To listen to our clients
To provide robust and competent legal advice in a timely and cost-effective manner
To provide a warm and welcoming environment to our clients
To be available to our clients as much as possible
To protect and promote our client’s interests and act for them free from compromising influences or loyalties
To charge our clients a fee that is fair and reasonable and let them know how and when they will be billed
To protect our client’s privacy and ensure appropriate confidentiality
To treat our clients fairly, respectfully, and without discrimination
Our Commitment
When you instruct us to undertake any legal work for you, we provide you with a Letter of Engagement. This will set out:
The services that we will provide to you
The basis on which our fees will be charged, including hourly rates
Who will be responsible for your work; and the person who will stand in if they are absent
A limitations of liability statement
If you agree to the terms of the letter, a form for you to sign and return.
Included with the Letter of Engagement, we will provide you with our Terms of Engagement which sets out:
Fees
Disbursements
GST
Invoices
Payment terms and Debt Collection
Security
Third Parties
Confidentiality
Termination
Retention of Files & Documents
Conflict of Interest
Duty of Care
Trust Account
General
Letter of Engagement
Fees
Professional Indemnity Insurance
Lawyers Fidelity Fund
Complaints
Persons Responsible for the Work
Client Care & Service
Limitations on extent of Obligations & Liability
If you engage us on another matter, we may not send you a further copy of the Terms of Engagement unless they have changed.
Information for Clients
Be prepared to provide us with all the relevant information
The more you can provide to us at the outset, the quicker we can appreciate the ‘whole picture’. If we ask you for further information, try to provide it promptly.
Try not to leave things until the last minute
Urgency usually adds to the cost.
Do some things yourself
e.g. liaising with Banks, Insurance Companies, and Valuers. But talk with us first so that efforts are coordinated.