Hi,In my experience, no this isn't par for the course. I've dealt with a couple of law firms both as an interested party and as an interested bystander and neither have operated in this fashion.Both firms met deadlines, be they their own or those set by tribunal - this is the absolute least you can reasonably expect;The advice part is complex & I would assume depend upon where you are in the process - is there an outstanding ET1 or similar, or are you at a point where you're negotiating a settlement figure/terms? It will make a difference to the advice that you're given;Inability to contact is a huge red flag for me. Neither firm that I have dealt with, nor any others that I have second hand knowledge of have been uncontactable. You've not already paid them have you? Do you have a written agreement with them, stating what they will do and timescales?In terms of whether this should cast doubt on advice already provided, I guess only you can determine whether or not you think the advice given is solid per the particulars of your case, but it is worth doing a quick Google of similar cases to check for consistency with settled cases.Personally, I would formally write to them for a case conference and if they don't respond, terminate your agreement citing breach of contract. If there is no contract in place, I'm not exactly sure where you stand, but it may be worth contacting the SRA for advice, as the firm you mention appear to breaching principles 1 & 7 of the SRA Standards & Principles.
Mark Warburton ● 1391d