1. A Legal 500 Firm
We give people
a voice.

3. 03 |
Contents
Why choose Duncan Lewis? 4
Immigration 6
Child Care 8
Family 9
Crime 10
Prison Law 11
Public Law 12
Litigation 13
Community Care 14
Welfare Benefits 15
Housing 16
Debt 17
Commercial Property 18
Residential Property 19
Mental Health 20
Employment 21
Personal Injury 22
How to find us 23

4. | 04
Why choose
Duncan Lewis?
With 17 departments Our size also means that we are well
-resourced, and through economies of
We have achieved Quality Mark
accreditation for Lexcel (the Law
and 400 staff sharing scale very efficient. As a predominantly Society's quality mark) and Investors
65 nationalities, we have publicly funded (legal aid) practice, that in People. This means our staff
means that despite the constraints of receive the highest quality training
the specialist you need. legal aid funding, you receive very high which enables us to maintain our
quality advice and representation. excellent reputation and high standards.
Size isn't everything. Indeed you could
be worried that a large law firm will be Indeed we are the largest legal aid civil We have also been awarded 9
impersonal and won't give your case practice in the country, as well as franchises by the Legal Services
the attention it deserves. offering a very high quality and Commission and have been awarded
cost-effective service to privately- Category 1 status in many areas.
Fortunately at Duncan Lewis our size paying clients. A majority of our Solicitors are Law
means that you actually receive a more Society Panel Members.
personal service. That's because our
staff are able to specialise in a particular The expertise to give In addition to our deep understanding
sub area of law. They can use their of the law, we have also helped create
specialist knowledge and expertise to you the best chance new law. We have more Reported
work effectively on your behalf. A number of our departments boast Cases than any other Legal Aid firm in
a Legal 500 listing, this is an illustration the country, and some of those cases
not only of our expertise but also our have fundamentally changed legal
influence throughout the profession. interpretations and how some laws work.
The quality of our work is repeatedly
demonstrated by the very high
success rates achieved in cases
that we take on.

5. 05 |
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Commitment to every case
The legal system can be very intimidating
for anyone, but particularly if you are up
against a large organisation like a
government department. Duncan Lewis
is here to be your voice and your advisor,
to make the strongest case on your behalf.
In many cases, we can provide legal advice
assistance, which is free to you. This covers
the most straightforward applications, but also
includes complex cases in the High Court,
Appeal Court and Supreme Court, which
would otherwise cost many thousands of
pounds. We strive to make our services as
accessible as possible to everyone, conducting
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numerous outreach advice surgeries and also
taking on some cases on a pro bono basis,
where legal aid is not available. We also have
access to over 400 interpreters covering over
40 languages ranging from Amharic through to
Zulu. We consistently strive to provide high
levels of legal advice and service to all those
in desperate need of our help.

6. | 06
Immigration
We are one of the largest and We offer our clients a personal service
most respected Immigration at very affordable rates for advice and
Departments in the UK. Our broad representation on private immigration
knowledge and vast experience related matters. Our team deal with
in general immigration, business issues where public funding (formerly
immigration and asylum law is legal aid) may be available, for example,
second to none. applications for political asylum.
Our extensive Immigration team We can offer assistance with General
consists of specialised staff providing Immigration, Refugee & Asylum Immigration
help in a variety of different languages including Detention Centres, Work Permits
and all of our Immigration team will & Visas and Business Immigration. We have
have completed the Law Society's included some examples of the types of
Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Immigration matters we can assist with
Scheme. under each main category.

