Questions

Yes. Every enquiry starts with a free assessment. We discuss what has happened, read the important documents and give you a considered view of the problem and the options. For a less intricate matter we aim to provide a detailed and comprehensive assessment; for a more intricate matter it will usually be a careful initial examination of the principal issues apparent from the papers available. The time we spend is discretionary, it is not an exhaustive investigation, and it does not oblige either side to proceed.

No. Cases are selected for merit, proportionality, subject matter, timing, documentation, location, complexity and absence of conflict.

No. Talk Legal Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated.

No. You remain the litigant. Talk Legal does not go on the court record as your solicitor and does not conduct reserved litigation.

You will have to attend the hearing. Otherwise, it is likely that your advocate will not be able to address the judge. The court always has a final discretion as to who may address the court. However, as long as you attend, our advocate will normally be able to address the court on your behalf.

No. We give a candid opinion based on the material available, but the judge decides the case.

Not necessarily. The small claims track restricts the legal costs normally recoverable from the losing party. Decide whether the assistance is worthwhile on the basis that you may bear the fee even if successful.

We can discuss the practical effect of a proposal within the agreed scope. Fees for work already undertaken will be dealt with under the written terms. If settlement ends the need for a hearing, the effect on any outstanding fee will depend on the agreement.

No. Court fees and third-party charges will ordinarily be paid directly by the client.

Talk Legal Limited does not currently carry professional indemnity insurance. This is explained before a paid instruction is accepted.

No. Talk Legal Limited is not a firm of solicitors and is not regulated as one. It does not have a compensation fund and does not carry professional indemnity insurance. Talk Legal does not hold client money.

No. Talk Legal does not conduct litigation as a reserved legal activity under the Legal Services Act 2007.

Talk Legal deliberately does not take Small Claims on at their commencement and conduct the litigation from beginning to end. Our service principally begins when the case is approaching its final hearing. When there’s a hearing date, send us the relevant papers you have. We’ll consider those papers, advise upon the case and prepare for the hearing.

Yes. The Property Chamber Tribunal Rules expressly allow a party to appoint a representative whether legally qualified or not. Talk Legal can represent clients in Property Tribunal proceedings in accordance with those rules.

Yes. The Employment Tribunal Rules recognise lay representatives, including paid lay representatives. Talk Legal provides assistance and representation to employers in Employment Tribunal proceedings.