Expert family law help
Call me on: 0800 112 3234
How I charge
Excellent legal help shouldn't cost the earth.
Initially, I'm happy to discuss your case with you free of charge. This gives us an opportunity to talk through whether (and how) I can help, and provide an estimate of my costs. It also gives you a chance to decide whether you think we could work together, and whether you want me on your team.
When I do start charging, my maximum fee is £150 per hour. This is regardless of the complexity of your case, the urgency of the work, the assets involved, etc. I am not currently required to register for VAT, so VAT is not added to my fees.
I am happy to discuss and agree fixed fee arrangements and capped fees, where appropriate. I am also prepared to agree to work in return for a monthly retainer. I offer all-inclusive half-day and day rates for court hearings and meetings. In many situations, my fees are recoverable in court proceedings in exactly the same way as a solicitor's costs.
The Legal Ombudsman investigates and resolves complaints about provision of legal services. According to the Ombudsman, "the largest area for complaints on divorce is cost; around one quarter of the divorce complaints [dealt] with are on this issue". This mirrors my experience. Many of the people I help who have decided not to instruct a solicitor base that decision on cost. They believe a lot
of solicitors focus on generating fees, and not achieving results. They believe solicitors' bills often bear little relationship to the work done or the value of that work.
It's a view I have some sympathy with. Especially at larger traditional law firms, there is a constant focus on billing. Multiple lawyers are often assigned to work on the same case. Work is sometimes done inefficiently, and is frequently duplicated. There is constant pressure to achieve time-recording and billing targets. Hourly rates are set high, to cover expensive overheads and ensure that partners can take a profit at the end of the financial year. The most valuable cases are those that can generate the highest fees.
But not all solicitors treat clients' cases as a license to print money. I know many whose charges are fair and transparent, and whose work adds value. If you need to instruct a solicitor, I can provide a recommendation.
Because my business model is different, my fees are much
"My experience means you get 'partner-level' expertise at ... a fraction of the cost you would pay to a solicitor"
lower than most solicitors'. I have modest overheads, and no billing target to meet. I am not preoccupied with generating money for a firm. I aim to make a living, but not an excessive profit!
My experience means that you get “partner-level” expertise at every stage. However, you pay a fraction of the cost you would pay to a solicitor (often with less experience than me) for the same work.