WE CAN INSTRUCT COUNSEL TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:

• CONFERENCING

Conferencing can be arranged to take place either in person or over the telephone. It provides an opportunity to discuss the case with counsel and to gain their advice. This can be done as a one off or can be used as a follow up session following receipt of counsels opinion.

• OPINION WRITING

It may be that your case is very complex, or you wish counsel to analyse the issue and put the legal position in writing - whichever, an opinion is a useful tool in understanding the merits of your case and in taking your case forward to the next stage. A clear understanding of the legal position and the likely outcome will ensure you make the right decisions later on.

• DRAFTING LETTERS IN COMPLIANCE WITH PRE-CLAIM/ACTION PROTOCOLS, WHICH CAN BE FUNDAMENTAL IN ORDER TO AVOID HIGHER LEGAL COSTS AT A LATER STAGE

In the early stages of a dispute, it is fundamental that the parties make clear to each other what the issues are, what they are disputing, and what they are claiming/defending. This is important, not only so that the case is handled efficiently, cost effectively and as amicably as possible, but also so that the party's early conduct is consistent with the civil procedure rules. Counsel will be well versed in ensuring parties comply with pre-action protocols from the very early stages of a legal dilemma, whilst presenting the clients case in the most effective way in contemplation of later proceedings.

• FIRST CLASS REPRESENTATION AT NEGOTIATIONS

Maybe you are at logger heads with an associate, a stalemate has been reached, or maybe you wish to resolve a current legal dispute and maintain amicable relations later on. The representation at negotiations can be vital. We will instruct counsel to represent your interests and instructions at such negotiations.

• DRAFTING CLAIM FORMS/PARTICULARS OF CLAIM/DEFENCES/DEFENCE AND COUNTERCLAIMS

If the case has reached the point where proceeding are being initiated or you or your company are being sued, it is fundamental that the court documents you file are of a high standard and comply with the Civil Procedure Rules. We will gain advice from and, instruct barristers to draft such documents on your behalf.

Barristers can go on to represent you in court once all other logical avenues of resolution are exhausted. We would, however, recommend that before taking a case to court you discuss this option with an instructed barrister.

Emphasis at the civil bar is placed on resolving the client's needs before the cost and time implications of a trial become an issue.