Avoiding pitfalls when starting out with new advisers

Appointing new advisors

Appointing a new professional adviser (whether an accountant, lawyer, financial adviser, surveyor, engineer or otherwise) can provide valuable insight and support, helping you progress personal or business objectives with confidence. As with any professional relationship, however, it is important to ensure that roles, responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood from the outset.

The early stages of a new adviser relationship are typically where misunderstandings are most likely to arise, particularly around what advice is being provided, what assumptions are being made, and what sits outside the agreed scope of work. Taking time at the outset to achieve clarity can significantly reduce the risk of issues developing later and help ensure a productive working relationship.

Be clear about the scope of advice

One of the most common areas of confusion arises where clients assume that advisers will identify or address risks that, in reality, fall outside their agreed remit or area of expertise.

When instructing an adviser, it is helpful to clearly explain your circumstances, objectives and the outcome you are seeking, as well as the specific work you want undertaken. This enables the adviser to confirm whether those objectives can be met within the proposed scope, or whether additional work or specialist input may be required.

Where possible, these matters should be documented in writing. Engagement letters, terms of business and related documents should be read carefully, including any assumptions, limitations or exclusions, as they are intended to provide clarity for both parties.

Manage transitions between advisors

Changing advisers is a normal part of doing business, but transitions should be managed carefully. It is important to understand who has responsibility for your matter at any given time and from what point that responsibility applies.

If you instruct a new adviser, ensure that appropriate authorities are in place so that information and documents can be transferred from the outgoing adviser as needed. At the same time, it is sensible not to assume that previous advice or historic issues will be reviewed unless this has been expressly agreed. Clear communication at the handover stage can help avoid gaps or duplication.

Practical tips for working with advisers

• Follow up important telephone calls with a brief email confirming your understanding of what was discussed, or ask your adviser to do the same.
• Avoid assumptions about what work will be carried out. If a particular issue is important to you, raise it expressly so your adviser can confirm whether it falls within scope.
• Ask questions early if you are unsure whether your objectives have been fully understood.
• Where appropriate, seek specialist or independent advice to ensure you are receiving guidance from someone with the relevant expertise.

How Cripps can help

Clear communication and careful planning at the outset of a professional relationship can significantly reduce the risk of later difficulties. However, if concerns do arise about advice or services you have received, obtaining advice at an early stage can help you understand your position and identify pragmatic next steps.

Our professional negligence team at Cripps is recognised as a leading practice in the South East and regularly advises clients on managing and resolving issues with professional advisers in a constructive and proportionate way. We would be happy to discuss any enquiries in confidence.