We have a number of payment options available to private paying clients:
Payment in advance
For some matters, we do insist on payment in full in advance. For example:
Initial Fixed Fee Appointments
Road traffic cases
Guilty plea’s
In others, we insist on payment of half of the fee in advance and the balance on completion. This is most notably where we are instructed to prepare a Will.
Instalment Payments
If you instruct us to act on your behalf, then as part of our client care letter we will agree with you an hourly rate for the work we are going to do. We will also agree with you the amount which you are to pay in instalments. The instalments are generally required to be paid by either direct debit or standing order, direct from your bank account into our bank account.
PAY AS YOU GO (PAYG) *New*
We are pleased to be able to offer the facility for clients to pay for advice as their case proceeds. This is an innovation as far as we are concerned and while it will not suit every client or indeed every case it may allow you to make the choice which best suits your circumstances. We will make the assessment at the initial appointment if your case is suitable for PAYG.
We have decided to introduce this scheme as with effectively the removal of legal aid from April 2013 it allows clients the choice as to whether they wish to adopt this instead of proceeding with their matter without the benefit of experienced legal advice.
It does require you to pay us the hourly rate for the fee earner who you are consulting at the time of the appointment. It also requires that you the client are able to engage in correspondence and conduct most of the contact with your opponent and the Court. You are the person who is shown on the Court record and as such you undertake all the routine tasks which if you instructed us formally would necessitate you paying us for the work.
The advantage for you is that it means that your legal costs are potentially reduced substantially.
However in order for this to work you need to appreciate that as the case proceeds you need to consult us and when you do you pay for the appointment. You will undertake any work required following meetings. You need to ensure that you bring to any appointment any letter or other communication and the purpose of the meeting/appointment is clearly established. You obviously need to be organised and maintain a proper filing system of all communications regarding the case or matter concerned.
What if I am not happy with PAYG?
If you decide that you are not happy with the PAYG arrangement, then you can choose either:
To go it alone, without the benefit of any legal advice;
OR
You can choose to instruct us fully and we will carry on with the case from that point and you will need to come to an arrangement about payment of our fees.
The advantage of PAYG for you is it is your choice, you decide what is best for you.