Good Law Firm Girne area any recommendations

BillBarnacle


Joined: 20/04/2009
Posts: 167

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 18:36

Looking for a good reliable law firm to use seen Naomi Mehmet on line any other advice would be welcome



Bill

crofter


Joined: 16/12/2008
Posts: 1035

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 19:08

Naomi comes highly recommended and she is the one you should use.

ray.johnson1



Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 90

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 19:39

We have always used Naomi, thoroughly recommend. Good luck.

Krawpy


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 19:55

If you want a lawyer who will owe you a duty of care in return for the fee, you will need to look outside of the TRNC.

ajaney


Joined: 24/12/2008
Posts: 199

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 20:17

I would highly reccommend Naomi

Turtle


Joined: 28/05/2007
Posts: 2669

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 20:35

What does Naomi offer that the rest don't ?

Surely they all work within the same framework and off simular advice.

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 20:38

It is all very worthy for Naomi Mehmet and any other advocates to receive recommendations on this forum.

But too often these recommendations are given in the early stages of purchase....months or even years before a successful completion.

The same applies with recommendations for developers and estate agents.

In the early stages everything seems great and too often hospitality is mistaken for honesty.

A good many of the Brits who ended up in dispute with solicitors,estate agents,builders etc did so on the strength of initial recommendations from fellow Brits.



I have been fortunate,so far ,to have had what I consider to be good service from my builder and solicitor.

However,I would not openly recommend either of them until such time as I have PTP and full legal title deeds to my property.

crofter


Joined: 16/12/2008
Posts: 1035

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 20:42

No they don't and that is why Naomi is held in high esteem in the TRNC. She is trustworthy, does what she says she will do, offers helpful and useful advice when asked and gets the job done. Truly professional and that goes for all her staff.



Not connected with the practice but we are satisfied customers as are many others who we have recommended her to.

jardap


Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 318

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 22:20

I agree totally with message 8,We have used Naomi for many years and has always been most helpful

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 22:23

Cronos

Where did you get your advocate the yellow pages? People speak as they find Naomi responds to e-mails is efficient and helpfull so would use her again. You pay your money and you takes your chance..............

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 22:30

Blackpoolfan.....please actually read my posts before responding.



I have had good service from my solicitor and we moved into our completed apartment on time.

However,I will only recommend when I have PTP and title deeds.

Understand?



You do yourself no favours with misguided cheap shots.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 22:39

Your money, your choice. My advice is to go to Lefkosa/Nicosia and find a bilingual one that is far away from the sycophantic rip off advocate merchants that ply their trade in Girne.



Richard

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 22:48

Brinsley.....I think your advice is sound.



However....at the risk of repeating myself....I am NOT unhappy with my choice of solicitor.



What I am questioning is the speed at which some buyers recommend their own advocates on the strength of a few meetings......months and years before completion , receipt of PTP and title deeds !

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:12

Nearly all your work will probably be by email or telephone.



Is there any reason that you have to have your advocate in Girne not in Famagusta? It would give you a broader choice always good. One of the forum members works closely with an advocate based in Famagusta and I suspect you will not find many better teams on the Island.

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:25

Cronos

I did indeed read your post and it is not a cheap shot i presume your advocate was not a recomendation, as you question people who recomend theirs. Brinsley states that some advocates in Girne are "Rip off merchants" and you state that some buyers recomend their advocates on the strenght of a few meetings.

As devils advocate my issue would be on what grounds and what proof do you have that this is true or is it just hear say.The pen is mightier than the sword only if what is scribed is correct and backed up with fact otherwise beware the sword because its very sharp. And apart from that you are happy with yours so whats the issue here????

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:47

Blackpoolfan.



My solicitor WAS a recommendation.....from my estate agent !!!

Just shows how naive and foolish we can all be in the beginning.

However...I was lucky....and my solicitor has been great (so far).



I don't understand though what you are asking me to "prove".

If everything on here had to be proved then it would be a very sparse Board.

Surely we are all entitled to opinions based on our own experiences?



