Private client matters include wills, probates, property work, divorce, childcare and other family matters, accident and clinical negligence claims, housing and other disputes

This is the usual way that we are paid for our work. Clients agree to pay us themselves for the work that we do for them. We agree to do the work either for a fixed fee or alternatively a variable fee dependant on the amount of time spent by us on the matter

 

We often agree "fixed" rates for work for example, for a specific project or to perform a particular task, such as advising on a specific matter.  It may be, though, that we do not agree a fixed fee, instead calculating our fees on the basis of the time it takes to do a job or for performing a task.  This is by reference to an individual's hourly chargeable rate broken down into 6-minute "units".  In each case you will be responsible for payment of our account.

Individuals often have insurance policies that provide for cover in respect of legal disputes.  For example, you may have "ticked the box" for legal expenses on a household insurance policy and this can fund payment of your legal fees in certain circumstances.  Often insurance providers have their own legal departments or panel firms that provide the advice where cover is provided.  In other cases, you are able to appoint your own solicitor and fees are paid by the insurer to your nominated adviser (subject to rates and limits).  In some cases you need to follow specific steps to ensure that your claim is covered. You should always investigate this option to see if you are covered and advise us.

Sometimes, where there is a dispute which is settled by agreement under some kind of settlement agreement (such as a "compromise agreement" or COT3) an employer will agree to make a contribution to legal fees up to a certain amount.  You are still the client and our duties remain to you but we will usually render your bill to the employer directly.  It may be, though, that the contribution offered by the employer does not cover the full amount of the legal fees incurred.  In that case, you would remain responsible for the balance of the legal fees.  If we are not paid by the former employer, you would remain responsible for any account rendered to them.

Langleys offer legal aid services with regard to clinical negligence family childcare and housing work.  If we feel that you are eligible for some sort of free or publicly funded advice our lawyers will advise you and help you fill in any forms. If you consult us in other areas of the law we will advise you of other firms that do legal aid work if you wish to choose legal aid and qualify financially .If you wish  to check your  eligibility yourself you can go the LSC's website and access their on line assessment calculator .

 

Always remember that your financial circumstance may change and you may become eligible during the course of a case. Always advise us on any change of financial circumstances and we recommend checking the on line calculator whenever there is a change in your finances.

Langleys do not offer free legal advice services.

No-Win No-Fee arrangements

You may have heard about law firms who offer a service whereby you pay either no fees, a reduced fee, or out of pocket expenses and that your fees are paid from any award or settlement that is made on your behalf.  These are available at Langleys for personal injury cases and full details will be supplied to you by your lawyer.