Meeting with a solicitor for the first time can be daunting, but it helps to be prepared. Having the right information with you at your appointment makes it easier for us to start acting on your behalf.

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Whether you choose to meet with your legal adviser face to face at one of our offices or prefer the convenience of an online video call, we can offer an appointment that suits you.

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Using video calls to meet your solicitor

For clients who choose to meet with us via a video meeting, we use Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams offers advanced security and compliance capabilities compared with other video conferencing software, to ensure the safety of our clients.

You don’t need to have a Microsoft account to join a Teams video call, you can join easily as a guest.

Here is our step-by-step guide to meeting with your legal adviser via Microsoft Teams:

A member of our team will email a link to a Microsoft Teams meeting on an agreed date.
Check your email for the Teams Meeting invite and click the Join Microsoft Teams Meeting link.
Select Join on the web or download the free Teams app to your tablet or mobile device.

There is no need to set up an account, choose Join as guest, enter your name and choose your audio and video settings.
Click the Join Now button to be admitted into the meeting.

Proof Of Identity

Before we can proceed with your case it is a requirement that we verify your identity and address from original documents.

You will need to provide either one item from List A and one item from List B or two items from List B.

We can only accept original documents, not photocopies.

List A

Valid full passport
Valid H.M. Forces identity card (1250) bearing signatory’s photograph
Valid UK photocard driving licence
Current biometric Residence permit issued by UK Home Office

List B

Cheque guarantee card or debit card and a statement less than three months old
Credit card and a statement less than three months old
Current Firearm and shotgun certificate
Utility bill (gas, electricity, landline telephone bill) less than three months old (but not a mobile phone bill)
Current Council Tax bill
Council/Housing Association rent book showing rent paid for past three months
Mortgage statement for the mortgage accounting year just ended
Current DWP state pension letter
HMRC self-assessment letter or tax statement issued within the current tax year

All items in List B must show your current address

Additional ID evidence will be required when the transaction involves a company:

Letter of authority to act on behalf of organisation
Current company search
Copy Certificate of Incorporation

Please speak to your legal adviser if you have any questions regarding proof of identity.

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Verification of ID Search

Various obligations are imposed on you and us under the Terrorism Act 2000, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. The obligations imposed on you are to prove who you are and to provide written proof of the source of all monies required to complete all transactions and to pay all bills.

We are entitled to refuse to act for you if you fail to supply appropriate proof of identity for yourself or for any principal whom you may represent.

We will carry out an electronic verification of your identity, the cost of any such search is per person and will be charged to you. If the amount per individual name is in excess of £10 plus VAT, we will seek your prior agreement.

Case Details

It helps to have a clear understanding of your case. Names and addresses of any other parties involved are important, and it also helps to have accurate dates of when problems began or when you received any correspondence.

Any Relevant Paperwork

It will help if you can bring with you to the first meeting any paperwork relating to your case. If you are not sure which papers are relevant, bring anything you think will be helpful. This will make it much quicker and easier to find out what you need and how we can help you.

Depending on your individual situation, paperwork may include:

Contracts
Correspondence, including emails
Photos
Accident reports
Employment materials, such as an employee handbook
Witness statements
Title documents and mortgage details if you are selling a property

Our Office Locations

Preparing for your appointment

Proof Of Identity

Additional ID evidence will be required when the transaction involves a company:

AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and Verification of ID Search

Any Relevant Paperwork

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