Please send:

• —the claim form and particulars of claim;
• —the defence and any counterclaim;
• —the notice of allocation;
• —relevant court orders;
• —the hearing notice;
• —witness statements already prepared;
• —expert evidence, if any;
• —the principal documents relied upon by each side.

Tell us whether you are the claimant or defendant, how much is claimed, the court and final-hearing date, any approaching deadline and your telephone number.

Do not send original documents. If the papers are exceptionally extensive, contact us before uploading them.

We check whether the claim appears to fall within the service, whether time allows us to assist and whether further information or a conflict check is required. This screening is free. It is not a full review of every document and is not a concluded opinion on prospects.

If the matter may be suitable, we may arrange a telephone or video discussion. We then tell you whether further information is required, whether we advise against a paid review, or whether we are willing to offer a defined service.

The written quotation states what work is included, what remains your responsibility, the fee, payment arrangements, travel or other expenses and any important assumptions.

No paid retainer begins until Talk Legal accepts the instruction in writing and you accept the terms.

We carry out the agreed work. Depending on the stage of the case, this may include analysing the pleadings and evidence, identifying missing material, helping organise the hearing documents, preparing questions and submissions, and discussing how the hearing is likely to proceed.

Where representation is included, we attend with you and present the case as a lay representative, subject to the applicable rules and the judge's control.

If the hearing is adjourned, lasts longer than expected or changes materially, further work is not automatically included. Any additional fee must be agreed in writing.