This page is an introduction to some of the areas of work we do and the ways in which we might help individuals or organisations in each area.
If we have not listed the services you require above do please consider contacting us anyway. At the present time we cannot do Criminal Law, Conveyancing or Personal Injury Work, however we are keen to expand our client base, are confident in our ability to develop new practice areas and will search for ways of working that are effective and economical for all those involved.
Immigration
Individual Applicants
We are experts in Immigration Law and receive referrals from a wide range of professional colleagues including a number of OISC organisations when matters exceed their experience. We have experience in all aspects of Immigration work from Entry Clearance applications, to Work Permits, Student Visas, Marriage Visas, Asylum claims as well as unique compassionate and Human Rights based cases. We also regularly lodge Judicial Reviews and injunction applications to prevent removals.
We have extensive experience of preparing appeals and representing applicants at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal and strong relationships with experienced and reputable senior barristers who specialise in the area.
In the last year notable comlex legal issues we have handled have included retained rights of residence cases, childcare matters and domestic violence cases based on non physical abuse.
We are also regsitered to make same day applications to the Home Office.
Employers / Sponsors
In the current climate Employers and Sponsors need to be very careful employing and assisting migrants because of the increasing number of sanctions the government has brought in for immigration cases. An Employer could be fined thousands of pounds for employing a worker illegally, but sued for discrimination for dismissing and employee who was entitled to work, but could not prove it in a straightforward manner.
We have experience advising employers on work permits under the new points based system and can also advise employers on the legality of employing certain categories of workers and check individual cases and identity documents for employers.
Employment
Individuals
We understand how difficult employment disputes can be from both professional and personal experience. As representatives we will help you focus on key issues and evidence and move forward to the best resolution fo your problems you can get.
If you have a Consent Order in our experience there is often room to negotiate improvements such as an agreed reference or an increased payment.
A simple half hour appointment can often be enough to tell you what you need to do next, or we can assist you with drafting initial letters of complaint, or more complex court application.
We can advise you in respect of grievances at work, unfair dismissals, contract clauses, discrimination, and any other matters that arise as well as the compromise agreements that often conclude such disputes. We can negotiate with your employer or ACAS on your behalf and can also represent you at the Employment Tribunal where necessary.
We have working relationships with experienced barristers in the field and can instruct them or appear ourselves as appropriate.
Employers
Employment issues can be divisive and disruptive beyond just the individuals concerned, and as an employer they can often feel like personal attacks. We can bring detached and objective advice to a situation to bring you to sensible cost effective solutions to enable you to move on and focus on your business itself.
You can effectively and safely outsource many of your HR functions to us. We can assist you with drafting contracts, designing or modifying your HR procedures, and also advising on specific cases at the disciplinary stage or during grievances. We can negotiate on your behalf and advise you with regard to organised redundancy programs and anything else you might need professional assistance with.
Family
The Firm provides services for;
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Divorce/Civil Partnership Dissolutions
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Anciliary Relef and Financial Matters including division of assets
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Children (injunctions, contact, residence, child support)
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Domestic Abuse
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Consent Orders
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Cohabitation Agreements
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Separation Agreements
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Mediation
We aim to provide sympathetic and practical assistance with these issues as we understand the stresses involved on all parties. It is our belief that where possible court hearings should be minimised and avoided due to the unnecessary stresses it can place on both partners and children and we work towards amicable agreements and compromises whenever we feel it is in our client's interests to do so.
Simple flexible packages of services can be offered to make the process of divorce easier and more affordable for those involved. You can pay us for individual tasks, such as drafting a petition where the divorce will be uncontested, or instruct us to deal with the whole matter from start to finish.
We can also offer specialist advice for unmarried couples who choose to separate as this can be a complex area.
Business Affairs
We already act as general advisers for a number of small businesses and assist with matters including debt recovery and trademark enforcement both nationally and internationally. We draft legal documents including loan agreements and contracts and can offer flexible tailored packages of services and prices suited to your needs. In the unfortunate event that proceedings are brought against you we can also assist in defending your company against those claims or negotiating a satisfactory settlement.
Essentially, if you are in business and have a need for a bespoke service or package of services we will try to find effective means of helping you in the immediate circumstances and going forward into the future.
Debt and Money Advice
We can assist with these matters but you should be aware that as a private firm we cannot help you for free. If you genuinely have no money you should consider approaching the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, or a legally aided law firm. However if you are defending or bringing claims and you have the funds to pay for advice we can represent you at court and in negotiations on these issues.
Wills & Probate
We can assist you with drafting wills as well as giving advice on challenging wills or in organising probate on your behalf.
Complaints and Actions Against Other Solicitors & Advisers
It can be difficult to know how to phrase a complaint, or if you have grounds for a complaint against an adviser. We have taken the decision to offer this service because of a high demand only after consultation with our regulatory body.
If you are concerned about previous advice you have received, and want a second opinion or advice on how to prepare and file formal complaints please contact us. We will advise you as to our opinion as to whether the previous advice was flawed and as to what your next steps should be.
