Step 1 · Facts
Established, with documents.
What we do, in detail
Four kinds of work, with the fee basis agreed in writing and no outcome attached.
Program 01 · Including the weaknesses
Advice and written opinions
An opinion that only sets out the favourable argument is of no use to anyone making a decision. We set out the weaknesses too, and where a case is poor we say so early, because the cheapest advice anyone ever receives is being told not to litigate. Time limits are explained at the first meeting, since a right can simply expire.
Step 2 · Position
The law as it applies.
Step 3 · Weaknesses
Stated, not softened.
Step 4 · Options
Including doing nothing.
Step 1 · Interests
What you actually need from this.
Step 2 · Position
What is realistically achievable.
Step 3 · Negotiate
On terms you have approved.
Step 4 · Record
Agreement reduced to writing.
Program 02 · Usually the better route
Negotiation and settlement
Most disputes are better settled than tried, and a lawyer paid by time has an obvious incentive not to say so. We say it anyway: proceedings are slow, public, expensive and uncertain, and a reasonable settlement reached early is very often worth more than a better judgment obtained in three years.
Program 03 · Costs explained first
Litigation
Before proceedings start we set out what it will likely cost, what the court costs and procedural indemnity may add, and what happens if the case is lost. Clients are frequently told the first figure and not the second. An outcome is never promised: what is proved, what evidence exists and how a court applies the law are not ours to control.
Step 1 · Merits
Assessed before issuing.
Step 2 · Costs
Including the downside if lost.
Step 3 · Proceed
Only on an informed decision.
Step 4 · Report
Progress and changes of view.
Step 1 · Purpose
What the arrangement must achieve.
Step 2 · Draft or review
With the risks marked.
Step 3 · Negotiate
Changes you have approved.
Step 4 · Sign
Knowing what you have agreed.
Program 04 · Before signature
Contracts and commercial
A contract reviewed before signature costs a fraction of the dispute it prevents, which is the least glamorous and most valuable work a lawyer does. Where a matter involves transactions of the kind the anti-money-laundering legislation covers, client identification applies — and we explain where that regime does and does not reach.
Got a matter you need looking at?
A free first meeting to establish whether we can act and on what basis.