Audit

First Law has been appointed as independent expert to resolve disputes arising under more than 50 separate service level agreements between public sector organisations and law firms and counsel.

We also give negotiation advice to clients. If your legal fees are too high or are higher than your lawyer estimated, we can advise you how to negotiate a reduction to a reasonable level. All we require are copies of the disputed invoices.

All solicitors must provide you with detailed costs information both in advance and during the progress of an instruction. Many solicitors fall foul of professional conduct rules which require solicitors:

  • to provide all clients with the best possible information about the likely overall costs, including a breakdown between fees, VAT and disbursements at the outset of every instruction
  • to inform clients as soon as it appears that a costs estimate may or will be exceeded
  • not to exceed an agreed limit on costs

The Solicitors' Regulation Authority has power to fine solicitors in breach and to reduce their bills, but in our experience they very rarely do this.

First Law provides a no win no fee service to negotiate reductions in disputed bills. We charge fees of 10% of any savings achieved. Our advice is free if we are unsuccessful in negotiating a discount, so you have nothing to lose by undertaking an audit.

Email: audit@firstlaw.co.uk
Tel: 020 7353 8888