Well my opinion of this Board 2 or 3 years ago was that many Brits made hasty recommendations about their solicitors , estate agents and builders which they later had second thoughts about when things turned sour.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:54

Flightholiday



Take your point however, when business transactions relies only on email or phone those without what happens? For example, travel arrangements last Saturday were changed last minute by contact email communication only, so lost flight connections etc, CTA am service to LHR from ECN. So rely on your limited forms of communication and I'm sure your Travel Business will flourish.



Richard

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:56

I have tried to find a professional, properly qualified 'lawyer' in NC who I can trust, & to give impartial advice and represent me. So far (4 years) I have yet to find one. Reason being I think, that you cannot guarantee that NC lawyers (I should say 'advocates') are properly qualified, or not to UK standards anyway. They have been described to me as simply business people who happen to act as lawyers for a living.

Their own bar association chairman has publically stated that lawyers in NC don't owe their clients a duty of care. If their clients made the wrong decision then it wasn't the lawyers fault, it was theirs for not asking the right questions! NC lawyers don't have professional indemnity insurance. In other words, if they give you the wrong advice or act negligently, no point in suing them (not that you'd find another lawyer to do so for you) or they disappear with your money.

What lawyers have publically given warnings as to the pitfalls of property buying in NC?

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
04/05/2009 23:59

It is well known that certain NC lawyers were in collusion with property developers. How many have been investigated or disciplined by their bar association? Anyone know of any complaints that have actually been investigated?

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:06

only have positive words to say about Naomi Mehmet......





Nick

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:12

Hi Brinsley Msg 17



I am at a loss how your losing your flight as bad as this would have been for you relates to finding a good, honest, reliable advocate on the island. My only point to BillBarncale was not to just look in Girne but Famagusta and maybe Nicosia too.



With regard to your point about the travel business can you please tell me what my limited forms of contact are so I can improve my ways.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:30

flighholiday msg 14



"email or telephone" !



Still cannot understand why you belittled me about trying to organise Gallipoli trip for next year, you might have helped in a positive manner!



Richard

Blackpoolfan


Joined: 03/12/2008
Posts: 1568

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:34

Cronos

At last we get somewhere "surely we are entitled to our opinions based on our own experiences" Yes of course you are. But are you entitled to opinions based on other peoples experiences ??? that would be hear say and if directed at certain advocates constitute deformation of character or slander and also remember they are advocates and not lawyers some people refer to them as the middle man. Oh the beauty of hindsight perhaps we should all spare a thought for the poor Bas**rds that have been stitched by dodgy builders and advocates and count ourselves as one of the lucky ones!!!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:45

Blackpoolfan.......of course I am entitled to form opinions based on what I read of other people's experiences !



I don't know where you are going with the defammation of character or slander.....who have I defamed or libelled?



But as regards your parting shot.....yes I must agree....based on the sorry experiences of many others we have probably been lucky !!!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:48

Richard,



1] Why not mention email, Fax, post, Skype, telephone, Messenger and if all else fails come and see me in Gloucestershire or when I am at an exhibition? (Excuse the sarcasm but what else but ESP or Telex is left?)

2] I did not try to belittle you. You did however take a pop at Fez who we work with without qualifying your experience being rather dated. We have had many* clients travel with them with hardly a problem and so far two complaints. *In the thousands.

My business is based on trying to give good tours and service (not always as well as we would like) and IAH works with experienced reputable proffesionals

2a] I tend to ask what is what.

If you are offering a proffesional service to the public then you are I assume bonded and have public liability insurance. We have to carry this as do our suppliers.

I have no objection to competition but do it at a proffesional level with the safeguards that the traveller expects.

3] To be polite please keep to the thread

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:56

Flightholiday msg 25



Back in Bristol December so maybe meet up and after taking a pop at me we should talk about a positive, constructive path forward?



Richard

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:57

Flightholiday Msg 25 remember 3] too



You were right though about looking at other towns for an advocate.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 00:59

No solicitors in the TRNC. Advocates are not the same animal.