7. 07 |
General Immigration Refugee & Asylum Law Visas & Work Permits
We can assist clients with the We assist and represent asylum We have extensive experience
following types of legal matters under seeker clients from all over the in preparing and submitting all
General Immigration for both world at all legal stages from types of visa applications; including
applications and subsequent appeals: Interviews to Appeals. applications under the Points
Based System. Examples of visas
Our experienced team assist a are listed below:
• Deportation / Illegal Entry
variety of vulnerable clients
• EEA Association Agreement including; children, mental health • Ancestry Visa
patients, HIV/AIDS patients, victims
• Entry Clearance • Ankara Agreement
of torture and detained clients for
• EU Residence the following: • Business Visa
• Family Reunions • Elderly Dependant Visa
• Asylum applications, Interviews
• Judicial Review and appeals to the First Tier/Upper • Extending / Varying a Visa
• Married and Unmarried Partner Tribunals [IAC] and the Higher
• Holiday Maker Visa
Concession Application and Courts
Appeals • Bail Applications • Spouse Visa
• Naturalisation • Detention Centre Visits • Student Visa
• Outside the Rules Applications • High Court Judicial Review • Visitors Visa
• Overstaying / Illegally in UK applications and appeals to • Work Permit
the Higher Courts
• Port/Detention Emergencies
• Humanitarian Protection and
• Sponsorship Discretionary Leave to Remain
• Spouses & Unmarried or Civil • Human Rights Appeals
Partners
• National Asylum Support
• Students Service(NASS) Appeals
• Travel Documents
To book an appointment or to refer clients to our firm,
please contact our New Client Co-ordinators on 020 7923 4020.

8. | 08
Child Care
When legal decisions influence We advise and represent parents, other We also specialise in acting for children,
the lives of your children, you family members, children and children's parents and family members in other
want the best. guardians in all Public Law proceedings. disputes i.e. where parents are separated
These include proceedings where the and there are problems in facilitating
Local Authority have applied for Emergency contact or a dispute as to where the child
Our highly specialised Child Care Law
Protection Orders, Care Orders or where should reside. Similarly, we are able to
department comprises of experienced
parents apply for contact with children in provide expert advice to adopted parents
solicitors, trainee solicitors and
care and discharge of Care Orders. We and the birth parents who are considering
caseworkers. As a team they specialise
can also advise and assist where children adoption. On the issue of Child Abduction,
in all aspects of Child Care Law.
are voluntarily accommodated and will we are one of a small number of firms in
attend Child Protection Conferences. We the UK that are on the Lord Chancellor's
Our Child Care Law department are there to support parents and provide Child Abduction and Contact Panel.
approaches each case with a level of them with advice and empower them
understanding only achievable through during this difficult time.
The Duncan Lewis Child Care Law
specialising in Child Care Law. Whether
department includes members of the
involving social services, or a private law Public Funding is usually granted to all Law Society Children and Family Panel
matter, it is important to be represented parents and children involved in Public Members. The majority are also
by those who understand how the law Law cases, regardless of financial means. members of the Association for the
may affect you and your family.
Lawyers for Children, and / or Members
of Resolution. We have acquired a
number of kitemarks which are testament
to the quality of the specialised work our
staff undertake.
We are continuously involved in high
profile cases, which have been reported
for their legal significance, they include
caste, underage marriages and
international elements.
We currently have a number of Children
Panel members, including solicitor
advocates. This enables us to provide
advocacy in all Court proceedings which
ensures our clients not only a consistent
and professional service but also a high
degree of continuity with the same Child
Care team throughout their case.

