Terms of Business

These terms set out the basis on which I work with clients. They are summarised here for openness; the full terms are confirmed in the client care letter you receive before any work begins, and that letter takes precedence if there is any difference.

Who you are dealing with

Melinda Nettleton, an independent solicitor practising as Nettleton Friel, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 117964). I stepped down from the ownership of SEN Legal on 1 August 2023 and have no connection with that firm.

Fees and VAT

Most work is undertaken at the fixed fees published on the Services and Fees page. Work that does not fit a fixed fee is charged at £300 per hour, and I will give you an estimate before starting. Because I take on only a limited number of cases each year my practice is below the VAT registration threshold, so no VAT is charged. Should that position change I will tell you before any further work is done.

Payment

To secure your place among the limited number of cases I take, my standard practice is to complete the on-boarding paperwork and invoice payment ahead of time. Each appeal is treated as a separate service with its own fee, applied individually to each appeal I submit for you.

What the fees do not include

My professional fees cover all of my direct work with you, but do not include:

• The separate fees, travel or accommodation charged by any independent expert.
• Representation at a final hearing, which is quoted separately, or the fees of any barrister instructed on your behalf.
• Payment of the other party’s costs if, in exceptional circumstances, they are awarded against you.
• Any work after the completion of the Tribunal process.

Legal Aid

I am not able to offer Legal Aid. You can check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/check-legal-aid.

My involvement with you

I may decide to stop acting if payment is outstanding for more than 14 days after the due date; if I am unable to obtain clear instructions from you; if you require the case to be conducted in an unreasonable manner; or if there has been a breakdown of confidence between us. I will write to you and notify you of my intentions.

Hours of business

As my caseload is deliberately limited, my normal hours are 10.00am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm, Monday to Thursday. I am happy to discuss your case outside those hours by appointment.

Confidentiality

Subject to certain statutory exceptions, everything you tell me will be kept strictly confidential. The Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR apply; see the privacy policy.

Use of email

I will normally write to you by email. Cyber criminals can be very clever and sometimes mimic official practices, so please be alert and verify any email before acting on it, particularly any request to make a payment or change bank details. I will never change my bank details by email. Because I cannot control these outside tricks I cannot take responsibility for fake emails sent in my name. If something feels off, strange or unusual, give me a quick call.

If you are unhappy

Let me know what you are concerned about as soon as you can and I will do my best to make it right. If we cannot resolve it informally, my complaints procedure explains the next steps, including your right to go to the Legal Ombudsman and the SRA.