Introduction

Our aim is to deliver, both in Bradford and Leeds, a proactive and client focused service which anticipates needs and exceeds expectations in all areas of client service. We have consequently organised ourselves into two specialised clerking teams – the Criminal Team and the Civil and Family Team – in order to provide the most effective service possible.

Administration

Efficient and flexible administration is vital in our dealings with our clients. We are able to accept instructions by post, fax or e mail and can provide written work in a number of formats if required. Upon receipt all briefs are acknowledged in writing and the expected timescales for the completion of the work are indicated. We closely monitor the progress of all work using our diary and case management system.

Our procedures are designed to offer our clients a high quality service and are constantly reviewed to ensure that this continues to be the case.

We have been awarded “Quality Mark” thus illustrating our commitment to efficient procedures and modern policies.

Timescales

It is crucial that clients can rely on Chambers to deal with instructions quickly and in accordance with the agreed deadlines. Our standard turn-around times are set out in writing when instructions are accepted. However we will always endeavour to work to our clients timetable. If another deadline is agreed then this is recorded on our case management system so that we can monitor progress and ensure compliance.

Systems

Our clients increasingly ask for more detailed information and more formal written advice. Chambers is fully computerised and uses the most recent version of the Meridian Law system. The system is an extremely powerful tool which allows us to record a great deal of information, documents and details of correspondence and work done against each piece of work. We are therefore confident of our ability to provide speedy and accurate information on each case.

Availability of counsel

We understand that clients rely on our recommendations regarding barristers and the suitability of different counsel for different cases. In addition to providing individual barrister profiles we are happy to discuss the experience of individual members of Chambers in more detail. We aim to provide objective advice and are very aware of our responsibility to decline work which is not within the expertise of Chambers.

We realise that late changes in counsel can be inconvenient and stressful to deal with. There are times when this cannot be avoided but we will always endeavour to provide alternative counsel to ensure continuity of service. Given the size of Chambers suitable cover can usually be found. However, if it cannot, we will assist in finding representation elsewhere. Moreover, we will ensure that any conflict of interest or diary clash is identified as soon as possible and our client kept informed of diary changes and problems as soon as we are aware of them.

Our work and acceptance of instructions is always subject to Chambers' overall policy in respect of equal opportunities and non discrimination

Fees

We recognise that clients have a number of concerns regarding fees. We realise that it is important that solicitors can give their clients an estimate of the costs associated with a piece of work. We are happy to discuss fees and give estimates of costs. All time spent on a case is recorded for subsequent analysis and to support our billings. We aim to make our billing as explicit as possible so that clients can understand the build up of costs and recognise the value of work completed.

In some areas an hourly rate is appropriate, but however our fees are arrived at we aim to charge realistic rates and to provide value for money.

Members of Chambers can be instructed on a conditional fee basis where appropriate. Details can be obtained from the Civil and Family Clerking Team.

The clerking teams are supported by experienced reception and administration staff headed by Valerie Verity.

Our clerks can be contacted on clerks@broadwayhouse.co.uk