9. 09 |
Family
The area of Family Law can be both Services Financial & Property
highly sensitive and confusing.
Domestic Violence Often there are complex issues that
need direct action following a divorce
We understand the sensitive nature of We place a high priority in helping or separation. Our team can help with:
Family proceedings, especially when victims of domestic violence. In times
children are concerned, and we make a of emergency we can offer same day • Maintenance Pending Suit
concerted effort to provide solutions that appointments and can assist with: (Including Legal Fees Order applications)
reduce the strain on all those involved. • Financial matters arising from the
• Contacting Groups Offering Support
• Dealing with the Occupancy of the dissolution of marriage/nullity or judicial
Our Family department provides confidential Family Home (Occupation Orders) separation (Ancillary Relief); as well as
advice with effective representation and freezing injunctions on assets
• Enforcement
includes advanced members of the Law • nternational Issues
Society's Family Panel and Children Panel. • Injunctions (Non-Molestation Orders)
This means that they are specialists in • Pensions
• Protection against Harassment
Family and Child Care Law and deal with • Pre Nuptial Agreements
all family related matters. We have also • Property Disputes for unmarried families
acquired a number of kitemarks which are Divorce / Separation & Civil
testament to the quality of the specialised Partnerships Private Law
work our staff undertake. • Adoption
The team can assist you with mediation,
guide you through all aspects of your • Contact & Residence Orders
Public Funding is available to deal with all divorce and will help you with future • Parental Responsibility
aspects of Family work. Privately funded financial arrangements, dealing with:
work is also covered, with reasonable • Prohibitive Steps Orders
rates being charged and clients kept • Arrangements for Children Following •
updated about the cost of their case. a Divorce or Separation • Child Abduction
• Contested Divorce Proceedings
• Nullity & Judicial Separation
• Uncontested Divorce Proceedings
• Civil Dissolutions

10. | 10
Crime
When the police or Courts are We know how important it is that you are In addition, we now have a number of
involved, you need specialist legal well represented, either at Court or at highly experienced Higher Court
advice you can trust. the Police Station. Duncan Lewis has a Advocates. We are also able to advise
reputation for well prepared, high quality on appeals against conviction or
sentence.
The Duncan Lewis Crime department is work. Our case building excellence is
able to deal with all criminal offences and based on a sound knowledge of the
We are particularly expert in the often
our team is available on an emergency criminal justice system and the ability
highly technical issues raised in road
basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. to assemble first rate evidence and
traffic offences.
Call 07920 077057. documentation. We also secure the
services of the highest quality experts
Experienced in serious and minor cases,
We regularly represent our clients at Police to ensure that we get the best possible
the Duncan Lewis Crime Department's
Stations, Magistrates Courts, Crown outcome for our clients.
commitment is to achieve the best
Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as possible outcome for you.
the Court of Appeal. You do not have to wait until you are
arrested to get in touch with us. Duncan
Public Funding & Costs
Lewis can advise you of your rights and
how they can be protected at any stage. Our Police Station Service is free. If you
are receiving Income Support or certain
All solicitors in our Crime department are benefits, most of the additional legal help
police station representatives, which means we can provide will also be free. For
they can represent clients from the outset most motoring summonses e.g. speeding,
drink driving etc, Public Funding is not
of a criminal investigation. This is usually
usually granted for representation at Court.
when a case is at its most vulnerable and However there are certain circumstances
when mistakes or errors of judgment could where “Legal Aid “ may be granted. Please
be made which could result in unfavourable give us a call to see how we can help you.
outcomes for those under investigation.
With a number of offices across London,
we can reach you within 45 minutes.

11. 11 |
Prison Law
If you are in prison, you can be at We have expertise in oral parole hearings, • Outside Adjudication / Governor
your most vulnerable. including for lifers, where advocacy Adjudication
assistance is often instrumental in • Appeal Against Conviction
Prison Law looks after the rights of ensuring early release. Post release, the
and Sentence
prisoners. Here at Duncan Lewis we team are also able to assist in relation to
licence recall matters. • Categorisation/Re-categorisation
appreciate the emotional distress caused
to you and your family during such times. • HDC/ROTL/Refusal
Prison Law is funded under the CDS • IPP paper/parole
Our specialist Prison Law department scheme which provides publicly funded • Judicial Review
provides a unique service to clients as it assistance where a matter is deemed to
• Licence Recall
ensures that the care they have received have sufficient merits and benefit to the
throughout their criminal matters does individual, and where they do not have • Parole Board Reviews
not simply end when a person is at their significant private funds of their own. This • Transfer / sentence progression
most vulnerable, when they are taken means that, in almost all cases, the advice
• Lifer Issues
into custody. At this stage we can and assistance will be free to the client,
address issues such as appeals against subject to completion of some simple • Parole Appeals
conviction and/or sentence, Proceeds of forms. • Criminal Case Review Commission
Crime, advice regarding categorisation etc. • Tariff Reviews
• General Complaints
Services
• Re-housing
Once an inmate is in custody, we are able
to assist with matters such as transfers to At Duncan Lewis Solicitors we provide
other prisons, often closer to loved ones, a complete range of services, covering
re-categorisation to follow sentence plans, all aspects of prison law. In particular
assistance with complaints, advice specific the following areas are covered:
to foreign nationals and more. We are also
able to assist and to provide representation
during adjudications should the inmate be
subjected to 'nickings' for disciplinary
behaviour.
Towards the end of a sentence, we are
able to further assist in relation to parole
(for determinate and not determinate
sentences), HDC and licence conditions.

