automotive lawyer

Automotive Lawyers for the Motor Industry

Expert Motor Trade Legal Services for Car Dealerships and Consumers
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Stormcatcher Law’s unparalleled insight and unique skill set position us as a leading law firm for car dealerships, repairers, restorers, car buyers, and collectors. We offer specialised legal solutions for every automotive need.

We are regularly consulted for our deep understanding of automotive fraud, sales, and repairs of classic and supercars, and are proud to extend our expertise across the United Kingdom and internationally. 

Call The Motor Industry Lawyers for First Free Advice

Why you may need a car dispute lawyer

Consumer law and trading standards legislation can be complex for both businesses and individuals. It’s easy to be confused by conflicting advice from Citizens Advice, online forums, and high street solicitors. Auto lawyers like us apply their specialist knowledge of both the industry and the laws that regulate it to reach a positive outcome. From Motor Ombudsman complaints to mis-sold car finance agreements, we use our expertise to help you understand your options and how an issue can be resolved.

Not only can our automotive lawyers help you understand what your rights are either as a dealer or a consumer, but they’ll also help you quickly navigate your way to the outcome you deserve, only taking things into a courtroom if it’s absolutely necessary. 

What Our Customers Are Saying

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Andy W profile picture
Andy W
October 12, 2026
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I recently bought a classic car from a trader which looked like a great deal. Delivery took 6 weeks in which it came with a lot of hidden / severe faults found by a independent car specialist. Going down the classic ‘AI route’ of managing my own case for a few weeks, the dealer began to ignore my mails and worry began to settle in. I sought some much needed Legal advice and so contacted Stormcatcher. Antonia initially answered the phone and offered me free advice and more importantly some much needed calm, with no sales pitch at all. I decided to take the opportunity of talking to Phillip who gave me his time after reviewing my case, provided me with much needed strategy and also draft some communications to assist me. That said within 7 days, after being in dispute for near 7 weeks, the dealer collected the car and refunded my money. There really are good guys out there. Thank you
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Nizar Issa
October 7, 2026
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Thank you Antonia for the preliminary advise you have offered us in our dispute with a car dealer. This has given us confidence to continue our pursuit and to do so via the correct channels. Much appreciated!
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len stowe
September 21, 2026
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Philip was brilliant honest easy to listen too because of his knowledge i can see he care about giving correct advice to my issue he has a fantastic array of experience and i need to get my head around why i have not contacted stormcatcher until now when i am in deep trouble i would like to tank Philip and Antonia i have given them a real headache for them to sort out i just hope it its not to late i was assured they will do their best and that is a good place to start i trust stormcatcher thank you look forward to hear from you
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Gary Taylor profile picture
Gary Taylor
September 17, 2026
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I contacted Antonia explained my issues that I needed help with. It was explained in detail what the best course of action was and all of the issues around what I needed. It was suggested that I book an hour consultation with an in house vehicle consumer rights specialist. Although the session was booked for an hour there was some considerable time taken to familiarise himself with my case before the zoom call. The call lasted for nearly an hour and a half. The call was videoed for me for any potential future use. There is also a comprehensive message to follow outlining the issues and best way forward that I could use to resolve my issue hopefully without the necessity of a court appearance. I was very impressed with the approach that was aimed at solutions that saved me money rather than spend, spend spending approach I’m sure others would have pursued. If I need further help from either Antonia or Philip then that help was offered unreservedly. I mean this in the best possible way, I hope that I don’t need to contact Stormcatchers again. If I do I’m still battling to resolve the issues I’m facing but I have no doubt that if I do then I’m in very safe hands. I’ll keep you updated on how things progress. Many thanks again.
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Roid Rot profile picture
Roid Rot
September 17, 2026
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Phil was pleasant to talk to and made an effort to make the conversation as easy as possible. He listened carefully and was able to provide useful insight into my situation. I would have no issue recommending him to anyone looking for one of the services he offers.
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Lorraine Ballantine profile picture
Lorraine Ballantine
September 8, 2026
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Exceptional Support During the Most Stressful Consumer Dispute I Have Ever Faced There are very few occasions in life when you genuinely feel that someone has stood beside you through a difficult situation and helped you achieve the right outcome. My experience with Philip Harmer and Antonia at Stormcatcher Law was one of those occasions. I approached Stormcatcher after what had already become an exhausting and highly stressful dispute involving a faulty £82,850 motorhome with a Dealer based in Cannock. By that point, I had spent months dealing with repeated faults, unsuccessful repair attempts, cancelled trips, endless correspondence and increasing frustration. What should have been an exciting purchase had turned into one of the most draining experiences I have ever faced as a consumer. From ourfirst conversation, Philip gave me something I had been missing for a very long time: confidence that somebody was actually listening, understood the situation and had a clear plan for how to deal with it. Throughout the dispute, Philip and Antonia were professional, patient, supportive and wonderfully persistent. No matter how many setbacks occurred, they remained calm and focused. When I felt frustrated, they remained measured. When deadlines were missed and arrangements failed, they kept moving the matter forward. When the process became emotionally draining, they gave me confidence that I was not fighting the battle alone. What impressed me most was the balance they struck between legal expertise and genuine human support. I was never made to feel like just another file. The advice was always clear, practical and honest. Expectations were managed properly and communication was excellent throughout. By the time Stormcatcher became involved, the dispute had generated a huge amount of evidence, correspondence and history. Philip took the time to understand every aspect of it and never lost sight of the key objective: achieving the right outcome. After months of resistance, delays, missed commitments and legal arguments, Stormcatcher ultimately secured repayment of the full £82,850 purchase price and brought a dispute that had lasted almost a year to a successful conclusion. The financial result was obviously important, but what meant even more to me was the sense of relief that came from finally bringing the matter to an end. After living with the stress of the dispute for so long, I cannot adequately describe how grateful I was to have someone in my corner who was prepared to keep going until it was resolved. I would like to personally thank Philip Harmer and Antonia at Stormcatcher Law for their hard work, professionalism, patience and determination. If you are facing a difficult consumer dispute and need solicitors who genuinely care about achieving the right outcome for their client, I would recommend Stormcatcher Law without hesitation. I am incredibly grateful for everything they did for me. They helped me bring a very difficult chapter to a close, and that is something I will never forget. Thank you, Philip and Antonia.
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Dale Tierney profile picture
Dale Tierney
September 6, 2026
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I first spoke to Phil when I was a couple days out from submitting to court, and thankfully I did. Although I possibly could have still won he pointed out a few issues and told me to take the case forward in a different direction a stronger direction (alot stronger) than it originally was. With his and Antonia's advice along the way the case seemed to grow from strength to strength. After months had gone by, I won my case and I am fully paid up. your reassurance and guidance helped me get to this position so thank you. Highly recommend.
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Emma Nott-Macaire profile picture
Emma Nott-Macaire
August 26, 2026
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I’ve been dealing with a very stressful and complicated situation with my car and Antonia has been incredibly helpful today. She has been completely transparent, honest and incredibly knowledgeable. She has taken the time to understand the situation, clearly explain my options and give me practical guidance on the next steps, without making me feel pressured or trying to sell me anything. Antonia has been so generous with her time and advice and when you’re already dealing with a stressful and expensive situation, having someone who is genuinely willing to help and give straightforward, impartial advice makes such a difference. Thank you so much, Antonia, for all your help and support so far. It has made a difficult situation feel much more manageable. I would absolutely recommend Stormcatcher Law to anyone who needs honest, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful advice.
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Who we work with as car dispute lawyers

