SRA Transparency

Fees & Expenses

1. Where possible we will fix or cap our fees, taking into account a number of factors which

include the complexity, difficulty or novelty of the issues, the speed at which action must be

taken, the expertise or specialist knowledge which the case requires and, if appropriate, the

value of the property or subject matter involved. Where we quote a fixed or capped fee on

any particular case this will not be varied without your agreement.

2. Unless they are fixed or capped, our charges are based on the time we spend in dealing with

a case. Time spent will include meetings, travel, considering and working on papers,

correspondence, making and receiving telephone calls, regulatory compliance and preparing

invoices. We maintain detailed records of the time spent. Routine letters and telephone calls

(incoming and outgoing) will be charged at six minute units each. Lengthier letters and calls

will be charged on an actual time basis. In addition to the time spent, we may take into

account a number of factors which include the complexity, difficulty or novelty of the issues,

the speed at which action must be taken, the expertise or specialist knowledge required.

3. If urgent work has to be undertaken outside normal working hours, we reserve the right to

make an additional charge or increase hourly rates. You will be notified in writing should we

do so.

4. We will review our hourly rates and fixed costs (to take account of changes in overhead

costs and Court costs) each year and will notify you in writing of any increased rate or costs

to take effect normally from 1 January of the following year.

5. Unless the hourly rate is detailed in our client care letter, updated in writing where required,

our hourly rates charged will be in accordance with “Solicitor’s Guideline Hourly Rates” in

effect at the time. National Band 1 is our applicable rate.

6. It is important that you understand that you will aways be responsible for paying our bills.

For example, in litigation matters you are unlikely to recover all your costs from your

opponent if you win, and you will most likely have to pay your opponent’s costs if you lose.

7. In addition to our fees, there may be certain other expenses, including payments we make

on your behalf, such as Court fees, Land Registry Fees, fees for Enquiry Agents and

Barristers’ or Solicitor Agent’s fees, which you will have to pay. Expenses may include, where

appropriate, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses and subsistence incurred by

our people when working for you. Details of these will appear in our invoice under the

heading “Disbursements. We will also make a charge for CHAPS and other special bank

payments. The amount of charge varies depending upon the destination of the payment.

Further information can be provided on request.

8. If, for any reason, instructions are withdrawn, or a matter fails to proceed, we will charge

you for work done and expenses incurred based on an hourly rate.

9. You may be entitled to have our charges assessed by the Court. This procedure is set out in sections 70 to 72 of the Solicitors Act 1974