12. | 12
Public Law
When public bodies act incorrectly, We are now well established and known Services
they need to be challenged. by the Legal Services Commission, the
Courts, and the Treasury Solicitor. This The Public Law department makes
enables us to quickly and effectively challenges to non-appealable decisions of
The decisions of public bodies, where all public bodies. These can be central or
there is no other right of appeal, are obtain funding, manage cases with the
Court (get quick listings, direct access local government, or other organisations
susceptible to judicial review. Duncan carrying out public functions.
Lewis have experience in all aspects to Court lawyers etc), and communicate
of judicial review, including obtaining with team leaders at Treasury Solicitors.
emergency orders and other interim Our work includes advising upon
relief to prevent breaches of human challenges to decisions of:
rights, following up judicial reviews with We have more caseworkers carrying out
Public Law work than most firms. This • Children and Family Court Advisory
actions for damages in both the County
results in a depth and breadth of Support Service
and High Courts and successfully pursuing
judicial review matters to the Court of knowledge, constant effective cover, and • Criminal Cases Review Commission
Appeal and Supreme Court. We have an ability to monitor the approach of
defendants in different cases which • HM Prison Service
acted in a number of high profile cases
and our experienced department has a enables us to point out inconsistencies. • Local Authorities
deserved reputation for committed and • Metropolitan Police
professional conduct.
This also means that when dealing with a • National Asylum Support Service
large class of case we are likely to have • NHS Trusts
conduct of several, meaning that we are
likely to get lead cases and be able to • Parole Board
steer the course of the litigation to favour • Probation Service
all of our clients. • UK Border Agency
• Independent Police Complaints
We advise other firms on funding and case Commission
management issues regularly. • Tribunal decisions that cannot be
challenged upon appeal.
We conduct all stages of such matters from
initial pre-action correspondence to filing
conducting and settling claims.
We carry out both publicly and privately
funded work.

13. 13 |
Litigation
Sometimes in life things just don’t Services
work out amicably. • Housing – representation in possession
The following is not an exhaustive list,
but examples of the types of work we proceedings; disputes with neighbours;
At Duncan Lewis we are able to provide nuisance and anti-social behaviour;
undertake regularly:
you with a friendly, proactive approach to challenging housing associations and
disputes with the aim of resolving them as
• Contract and commercial disputes – andlords where they fail to fulfil tenants’
quickly and as cost effectively as possible.
be they for the purchase of goods/ obligations
We are aware that litigation is not always services or for more complex • Insolvency – whether you are an individual
the best way to solve disputes and we will partnerships and commercial
or a business not able to pay your debts
advise you on alternative dispute resolutions transactions; 'after contract' disputes
such as consumer credit/hire purchase or if you are a creditor wishing to take
that can best rectify your problem, keeping
agreements; claims against insurers bankruptcy or winding up action to
the cost and distress to you down to a
minimum. and banks recover your debts, we can advise you
on the options available to take or avoid
However, if matters cannot be avoided from • Debt – we aim to recover the monies these actions
going to Court, we have the expertise to as quickly as possible with interest • Property – for both Landlords and
prepare your case to the best advantage at the highest rate; issuing court tenants, dealing with rent arrears,
and arrange for high quality representation proceedings; enforcement of debts
throughout the Court procedure. repossessions, dilapidations/repairs;
whether by obtaining charging orders; boundary/building disputes; disputes
attachment of earnings; or warrants in with neighbours; service charge
the County Courts or high courts disputes with landlords or managing
• Employment – high court actions agents; mortgage related disputes
such as injunctive proceedings, and
breaches of contract in the county or
high court; harassment proceedings
under the Protection from Harassment
Act 1997; whistle-blowing cases