Automotive businesses 

We’re specialists in motor trade law, and we offer a range of legal services covering all aspects of the automotive industry. This includes legal advice for sole car traders, main dealerships, and automotive organisations. Our expertise extends to issues related to car sales, repair disputes, and consumer rights, ensuring that you receive informed and effective legal support.

The types of automotive businesses we can help include: 

  • New and used car dealerships 
  • Vehicle leasing and rental companies
  • Car repair and servicing centres 
  • MOT testing centres 
  • Car finance and credit providers 
  • Auction houses 

Consumers

We pride ourselves on offering swift, effective legal advice at any stage of the complaint or litigation, offering pragmatic and financially sensible solutions.

We’ll happily assist those who have bought faulty cars, and those pursuing consumer rights cases, car rejection claims, and consumer credit cases with guidance from an experienced consumer rights lawyer for motor disputes. 

For a case review and advice
Book a 1 hour motor industry lawyer consultation
£250 + VAT Per hour

Conference will be via Zoom & Terms and conditions apply.

Due to the complex nature of consumer law and trading standards legislation both businesses and individuals often find themselves confused by conflicting advice from citizens advice, on line forums and high street solicitors advice.

We pride ourselves on providing swift, effective legal advice at any stage of the complaint or litigation offering pragmatic and commercially sensible solutions.

As well as dealing with people who have bought a faulty car issues, consumer rights cases,  car rejection claims and consumer credit these are some of the other areas we handle:

How our motor industry lawyers can help you

Our team of expert car dealership lawyers can resolve a wide range of automotive conflicts. From dealership disputes to consumer complaints, we provide comprehensive legal support to ensure your rights are protected. Whether it's car warranty issues, purchase disagreements, or service disputes, our experts are equipped to handle complex cases with ease.

Understanding car warranty law 

Navigating the intricacies of car warranty law can be challenging. Our experienced team offers guidance on both new and used car warranties, ensuring that your legal rights are upheld. We assist with warranty claims, disputes, and negotiations, providing reliable legal advice tailored to your specific situation.

In effect, a warranty fills in the gaps by covering things that are not protected by statutory rights in the first six months, and offer an alternative to claiming from the dealer. Longer term warranty policies over six months will, of course, provide some peace of mind for problems that occur in the medium and longer terms. 

If you require information about setting up your own in-house warranty, or you’re a consumer looking to make or defend a warranty or consumer rights claim, contact Stormcatcher Law. 

Success Stories

Handling mileage adjustment, or ‘car clocking’

The rise in car finance agreements with an annual mileage cap has seen an increase in car clocking and mileage adjustment. Car clocking and mileage adjustment has become especially pervasive with premium and luxury brand cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Porsche. CAN filters are becoming a problem; these are devices that can block or manipulate mileage data by stopping the odometer from syncing with the vehicle's anti-theft system. 

