Asked at the first consultation
Common questions
Is the first consultation really free?
Thirty minutes, not charged, in chambers or by telephone. It exists so that the matter can be set out and three things established: whether it requires an attorney, whether it requires this practice, and the likely cost. Some enquiries are properly directed to the Rent Board, a licensed surveyor or another practice.
How quickly will I hear back?
Within two working days, with a substantive reply rather than an acknowledgement: whether we act in matters of that kind, which attorney would carry it, and what it is likely to cost.
What is a disbursement?
Money we pay out on your behalf: stamp duty, transfer tax, registration and court filing fees, searches and commissioner's fees. They are in addition to the fee, itemised at the amount in fact paid, and we add no administration charge to them.
Can a fixed fee change?
No, once the engagement letter is signed, unless you instruct a change of scope in writing. A matter outside the ordinary is identified at the consultation and quoted separately rather than emerging halfway through the file.
How is hourly work billed?
At the rate in the engagement letter, recorded in six-minute units, with a statement each month showing the work done and the time taken whether or not payment falls due. Notice of an overrun is given before the work is undertaken.
Will a junior do my work?
The attorney named in the engagement letter does the work. Where a paralegal prepares a document that is recorded on the statement and charged at the paralegal rate.
What do you not take?
Criminal defence, family proceedings and personal injury, which need practitioners who appear in those lists every week. Matters where the cost of doing the work properly exceeds what is at stake are also declined, with the arithmetic set out.
Does sending this form make you my attorneys?
No. A conflict check runs first, and the relationship begins only when that has cleared and an engagement letter is signed by both of us. Please do not send documents or confidential detail with a first message.
These answers are general information about how this practice works. They are not advice on your matter and cannot be, because nobody here has seen your documents yet.