[Peter Mitry]

Hi Sue although it sounds like a difficult situation it does appear that the lawyer has done what he was supposed to do by forwarding the money on to the Developer. It is unfortunate that he paid the agents fees; that money will be more difficult to get back. Your best bet there would go to the MD of the agency, explain the situation and make a case for the return of his fee. at least he is in the UK and presumably has a reputation to protect. With regard to the money which has been paid to the Developer, as the lawyer passed it on in the first place it should work the same in reverse. Do you have any reason to suspect that the lawyer would act fraudulently? If you are worried about that I am sure that my lawyer, Hamdy el Sawy (based in UK) could act on your behalf to get it returned but it would cost you something for his time. (Maybe 250 GBP?)