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Over the last few months, i have noted an increased number of people contacting the firm, but being unable to engage the firm to represent them due to the fees.
It is undoubtedly true that for a law firm, there are pretty heavy overheads and as a business, you need to make profit. The problem is that when a person cannot engage the firm, they are left with difficulties as they cannot get advice from places like CAB when dealing with Consumer Credit related matters, they cannot get legal aid, they are left to fight their own corner.
Now, i know that there was a case a few years before i was born, in 1970, called McKenzie v McKenzie , the case was in the Court of Appeal, and it laid down the principles for the McKenzie friend.
The Master of the Rolls handed down some guidance on a McKenzie friend here http://www.familylaw.co.uk/system/up..._July_2010.pdf
So, i may have a solution for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
I have legal qualifications, i hold a diploma in english law from the Open University, i have a Certificate in Legal Studies from the OU, i am a member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, and have passed a number of Ilex courses with very high grades, and i have indemnity insurance upto 1million pounds for professional negligence.
I also have a large amount of experience in litigation, indept knowledge of court procedures, etc, and of course my results from my time with Watsons shows my knowledge of Consumer Credit law.
So, what am i thinking of doing?
Well i am thinking of offering a service as a McKenzie friend, i will charge obviously for the service, but the charge will be vastly less than you would pay a lawyer.
I will be able to advise on all aspects of the case, i will be able to assist in preparing for trial, i will be able to attend court with you (subject to the Courts approval) and if the Court agrees, i may be able to address the Court for you, or assist with the trial.
I will not be able to conduct the litigation, the client would retain control of the case, but i will be able to assist with letter drafting, advice on documents etc.
I am not sure whether i will be doing this for a fixed fee, or per the hour, i guess a lot will depend on what work is involved.
At this stage im just canvassing for opinions on this and to see if its worth doing, as the registration to get this going would be costly, and i want to make sure i am not wasting my time.
It is undoubtedly true that for a law firm, there are pretty heavy overheads and as a business, you need to make profit. The problem is that when a person cannot engage the firm, they are left with difficulties as they cannot get advice from places like CAB when dealing with Consumer Credit related matters, they cannot get legal aid, they are left to fight their own corner.
Now, i know that there was a case a few years before i was born, in 1970, called McKenzie v McKenzie , the case was in the Court of Appeal, and it laid down the principles for the McKenzie friend.
The Master of the Rolls handed down some guidance on a McKenzie friend here http://www.familylaw.co.uk/system/up..._July_2010.pdf
So, i may have a solution for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
I have legal qualifications, i hold a diploma in english law from the Open University, i have a Certificate in Legal Studies from the OU, i am a member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, and have passed a number of Ilex courses with very high grades, and i have indemnity insurance upto 1million pounds for professional negligence.
I also have a large amount of experience in litigation, indept knowledge of court procedures, etc, and of course my results from my time with Watsons shows my knowledge of Consumer Credit law.
So, what am i thinking of doing?
Well i am thinking of offering a service as a McKenzie friend, i will charge obviously for the service, but the charge will be vastly less than you would pay a lawyer.
I will be able to advise on all aspects of the case, i will be able to assist in preparing for trial, i will be able to attend court with you (subject to the Courts approval) and if the Court agrees, i may be able to address the Court for you, or assist with the trial.
I will not be able to conduct the litigation, the client would retain control of the case, but i will be able to assist with letter drafting, advice on documents etc.
I am not sure whether i will be doing this for a fixed fee, or per the hour, i guess a lot will depend on what work is involved.
At this stage im just canvassing for opinions on this and to see if its worth doing, as the registration to get this going would be costly, and i want to make sure i am not wasting my time.
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