer’s fees. After that, they became unresponsive, ignoring my messages and providing no updates.
Now, I’m unsure how to recover the AED 37,244.50 from the first firm and AED 8,000 from the second.
I’ve lost trust in the legal system and don’t know how to proceed. I tried to find an Emirati lawyer, thinking it would be better, but my case always goes to a legal consultant.
What should I do?
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your difficult situation. I understand that you have faced serious challenges with both law firms, and it’s important to address this issue properly.
Based on the information you provided, here are some steps and advice on how to proceed with your claims and recover the amounts you have paid to the firms.
1. Report the First Law Firm for Misappropriation of Funds
The first firm’s actions appear to be fraudulent, especially with the money not being transferred to the Sharjah Municipality as promised. You should file a formal complaint with the following authorities:
UAE Ministry of Justice: If you haven’t done so already, you can lodge a complaint against the first law firm for misappropriation of funds and breach of trust.
They will investigate the case and take legal action against the firm if necessary. You will need to provide all documentation (such as emails, receipts, and transfer evidence) that proves you paid them and that the money was misused.
Dubai or Sharjah Police: Since this may involve financial fraud, you can also file a police complaint in the relevant emirate (Sharjah or Dubai).
The police will conduct an investigation into the firm’s conduct, and this may lead to criminal charges being filed against those responsible for taking the money.
Legal Disciplinary Board: You can also file a complaint with the UAE Legal Disciplinary Board, which regulates lawyers and law firms in the country.
The board will look into any professional misconduct, including financial malpractice and breach of ethical duties.
2. Recovering the 8,000 AED from the Second Firm
The second law firm’s lack of response and failure to provide updates also raises concerns about their professionalism. Here are the steps you can take:
Written Demand: Begin by sending a formal written demand letter to the second firm requesting a refund of the 8,000 AED you paid upfront.
Clearly state that you have not received any services, nor have they responded to your inquiries. Set a reasonable deadline (e.g., 10-14 days) for them to return the money, otherwise you will take legal action.
File a Complaint with the Ministry of Justice: If the firm does not refund you or respond to your demand, you can file a complaint with the UAE Ministry of Justice, as they are also responsible for regulating legal consultants.
They may investigate the firm for unprofessional conduct and non-performance.
Court Action: If both the complaint to the Ministry of Justice and the demand letter do not yield results, you may have to consider taking legal action to recover the 8,000 AED through civil court.
You can consult with a trusted lawyer who can guide you through the court process.
3. General Advice Regarding Trust in the Legal System
I understand that your experiences have made you lose trust in the legal system. However, please be assured that not all lawyers and legal professionals are like those you have dealt with. Here are some suggestions:
Consult a Trusted Lawyer: While you may have had bad experiences with previous firms, I encourage you to approach a trusted and reputable law firm with experience in financial disputes and professional misconduct.
Legal Aid and Resources: You may also consider reaching out to legal aid organizations in the UAE, which can provide guidance or even assist with your case.
These organizations often help victims of legal malpractice and can offer affordable legal support.
Ensure Clear Communication: When you engage with a new lawyer or firm, make sure to have a clear agreement in writing that outlines the scope of their services, costs, and any specific timelines. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
4. Final Thoughts
You have legal options to address both the situation with the first law firm (fraud) and the second one (lack of service).
It’s important to act swiftly and pursue legal channels to recover your money and hold the responsible parties accountable.
If you need assistance in taking these steps, I am more than happy to help guide you through the process.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me for further assistance.
Best regards,
Mohammed Salah
Legal Consultant
Under UAE law, you can file a complaint against both law firms with the relevant legal authority or court to recover your funds.
Additionally, you can report them to the UAE's legal regulatory body if you suspect dishonesty. Our team specializes in such cases, and you can reach out to us via WhatsApp for comprehensive legal assistance and support.
You have issues with two law firms regarding your rental dispute: the first firm didn't transfer your payment, causing a travel ban, and the second firm has not responded after taking your fee.
Document everything related to both firms, including receipts and correspondence. Then, contact each firm formally to demand refunds of AED 37,244.50 from the first and AED 8,000 from the second, setting a deadline for their response.
If they don’t respond satisfactorily, file complaints with the Legal Affairs Department in Sharjah and the UAE Ministry of Justice.
You may also want to consult a new lawyer specializing in consumer protection or legal malpractice. If necessary, look into legal action, such as filing a lawsuit or taking your case to small claims court, to recover your funds.
We are honored to represent you legally. Please contact us by phone or via email.
Dear Sir,
There is no need to worry, as your relationship with the law firms is a contractual one, established through the contracts between you, as well as the amounts you have paid to them through transfers or receipts issued by them. You were not dealing with individuals but with a legal entity.
There are two main courses of action we can take to recover your funds and obtain appropriate compensation for the damages you have suffered, in addition to filing a complaint against the law firms for professional misconduct due to their failure to meet obligations.
Please get in touch with me and provide the evidence supporting your claim for the recovery of the amounts.
We understand your concern. This is a deeply frustrating situation, and I understand your loss of trust.
We will check the possibilities of getting a refund from them and the removal of the travel ban as well.
Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.
You can visit the offices and contact them to recover the amount, and if they do not respond, you can take legal action against them.
If you have any other inquiries, contact us by phone.
Hello dear questioner,
We can represent you before the courts in the Emirates in order to close the case and end the problem.
This is the first thing, and we are not a consulting office. We are a law office with a branch in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As for the first office, if it does not provide you with the service and proceed with the case, we can open a complaint against it in legal affairs at the Governor’s Court to recover your money.
For further discussion, please share your WhatsApp number.