14. | 14
Community Care
Get the care you are entitled Our Community Care department offers and those facing:
to receive. assistance to help access social care • Alcohol and Drug Abuse Problems
services for those who are not receiving
the care they need. We believe the most • Chronic Health Problems
We are all aware that social services
departments are under constant strain. vulnerable members of society are entitled • Disabilities
As a result it can be difficult to obtain to satisfactory services from institutions • Mental Health Problems
the services you are supposed to receive. and organisations that have a duty to help.
While we cannot change the funding Reviews and Reassessments
system, we can guide you through the With a dynamic legal team consisting of
process to help you receive the support specialists, the strength of the Duncan • Charges for Residential and Nursing
and care you need. Lewis Community Care department lies
Home Care
in its unrivalled knowledge and experience.
Duncan Lewis is amongst a handful of • Joint Working, Information and Planning
Community Care deals with the care firms who have been awarded a Legal • Non-Residential Community
people receive in their own homes, Services Commission franchise for Care Services
institutional accommodation or from Community Care work.
• Residential and Nursing Home
health and housing services.
Accommodation
Services
We help people access the social Health service and home adaptation
services, housing and healthcare they • Disputes
are entitled to, including services for:
• Home Adaptations
• Asylum seekers
• National Health Service Continuing Care
• Children
• National Health Service Provision
• Elderly people
• HIV patients
• Rape & Domestic Violence Victims

15. 15 |
Welfare Benefits
If you are entitled to benefits, claim can assist you to understand the legal We have had considerable success in helping
what is rightfully yours. process to challenge a negative benefit clients in problem situations. We are proud of
decision. We are able to advise you achieving results that have a positive effect in
step-by-step on the appeals process improving our client’s lives. By contacting our
At Duncan Lewis we understand the rules
and help you to prepare for your tribunal Welfare Benefits team you could find yourself
regarding welfare benefits are complicated.
hearing. financially better off.
Constant changes to the welfare system
make it hard for applicants to receive their
We are also able to provide professional
fair share. Services
advice and representation if you have been
Our Welfare Benefits team can explain accused of benefit fraud. Let us help you with the following:
what benefits you should be entitled to
receive. If you are unemployed, disabled, We can assist with reviews, appeals and
disputes against decisions made by: • Appeals before the Social Security
on a low income or unable to work due to T
Tribunal.
illness or an accident, then we may be
able to assist you. • Jobcentre Plus •
• Tax Credits Office • Benefit Fraud allegations
We specialise in appeals to the First Tier
• Child Support Agency • Child Benefit / guardians allowance
Tribunal and applications for permission
to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. Our team • Housing Benefit / Council Tax • Carers Allowance
Benefit office.
• Delays in processing benefits
• Discretionary Housing Payment reviews
• Disability Living Allowance Appeals
• Employment & Support Allowance appeals
• Housing / Council Tax Benefits
• Incapacity Benefit
• Industrial injuries benefits
• Income Support
• Job Seekers Allowance
• Overpayments of benefit / underpayments
of benefit
• Habitual Residence Test / Right to Reside
Problems
• Tax Credits and Pension Credit