I received PTP in 3/2002. I would not recommend any advocate in the TRNC to date. I'm on my second one now. Think Orams case. I would not recommend him.

Cyprusquest


Joined: 09/12/2008
Posts: 428

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 01:08

Brinsley,



Why not email your phone number to tom @ flightholiday. I am sure he would call you.



Now I'm off subject too!

Krawpy


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 01:15

Hi Brinsley. I know NM & Co to be the architects (NB Not Solicitors!!) of severe misery with respect to allowing clients (Brits) to buy properties on mortgaged land, Sercem Selin Villas (Bellapais) being a case in point. Another example includes Brit buyers at Glass View Bay near Bahceli. The Sercem boss, Cemal, also happens to be Mayor of Lefkosa. Luckily for NM she and her tribe are operating in KKTC so has no duty of care towards anyone except herself and any partners. She does however give to prospective victims, (SORRY I mean clients) a wonderful video show which details a number of old music hall jokes about how TC law is based upon UK Law and about the complete safety of buying in the Banana Republic of Turkish Con Artists BROTCA (SORRY I Meant the TRNC). Anyway, ignore me 'cause I'm just a simpleton who has no real understanding of what is going on. Go for NM I say!! ............ pewk!!!!

Krawpy


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 01:27

Sorry msg 30 should be addressed to thread originator, BillBanacle.

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 01:39

So how would we all recognise a good advocate?



Would it be the one telling you what "exchange land" was and what the consequences of buying this might be? The one that admits foreigners cannot get pre74 title deeds anymore?



Would it be the one that says do not hand over money until you have your PTP.



Would it be the one that says I am representing the developer so there is a conflict of interests for me to represent you too?



If anyone has had an advocate that has advised buyers of the above can they inform us please? Because that's the one we should be recommending!



Answering Emails is helpful but this should be low down on any list of priorities.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 01:46

I thought (wrong again) that a person jointly trained as Solicitor and Barrister given rights of judicial ordinance where referred to as Advocates in Law?! I'm sure I'll be picked up on this one so better repair to the 'bar'!



Richard

Krawpy


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 29

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 02:15

I have lost count of the postings I have seen debating the "laws" of the KKTC. My basis of observation relies upon the simple fact that no law exists in KKTC, TRNC, Northern Cyprus, call it what you like. The whole legal process relies upon three simple rules (not laws)



RULE 1 TC's WIN



RULE 2 Everyone Else LOSES



RULE 3 No Rule 3



Acceptance and understanding of these three rules gives a total and complete understanding of the entire system. It enables any outsider to plan the future with certainty - even whilst still in the place. Suddenly the dilemma faced by outsiders to do with propery scams, title deeds, freehold, leasehold. thishold thathold, parcellised, unparcellised, sharehold, shithold - in short everything - begins to make sense. Its all a big con relying upon Rules 1,2 and 3. More debate is a waste of time and effort. Who needs an advocate when the three rules apply? My grandson could manage the job!!

hasan1


Joined: 25/03/2009
Posts: 44

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 07:29

mine konat great woman

pinkchilli


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 689

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 07:49

Only agree to pay 50% when you move in and the remainder when you get your title deeds.



I would only ever use a UK trained, TRNC based, lawyer who is also a barrister based in Nicosia. Not too many around I'm afraid, but there are a few.



However, even he said "it's who you know" and this applies to the judges!

elkiton



Joined: 15/03/2009
Posts: 514

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 08:42

What a lot of over generalised, uninformed tosh people spout on this board.



I have actual recent court experience and successfully litigated against a builder using a girne law firm, and will use them again in any future actions I may take.



Having dismissed my original "solicitor", I asked for recommendations on forum boards. These turned out (when the firms were asked very specific questions about their competences) to be misleading. I actually researched 10 firms before settling on the 11th who were experienced contract lawyers with an actual track record, with advocates entitled to wear silk as members of the Bar, not house conveyancers.



In my opinion, recommended solicitors are ok until something goes wrong, and then you find out their true worth.