Stormcatcher Law can help you pursue legal action if you have sold or been sold a clocked car or a car with a CAN filter installed.

Navigating distance selling laws 

Selling cars remotely has become huge since the COVID-19 pandemic. The distance selling rules are found in The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.

These govern goods sold by a dealer or business to a consumer without ever meeting face to face. Contracts conclude away from the business premises, though these regulations also cover those that conclude on or at the business premises too.

In the event a business fails to comply with the distance selling rules, the customer may be entitled to cancel the contract and receive a refund.

There is much confusion regarding the distance selling regulations returns policy. This includes whether or not a business has to collect the vehicle, and whether they are allowed to deduct an amount from the refund for mileage. Stormcatcher Law can help get all this straight. 

For Initial Free Advice on Consumer Rights Laws

Our automotive lawyer

Stormcatcher Law is led by Philip Harmer, a lawyer and arbitrator with extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, a straight-talking approach, and an impressive track record of positive outcomes. Insight and expertise guides him together with his clients to the stress-free conclusion they deserve. 

Philip knows cars, the trade, and the rules; he and his team are invaluable in your corner when you need automotive legal advice. 

Why choose Stormcatcher Law?

Using our extensive experience, Stormcatcher Law stands apart in providing legal solutions to the motor trade, excelling in motor industry legal services. We’re proud to offer:

Flexibility

We can advise and accept instructions on behalf of private clients as well as automotive organisations, from sole car traders to car dealers and franchise dealerships.

A wealth of insider knowledge

This experience comes from working in every aspect of retail motor trade for over two decades. 

Motor vehicle technical expertise

Our unsurpassed knowledge spans a vast number of car, van, and truck makes and models. It comes from first-hand experience of buying, selling, repairing and maintaining them over a 40 year period.

Jargon-free advice

We can quickly cut to the heart of an issue, translating even the most complicated concepts into something easily understandable. 

Specialist insight

We’re proud to have specialist knowledge of new, used, and classic German manufacturers, including Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Porsche.

In short, we know the law, the cars, the tricks of the trade and the motor industry inside out. We’re the go-to firm for all motor vehicle related legal issues, and we’d love to help you. 

Motor Industry Lawyers FAQ

Stormcatcher Motor Industry Lawyers is probably the only law firm in the country which specialises in motor law and motor trade law and works for both the retail motor industry and private clients. The business was founded and is headed by Philip Harmer, who brings over 30 years experience of the motor trade and new and used car sales, repairs and financing.

There are other law firms that offer legal solutions for the motor trader and motor industry legal services, but only who knows the cars and the industry inside out.

Our legal protection plan has been designed using this insight to cover all the legal needs of car dealers and repairers for a whole year.

The legal package offers clients unlimited access to legal advice, unlimited customer complaints handling, unlimited finance company dispute resolution and assistance with all your commercial legal needs.

Motor industry lawyers cover all aspects of law involving car sales, repairs and financing which includes:

  • Sale of Goods Act
  • Supply of goods and services
  • Consumer rights
  • Misrepresentation
  • Unfair trading practises
  • Negligence and Tort
  • Contract law
  • Product liability
  • Fraud
  • Consumer Credit

Yes, we offer a range of fixed-price services for consumers and private clients who have bought a car from a dealer and are looking to have it repaired, replaced or rejected. However, our no conflict of interest policy prevents us from advising or accepting instructions against an existing retained motor dealer client.

We advise clients and offer dispute resolution services in circumstances arising from the sale of a new or used car, or repair work. We are not authorised to carry out litigation but are able to offer cost-effective solutions for preparing and drafting particulars of claim, witness statements and other legal documents. Our overriding objective is to analyse the facts, apply the law and enter into a dialogue to resolve the problem out of court. Should litigation become necessary we can advise on where to go to source this.

We are not solicitors but aim to offer an affordable cost-effective alternative to using solicitors. We hold professional indemnity insurance and are authorised to provide legal advice and legal services, save those which are reserved for those who hold a practising certificate.

We operate a fixed fee structure, dependent on your circumstances, which enables private clients and dealers the opportunity to budget and maintain control of the overall costs of the claim. Operating without expensive offices and support staff enables us to pass the savings onto you.

Yes, we can provide legal advice for businesses facing investigations, fines, or legal action from Trading Standards or other regulatory bodies.

Contact us as soon as possible, so we can assess the claim and help you respond.

Contact Stormcatcher Motor Industry Lawyers for First Free Legal Advice
Philip Harmer

About Philip Harmer

With over a decade in the retail motor trade, including front-line experience running sales and repair operations, Philip is one of very few legal professionals who has a working knowledge of the trade from both sides of the desk. His work has included advising motor traders and garages on compliance, dispute resolution, and customer complaints, and he has delivered workshops on integrating consumer law into sales and repair processes.

He regularly advises dealers on motor trade compliance, industry legal standards, and used car warranty complaints.

Contact Stormcatcher for First Free Advice

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