At your first meeting you will be told how we calculate our charges. Whenever possible we will give you a detailed breakdown of the estimated total costs, whether these are our own fees or for an external resource such as a barrister or expert. As with all solicitors, Duncan Lewis requires your authority to make these payments, known as disbursements, to other people on your behalf.
In litigation matters you may be able to recover your costs from the opposing party if you win your case.
In all the privately funded cases, we aim to offer fair prices. If you are consulting us about Court proceedings, we can offer you a number of fixed fee packages.
Duncan Lewis operates a fair and reasonable pricing policy. We keep things as transparent as possible so that there are no hidden extras. Please note that it is not possible for us to discount Court fees or other disbursements although we have a good relationship with many barristers’ chambers that provide competitive private rates if barristers are required in your matter. We will advise you if Court appearances are necessary in your case and how to control and minimise your costs wherever possible.
At Duncan Lewis we undertake work funded by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). Public funding (formerly known as legal aid) is a system of government funding, administered by the LAA, for those who cannot afford to pay for legal advice and representation. Franchises are granted by the LAA for practising in specific areas of law and are an endorsement of our quality system, client commitment and legal skills in those areas.
Many household and motor insurance policies include cover for legal costs. It may be worth checking the policy wording of your existing insurances before your first appointment to find out if this is an option in your case.
Please contact us so that we can assess what funding may be available to you.
We use a preferred supplier, Cost Law Services Limited, www.costlaw.com, who are highly skilled and specialist external Law Costs Draftsmen/Cost Lawyers, to prepare bills in the format required by the courts, Legal Aid Agency and our clients.