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Initial Contact
We appreciate that many people do not have reason to instruct solicitors on a regular basis and this section is intended to let you know what to expect from us when you first contact us, and what we will have to ask you to do. You can also consult the Solicitor's Regulation Authority Guidance for independant information on this issue. When you first contact this office the person you speak to should identify themselves and confirm their professional standing and position in the Firm. They will then ask you to identify yourself and try to understand exactly what it is you are asking for advice on. If we feel that the firm can help you and you confirm that you want our help we will then proceed to arrange an initial appointment and advise you of the charge for that appointment, including interpreting fees if appropriate. The First Appointment
At the first appointment we will need to properly identify you, and your company where appropriate. To do this we will normally need to see a passport or driving license and formal proof of your address, or that of your business (e.g utility bill). We will need to retain copies of these on our files. (If we are meeting you outside our offices we will need you to provide or email copies to us as well as allowing us to inspect the originals.)
We will then discuss your matter with you to establish what exactly you need from us. This process will be much easier if you have brought any relevant paperwork you have with you.
At this point the person you meet may tell you that they need to check the law. The law in the UK is very complicated and even an experienced lawyer may not know or remember everything relevant. It is far better to check and to make sure the advice is correct than it is to give an incomplete answer.
We will then give you initial advice, and present your options for taking matters forward and provide an estimate as to the likely charges for the work you wish to have done unless the matter has been resolved at that first appointment. You will be asked to pay for the first appointment at this time.
If we do not think it is worth your while taking your case further we will tell you this and we will explain why, which may be because it is not cost effective, or because there is no prospect of success.
Client Care Letter
After the first appointment you will receive what we refer to as a Client Care letter. This will summarise your instructions to us, the advice we have given and the steps we propose to take next.
The letter will also confirm the identity and professional standing of the person who has advised you and the costs that you will be charged for our work.
If your work was concluded in the initial session we will also include the invoice for your appointment.
Ongoing Work
If we take your matter forward we will only do work covered by the agreement we have made with you. If there are decisions to be made in the course of your matter, we will contact you, advise you of the legal consequences and let you make the decisions.
Conclusion of Your Matter
On conclusion of your case we will expect you to settle any outstanding fees. We will return any original documents and we will then electronically store all materials related to your case for a period of at least six years.
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