FAQ
We have an open and transparent ethos when it comes to how we charge so that there are no surprises. If you decide to work with us we’ll offer an initial no charge call and thereafter you may be offered a discounted no win no fee, fixed fees or competitive fees. Below we provide answers to some frequently asked questions about our service.
What is a no win no fee
A no win no fee can refer to a Conditional Fee Agreement (“CFA”). A CFA is an agreement with a client in relation to how and when their solicitor will receive payment for their service. Typically a solicitor will agree to be paid at the end of a case, if they win. A CFA is usually offered for professional negligence type cases.
What is a fixed fee?
A fixed fee is an agreed amount that a solicitor may offer to be paid in return for the service they provide. Fixed fees work well when a defined piece of work is required and may be offered for debt recovery, litigation, immigration, commerical property and commerical/corporate work.
What is after the event insurance (ATE)?
ATE is a type of insurance that may be available in dispute cases to protect against you have to pay your opponent’s costs if a case is not won.
What is a consultant solicitor/lawyer?
A consultant solicitor is a solicitor that is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority “SRA”. A consultant lawyer is a fully qualified barrister or Legal Executive. Consultant lawyers personally look after and manage their own clients’ cases. They work remotely rather than through expensive offices and often employ IT solutions to deliver a high-quality service. Their low overheads mean that they can offer a wealth of expertise to their clients at competitive rates. Consultants ensure they provide their clients with a compliant service by partnering with preferred SRA regulated law firms.
What is reserved legal activity?
There are certain types of legal services that can only be carried out by lawyers and law firms that are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) or the Bar Association. Those works include for example, representation at court, the conduct of litigation (in summary, the entire process of issuing and defending a case through the court system), dealing with probate (in summary, dealing with a person’s estate after they pass away) etc. Further information can be found here.
What is a discounted dcfa?
A DCFA is an agreement with a client in relation to how and when a solicitor will receive payment for their service. Typically a solicitor will agree to receive a percentage of their fee as a case progresses and to only be paid the balance of their fees at the end of a case, if they win. A DCFA may be offered for breach of contract claims and disputed debt recovery.
What is a competitive rate?
We offer competitive hourly rates by either a Covid-19 compliant face to face office meetings (when necessary), remote meetings and we can also meet with you at your offices if required. Competitive hourly rates may be offered for resolving disputes such as your supplier has breached your contract.
What is third party funding?
Third party funding is as the name suggests, it is funding to assist businesses and individuals to pursue their cases. In return the third party funder will receive a percentage of your compensation or damages.
What are non-reserved activities?
Non-reserved activities include for example, providing legal advice that does not relate to court/the conduct of litigation or the transfer of property etc, will writing, some employment and family law.
Is Johnson May a regulated law firm?
Yes, Johnson May Solicitors is the trading name of Johnson May Limited. Johnson May Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA: 8001033).
Who is the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)?
In brief, the SRA regulates solicitors, law firms and other types of lawyers such as foreign lawyers.
How do you charge for debt recovery?
We charge low fixed fees for undisputed debt recovery. Click here for our pricing.