Transparent from the first reply
Fees & Process
You will always know two things before work begins: exactly what we will do, and exactly what it will cost. This page sets out how that works in practice.
The sequence
Three steps, and no surprises
Tell us what has happened
Send a short description of the matter, the documents you hold and the outcome you want. A short initial enquiry costs nothing and carries no obligation.
Receive a written scope and fee
We confirm whether the matter is within our advisory remit, set out exactly what we will do, and quote a fixed fee for that scope before any chargeable work begins.
Work through it in writing
You receive the review, the drafts or the correspondence, together with a written recommendation on the next practical step. You stay in control of every decision.
Fees
What the fees are based on
Scope, not hours
Fees relate to the work agreed, not to how long a call happens to last. A short question does not become a long invoice.
Reserved legal activities
We do not carry out reserved legal activities, we do not conduct litigation and we do not represent clients in court. If your matter needs that, it needs a different kind of adviser — and we will say so.
Revisions
Negotiation work includes two rounds of revisions to the written correspondence. Further rounds are quoted before they are carried out.
Indicative fees
Three starting points
These are the entry-level figures for the smallest instructions in each band. They are not an offer to act at that price on any particular matter; your written quotation sets the figure.
Document Check
Best for a contract, tenancy or employment document you are about to sign.
- A single document read end to end by a consultant.
- Written summary of the key obligations and the clauses that carry cost or risk.
- Plain-English explanation of what each clause requires of you.
- One round of written follow-up questions.
- Delivered within 48 hours of receiving the document.
Advice & Negotiation
Best for a live disagreement you want to settle without going near a court.
- Document review plus a written advice note on your position.
- Draft correspondence to the other party.
- Negotiation support by email while the matter is live.
- Two rounds of revisions to the draft correspondence.
- Written next-step recommendation at the end of the instruction.
Dispute Support Programme
Best for a disputed debt, tenancy or property matter that has already escalated.
- Full evidence review and chronology preparation.
- Schedules of loss or arrears where money is in issue.
- Sequenced correspondence, formal demand and payment plan drafting.
- Mediation preparation and support while mediation is under way.
- Final written report setting out the position and remaining options.
Cancellation
If you change your mind
An instruction can be cancelled at any point. Where work has already been carried out, the fee is adjusted pro rata for that work and any unused balance is returned. Where a matter has not been started, the fee is refunded in full.
What is included
Included, and not included
| Included in the quoted fee | Outside the quoted fee |
|---|---|
| Reading the documents you provide | Court, tribunal or enforcement fees of any kind |
| The written review or draft you asked for | Representation at a hearing or as your advocate |
| Two rounds of revisions on negotiation correspondence | Third-party costs such as searches, valuations or expert reports |
| A written recommendation at the end of the instruction | Work added after the scope was agreed (quoted first) |
Questions
Questions about fees
How do you charge for advice?
Every matter is quoted in writing before work begins. Fees are based on the scope of the instruction rather than on how long a conversation happens to last, and the quote states what is included, what would fall outside it and how revisions are handled. There are no hourly surprises: if the scope changes, you are told before the cost changes.
Can I start with something small?
Yes. A single document review is a perfectly sensible first step and is the way most of our instructions begin. You are under no obligation to continue, and you will still receive a written summary you can act on.
How quickly will you respond?
Enquiries sent during office hours are normally acknowledged within one working day. Standard document drafting is usually delivered within 48 hours of receiving the material we need, and we will give you a specific date when we confirm the scope.
Can you look at a contract I have already signed?
Yes. Reviewing an existing agreement is common work for us. We explain what each obligation requires, which clauses carry cost or risk for you, and what your options are now that the document is binding.
Which types of disputes do you handle?
Contract and payment disputes, commercial and residential tenancy matters, employment and workplace issues, and neighbourhood or property conflicts such as noise, boundaries, water leakage and service charges. Where a matter falls outside our advisory remit — court proceedings, for example — we say so immediately.
Is everything confidential?
Yes. Instructions are treated as confidential. Documents you send are used only for the matter you have asked about, and we do not discuss your matter with the other side unless you instruct us in writing to do so.
Can you actually recover a debt for me?
We can prepare the recovery sequence, the letters of demand and the payment plan, and we can negotiate on your behalf. What we cannot do is enforce a judgment through the courts, because that is litigation and it is outside the services we provide.
Do you work with businesses as well as individuals?
Yes. We advise sole traders, small and medium-sized businesses, landlords, tenants, employers and employees. A good deal of our work is repeat business from small companies that need a contract checked quickly and explained properly.
Context
Where these instructions start
Next step
Ask for a written quotation — there is no charge for asking.
Send a short description of the matter and the documents you hold. You will receive a written scope and a fixed fee before any chargeable work begins.