16. | 16
Housing
Whether tenant or landlord, know Landlord & Tenant issues Possession Proceedings
your legal rights.
Landlord • Defending all possession claims
Our Housing team provide guidance for • Bringing counter claim
• Defending Claims for disrepair
landlords and tenants on all housing
issues. We are highly experienced at • Defending unlawful eviction • Harassment
claims/injunction • Housing benefits issues
finding solutions to your housing issues
and aim to address cases quickly and • Service of Notice seeking possession
• Rent arrears issues
effectively. • Repossession and representation at
Court • Right to Buy
We can guide you in any matter or issues • Mortgage arrears possession/Eviction • Security of tenure
arising with local housing authorities, • Service Charge Dispute
• Succession rights
housing applications, tenants, landlords,
Tenant
ownership, repairs and many more. This
department also regularly represents • Defending possession claim/eviction Disrepair, Allocation & Transfer
clients in the courts, ensuring they receive • Injunction against harassment by • Claim for disrepair
the highest quality assistance throughout landlord
their case. • Allocation of permanent accommodation
• Injunction against unlawful eviction
• Enhancing points
Services • Bringing claims for unlawful eviction
• Bringing claims for disrepair • Overcrowding
Our Housing department has solicitors
• Defending ASBO injunction
who are capable of dealing with the most Homelessness
• Defending closure order
complex of situations as well as more
• Unfair terms contract • Homelessness Applications
straightforward cases including:
• Tenancy Deposit Issue
• Judicial Review to Secure Temporary
• Alternative accommodation
Accommodation
• Reviews against Council Decisions
• Appeal to the county court

17. 17 |
Debt
Worried about debt? We can give you Services
constructive support.
We are able to provide advice & assistance
to you in the following areas:
We recognise that however prudently a
person borrows, he or she is doing so on
the assumption about the future. If that • Bankruptcy & Individual Voluntary
individual's circumstances change this Arrangements
leads, in many cases, to debt. We • Charging Orders
appreciate that unemployment, separation, • Consumer Credit Agreements
sickness or bereavement are participating
factors in individual's inability to pay. If you • Council Tax Arrears
are in this situation then please contact us • Hire Purchase Agreements
immediately as we may be able to assist. • Mortgage Arrears & Repossession
• Rescheduling Credit Card and other Debts
Our specialist debt advice solicitors are
aware that debt problems can be extremely • Restriction Orders
stressful. However, ignoring these issues will • Secured & Unsecured Loans
not make them go away. We aim to improve • Statutory Demand
the quality of your life by advising and
• Utility Bill Arrears
assisting you with your debts, giving you
confidence again so that you can take action
to stop bailiffs or County Court judgements
being issued, and that it is never too late to
get help. We understand that each individual's
circumstances are different and we ensure
that our advice will benefit you now and in
the future.

18. | 18
Commercial Property
Commercial property requires a As a panel member of all the major Banks,
commercial approach. Building Societies and other leading
institutions we can often expedite
The Duncan Lewis Commercial Property transactions as well as reduce legal costs
department acts for clients large and small, to help you capitalise on your commercial
having successfully assisted across a venture.
range of commercial transactions including:
the acquisition and disposal of substantial Each commercial transaction is directly
commercial premises, business leases, supervised by our Head of Property whose
development capabilities, acquiring experience in acting for large banking
properties for investment portfolios and institutions and high profile transactions
much more. ensures the highest possible level of service
and legal expertise for each client.
We can provide an efficient, business
oriented approach to these matters as well
as a very competitive costs structure. We Services
deal with transactions up to £3 millions as
standard and are able to quote above this • Business Acquisition and Sale
figure on request. • Commercial Leases & Sub Leases
& Lease back transactions
Of course each client and each case is
unique, and we offer a completely • Commercial Purchase and Sale
personalised bespoke service. In each • Commercial Securities
transaction we apply our extensive • Licences
experience and expertise to ensure that
• Finance, Mortgages & Investments
your interests are protected, consequently
saving you time and avoiding potentially • Business Franchising
expensive mistakes.

