Terms of Business

We will endeavour to carry out your instructions as expediently and efficiently as possible. In turn we will expect full information from you to ensure we provide an appropriate professional service. If you have any queries in relation to your matter they should be addressed to your fee earner in the first instance. If there is a change to the principal fee earner you will be informed.

Client Identification

In accordance with current money laundering regulations, all new clients must provide one photographic proof of identification and two recent utility bills or bank statements as proof of your usual residence. The original documents must be presented at the initial meeting or certified copies will be accepted if certified from another solicitor, accountant or other authorised professional.

Fees

The fees for our professional services are charged on a time basis. The exact cost will depend on the complexity of your instructions, the time expended on your matter and if appropriate the value of the transaction and any time constraints. All invoices will be subject to VAT.

Routine letters, e-mails, faxes and telephone calls will be charged at a tenth of the fee earner’s hourly rate. Preparation, perusal, drafting, meetings, or other letters and calls will be charged on a time basis.

Our hourly rates will be reviewed annually on 1st September and if there is any change to the basis of our fees we will inform you in writing.

Conveyancing transactions are charged in accordance with our fee scale which is attached separately where relevant.

Disbursements

All payments to third parties such as court application fees will need to be paid in advance.

Rendering of Invoices

Invoices will be rendered quarterly or at regular and appropriate intervals, unless agreed otherwise. All bills should be paid promptly. Payment by standing order may be arranged by agreement.

Estimate of Costs

An estimate of costs will be provided to you at the earliest opportunity after full information is available. Further updates on likely charges will provided as the matter progresses.

Safe Custody

We will hold your original documents in our safe custody system free of charge. However we do reserve the right to charge an administration fee to comply with your instructions for recovering files and documents or to provide information to a third party.

Lien

Original documents will be returned to you on request unless our fees remain unpaid.

Interest

We will pay interest on client account balances in accordance with Solicitors Account rules.

Conflict of Interest

We will not be able to accept your instructions if it appears that there is or could be a conflict of interest between one or more instructing parties or in situations where we have confidential information about a client who is or may be in conflict with you.

Data Protection Act

By instructing us to act on your behalf you authorise us to maintain files and confidential accounting information. We will always maintain your confidentiality but on occasion the Law Society may inspect your files as apart of an audit.

If you have any queries in relation to these terms, your matter or costs please do not hesitate to contact us.

By instructing us, you accept these terms and conditions in full.