If anyone wants to know the firm I use, and this is not a recommendation or advice, but should be treated as information, you make your own judgement on engaging them, drop me a mail at elkin_tony@yahoo.co.uk .



best regards

elko2



Joined: 24/07/2007
Posts: 4400

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 08:48

Msg. 37

Elkiton,

Well said.

ismet

JohnBey


Joined: 05/04/2009
Posts: 46

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 08:52

pinkchilli - Naomi is UK trained and passed her finals with HONOURS. She and her staff are extremely polite, helpful and get the job done.



In seven years of living here we have dealt with two other advocates who we found to be totally unprofessional. That is why we always use Naomi now. We have plenty of experience of her service having bought/sold properties over the years and formed a ltd company.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 13:05

26 & 29 Richard email me your number I will call and chat soon.



Tom

info@flightholiday.co.uk

meddmale


Joined: 19/11/2007
Posts: 43

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 13:52

Bill



We used Naomi Mehmet and where very happy with the service, but my advice whoever you choose is



1. Short list 2/3 potential advocates

2. Visit their offices & Web sites (should be free)

3. Check their qualifications, ask to see them (UK & Cypriot)

4. Ask how they hold your money (client account) and if they pocket any interest

5. Ask what local searches they carry out, mortgages on the land, ect. (ask for proof)

6. Check how they process and chase your Permission to purchase (ask for proof)

7. Verify how they will keep you abreast of what’s happening on your purchase





Remember all perches carry risks and even the best contract can be broken, but what the best contract does give you is the best chance of redress if this does happen



Best of luck with your purchase



Meddmale

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 17:27

Cenk Bolayir PH (0392) 815 0544 is very good and doesn't act for builders, agents or developers which is unusual here giving less scope for conflict of interest.



Whatever you do don't use any advocate/ solicitor recommended by your agent builder or developer regardless of how well regarded they may be due to the conflict of interest.



Aussie

LoopyLoo


Joined: 05/04/2009
Posts: 67

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 18:17

Has anyone heard of Talat Kursat? his card says Barrister-at law and his firm are 'Advocates and Legal Consultants'.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 19:05

Not just in regard to this thread.



Please be careful, anyone can print anything on a business card and can claim qualifications from any place.



Unless you check thoroughly and know who/what/how to do your checking you might be none the wiser.



Every week I am offered diplomas, degrees even honorary baccalaureate in any subject or expertise I wish to choose. "for a small financial contribution and without the need to do further study"



The same applies to the alleged army captain who is highly decorated for a number of campaigns who may well have served in the catering corps in the Outer Hebrides (at least he may have some military expertise and is just suffering an inflated ego).



Any one might be actually who they say they are and have the knowledge and expertise to back it up – sometimes with sometimes without the qualifications

rtddci


Joined: 29/12/2007
Posts: 842

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 20:51

Msge 43. Yes I have heard of and met Talat Kursat. He has offices in Girne & Nicosia. Formidable. Nothing against him. I cannot recommend him or any other NC advocate come to that.

Still believe that you can do most of the work yourself and save a fortune. One example is PTP. Estate agent charged £500, lawyer wanted £1000. 1. For filling in a form! 2. Why is everything in multiples of £1000 sterling when you speak to a lawyerin NC?

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
05/05/2009 21:07

I would also check that they are not involved with developers. One I know of is doing a project with Isrealian developers. He was trained at Lincolns Inn. I must agree with Brindsley go outside of Girne. Check thier credantials. They are a few in Nicosia whom again are Greys Inn or Lincolns Inn. Most here also jumped on the band wagon and became conscruton companies and worked for buyer and seller whist they were the seller or thier mother brother son daughter were

zara0810


Joined: 15/05/2009
Posts: 21

Message Posted:
16/05/2009 20:10

hello everyone i am zara, just in the process of buying property and my solicitor is 'senar law firm' any good???

jurgen


Joined: 20/12/2008
Posts: 77

Message Posted:
16/05/2009 21:46

Hello Zara 0810 ,

we didn't have any problems at all with Sener Law Firm , no complaints , everything went smoothly.Don't worry...and good luck