19. 19 |
Residential Property
You want the move; we can help We provide you with a fixed quote for Services
it go smoothly. fees and your work is supervised by a • Freehold or leasehold
senior qualified solicitor and contact can
be by direct phone or by email. We wish • Purchase
As we all know, moving home is a trying
time for all involved. With so much to to minimise inconvenience and maximise • Re-mortgage
worry about, choosing the right the speed of your transaction. We
• Right to buy
conveyancing solicitor is crucial to easing endeavour to carry out all legal work
promptly and in particular to keep you • Sale
the whole experience.
informed and to make ourselves available • New Builds, Bulk Buy
to you to answer your concerns at any time.
Duncan Lewis offers a thorough and • Transfer of equity
professional property service, providing We are accepted by all leading Banks,
excellent value for money with a friendly Building Societies and other leading
and approachable legal team always institutions and are able to act on their
ready to assist. behalf so that you do not incur undue
costs or delays.
Our residential team operates with a
unique combination of personalised Contact us now and let us help you
service and state of the art computerised make your move a stress free experience.
systems. This allows us to concentrate
on your needs without sacrificing efficiency
or incurring undue legal costs.

20. | 20
Mental Health
Protecting legal rights is even more The Mental Health department, led by Services
challenging when dealing with Mental Mental Health Panel Members, is proud of Duncan Lewis can assist you in the
Health Issues. the level of care we give to our clients and following areas:
their families. The team's dedication to
improving the quality of life for their clients • Advising and assisting in all areas of
Mental Health Law is highly specialised Mental Health, including admission to
is matched only by their expert knowledge
and an area in which Duncan Lewis has hospital, consent to treatment, Supervised
in this area.
operated a successful department for Community Treatment Orders and
several years. Indeed, we are the largest aftercare provisions
The department is concerned about the
provider of Mental Health, publicly funded • Representation at First-tier Tribunals
individual rights and liberties of those being
services in the UK. (Mental Health) in applications for
detained and will endeavour to exercise
patients' legal rights and advise them while discharge and seeking recommendations
We assist those suffering from mental in relation to transfer and leave
in hospital detention, including scrutinising
health problems, who are being • Provision of advice and assistance
all forms of medical treatment.
compulsorily detained under the Mental at Hospital Managers Hearings and
Health Act 1983. Renewal Hearings
Persons detained under the Mental Health
Act are eligible for free legal advice and • Representing nearest relatives in
assistance. It may also be possible for a displacement proceedings before the
relative of someone detained to be eligible County Courts
for financial assistance. • Challenging Decisions of the First-tier
Tribunals at the Upper Tier Tribunal
Our team can arrange appointments at any • Challenging decision of Primary Care
hospital at short notice and while based in Trusts by way of Judicial Review
London, we routinely assist clients at Proceedings
locations across the country as we have • Commissioning independent experts in
been provided a contract by the Legal the field of psychiatry, psychology, social
Services Commission to provide advice circumstances & nursing
and assistance in the Mental Health • Advising on the legality of detention and
category nationwide including Wales. assistance with challenging the detaining
Please contact us on 0203 114 1124 to authority where there is any ambiguity in
speak to a specialist. this respect
• Advising and assisting detained Children
and Young People.
• Advising in relation to appropriateness of
treatment
• Attending Section 117/Care Programme
Approach meetings
• Advising and assisting client's seeking
transfer from prison to hospital for
psychiatric treatment
• Advising clients involved in criminal
proceedings in relation to disposals under
the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)

