Begin in writing.
Every matter starts the same way here: a written brief, read by Raul, before any time is fixed. It is the fastest route to a useful conversation and it costs you nothing but twelve minutes.
The written brief
Six short screens: what the matter is, where it stands, who is on the other side, what happened and when, what you already hold, and how to reach you. It takes the background off the first call so the call is about the decision.
Set out the matterSending a brief does not create a solicitor and client relationship, and no advice is given by return. That begins only on a written engagement.
1. Read
Your brief is checked against the conflict register first, then read on its merits. A matter this practice should not take is answered straight, with a pointer to who should.
2. Fifteen minutes
A short call, not charged, from the windows you gave. It confirms fit and conflict. It is deliberately not the meeting where the matter is worked through.
3. Scope in writing
If it proceeds, a written scope and a fee for the first piece of work follow the same day. Time is set aside once that is agreed, and not before.
If there is a date
A hearing, a deadline to file, an offer that lapses, an expiring limitation period. Send the brief and mark the date on it; briefs carrying a date inside seven days go to the top of the reading order. If it is inside seven days, call rather than wait.
+60 12-747 8227Confidentiality
Communications with a solicitor for the purpose of taking legal advice attract legal professional privilege under the Evidence Act 1950. The brief is read by Raul and is treated as confidential from the moment it arrives, whether or not the matter proceeds.
A general enquiry
Not a new matter. Use this for a question about the practice, a speaking or training request, a media enquiry, or anything a brief would be the wrong shape for.