What to Expect When You Instruct PA Duffy Solicitors
Instructing a solicitor can feel daunting, particularly when you are dealing with an injury, family difficulty, medical negligence matter, dispute or other significant legal issue.
At P.A. Duffy & Co. Solicitors, we believe clients should understand what happens next, who will deal with their case and how we will communicate with them throughout the process.
From your first conversation with us, our aim is to provide clear, practical advice and ensure you know who is responsible for your matter.
Your First Conversation With Us
Your initial consultation with PA Duffy is free of charge.
When a new enquiry is received, our team will normally aim to respond within a matter of hours and no later than 24 hours.
During the initial conversation, we will listen to the circumstances of your case, establish the key facts and explain the appropriate next steps.
There is no expectation that you should already understand the legal process before speaking to us. Our role is to help you understand your position and the options available.
You Will Know Who Is Handling Your Case
Once you formally instruct PA Duffy, you will have a named solicitor or case handler, together with a supervising partner responsible for your matter.
Where possible, the same person will continue to deal with you throughout your case.
This continuity means that the person handling your matter understands its history and does not require you to repeatedly explain your circumstances to different members of the team.
What Happens After You Instruct PA Duffy?
Although every legal matter is different, the initial process will normally include several important steps.
You will receive the appropriate retainer documentation and terms of business, and we will complete the necessary anti-money laundering and identification checks.
Once those requirements have been completed and we have the information needed to progress your matter, we can begin taking the appropriate legal steps. Depending on the nature of the case, this may include engaging with the other party, their solicitors, insurers or other relevant organisations.
For more complex matters, additional stages may include obtaining documents or records, gathering evidence, instructing experts or counsel and assessing the appropriate way to progress the case.
Your solicitor will explain the process relevant to your individual circumstances.
Keeping You Informed
We recognise that one of the most important parts of the solicitor-client relationship is communication.
PA Duffy aims to respond to client telephone calls and emails within 24 hours.
Cases are also reviewed regularly. Quarterly reviews will typically prompt an update to the client where appropriate, including in circumstances where there may not have been a major development in the case.
Some legal matters can involve periods where we are waiting for information, expert evidence, responses from another party or developments elsewhere in the legal process. A lack of immediate activity does not necessarily mean that your case has stopped progressing.
Where you have a question or concern, you can contact the person dealing with your matter directly.
Understanding Costs and Funding
We believe clients should understand the financial arrangements relating to their case.
Costs and available funding options will be explained as part of the retainer process and can also be discussed with you by telephone.
The funding arrangements available will depend on the type of legal matter and your individual circumstances.
Where relevant, our solicitors can explain the funding options that may be available and answer any questions you have before you formally proceed.
How Long Will My Case Take?
It is not always possible to provide a reliable timeframe at the beginning of a legal matter.
Every case is different, and the time required can depend on factors outside the control of either the client or their solicitor. These can include the complexity of the case, availability of evidence, expert reports, responses from other parties, negotiations and court timetables.
For this reason, PA Duffy does not make blanket promises about how quickly a particular type of case will conclude.
Your solicitor will instead explain the progress of your individual case and keep you informed as it develops.
Clear Advice at Important Stages
As a case progresses, there may be points at which you need to make important decisions.
These could involve providing further evidence, considering expert advice, responding to an offer, entering negotiations or deciding whether court proceedings are necessary.
Your solicitor will explain the available options and their implications so that you can make an informed decision.
Our aim is to provide legal advice in a way that is clear and understandable rather than expecting clients to interpret complex legal terminology themselves.
A Consistent Point of Contact
Legal matters can sometimes continue for a significant period, particularly complex litigation and medical negligence cases.
Having a consistent point of contact is therefore important.
The solicitor or case handler assigned to your matter will normally remain involved throughout the case, supported by the supervising partner and wider PA Duffy team where necessary.
This allows us to build a detailed understanding of both the legal issues and the circumstances affecting you.
Ready to Speak to a Solicitor?
If you would like to discuss a legal matter with PA Duffy, your initial consultation is free.
Our team will listen to your circumstances, explain how we may be able to assist and outline the next steps.
You can then decide how you would like to proceed with a clearer understanding of what instructing PA Duffy will involve.