21. 21 |
Employment
In an employment dispute, you need Services
an expert on your side.
Employees Employers
When employment disputes arise, they If you are experiencing problems at work We bring our expertise from representation
can have a profound effect on those or are not clear about your legal rights, in the Employment Tribunal to advise our
involved. employer clients on how to avoid such
then we may be able to assist you in
claims. We give practical step by step
the following: advice as to how to deal with employee
Our Employment Department acts on
behalf of both Claimants and Respondents • Changes to Terms and Conditions issues in such a way as to limit liability.
in all Tribunal related matters. We have of your Contract of Employment Our contracts, policies and procedures are
the size, experience, skill and flexibility to tailored to your business, not “off the shelf”.
• Considering and Advising on
represent all types of employer, both large Compromise Agreements
and small as well as individual employees. Sometimes claims are inevitable. When they
• Discrimination of Sex, Race, Disability, are, we look at the best and most cost
We have negotiated quick and amicable Religion & Belief, Sexual Orientation effective way to defend them. If it is not
solutions for many of our clients. Where and Age possible to reach agreement with your
this is not possible, we can represent you • Harassment/Bullying at Work employee, we can arrange representation
in the Employment Tribunal, Employment either by one of our in-house advocates or
• Holiday/Long Hours/Sick Pay Rights
Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal. We by a barrister best suited to deal with your
• Maternity Rights case.
find that many cases eventually settle no
matter how far apart the parties are at the • Minimum Wage
beginning. When this doesn’t happen, we • Redundancy We may be able to assist you with:
can arrange representation either by one • Unfair Dismissal
of our in-house advocates or by a barrister • Drafting contracts, staff handbooks,
best suited to deal with your case. policies and procedures.
Clients fund their cases through insurance • Drafting directors' service contracts.
policies, a no-win, no fee (Damage Based
Fee) arrangements, or paying privately. • Advice and assistance with disciplinary
Clients appreciate that we offer fixed fee and grievance procedures.
arrangements, so you know exactly what
the costs will be. • Training key employees, managers and HR.
Many people are unaware that their • Advice on injunctive relief, restrictive
household insurance policy covers them covenants and anti competition clauses.
for legal expenses, including bringing a
claim in the Employment Tribunal. We are • Negotiation of settlements with employees
often appointed as solicitor of choice and Compromise Agreements.
under such a policy, making the cost of
representation free save the policy excess. • Representation in the Employment Tribunal,
High Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal
and above.

22. | 22
Personal Injury
If you’ve had an accident, you may Services In serious cases it is possible to
be due compensation. recover damages for example
Our Personal Injury Department
Injuries may occur as a result of may be able to get you • Future loss of income
accidents such as on the road, compensation for:
• Ongoing and future medical care
at work, or when visiting someone
and related expenses
at their home or place or work. • Accidents at Work and accidents
arising from Occupier’s Liability • Adjustments to your home
• Children’s Injuries • Lost opportunity for promotion
• Holiday/Travel accidents • Pension loss
• Road Traffic Accidents
• Injury as a consequence of a crime Whilst most claims settle without the need
• Trip and slip i.e. on pavement, another to instigate proceedings, if court action is
person’s premises the only way to obtain the best remedy for
• Slipping on a wet or uneven floor in a you, we will instigate proceedings to obtain
public place or elsewhere maximum compensation as quickly as possible.
Types of Compensation
Violent Crimes
• General Damages: are awarded to
compensate for pain suffering and You may be eligible to claim compensation
loss of amenity arising from the injury through the Criminal Injuries Compensation
sustained. The level of damages is Authority (CICA) if you have been the victim
dependent upon the severity of the of an assault or other violent criminal act.
injury, likely period of recovery time
and prognosis. In assessing the Types of funding for your personal
damages, the court will have reference injury claim
to the medical report, previous similar
cases and guideline figures given by • Private funding
the Judicial Studies Board. • Before the event insurance if eligible under
• Special Damages: are actual losses home insurance, credit card or private policy
arising from the accident and includes • Legal insurance linked to motor insurance
but is not limited to: • No win no fee - Conditional Fee Agreement
- Loss of income
- Travel expenses
- Damage to possessions