Terms and conditions of Service

Introduction

You will be a client of CITYWIDE Solicitors, which is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The detailed professional rules applicable to those who are regulated by the SRA are contained in the “Handbook” which you can access through their website http://www.sra.org.uk/solicitors/handbook/code

Our Business Hours

Our offices are opened from 9:30am to 5:30pm on weekdays except for Bank Holidays. Our switchboard deals with all incoming calls during this time on the days when our offices are open.

Appointments

Normally, during the course of your case, we would request that you telephone us to arrange a mutually convenient appointment, as and when necessary. However, if you need to see any member of the professional staff because of some special development in your case, you should first telephone our switchboard to arrange an appointment. Appointments will usually be between 11:00am to 4:00pm. If there is an emergency and you need to see a member of professional staff outside these hours, please telephone to let us know the nature of the emergency and we would endeavour to arrange a special appointment for you where possible. Please note that if you attend our offices without an appointment, the lawyer handling your case may not be able to see.

The Level Of Service

4.1. We have discussed with you the level of service that is appropriate to your case, which we will be providing you.

4.2. It is important that you bear in mind that the level of service to be provided will have a direct impact on the costs of your case. The level of services and complexity of the services we have agreed to undertake on your behalf will affect the costs of your matter as we have discussed. WE WILL:

Provide you with regular updates as to the progress on your matter.
Communicate with you in plain language.
Explain to you the legal work required as your matter progresses.
Update you on the cost of your matter at least every three months.

Update you on whether the likely outcomes still justify the likely costs and risks associated with your matter whenever there is a material change in circumstances.
Update you on the likely timescales for each stage of your matter and any important changes in those timescales.

OUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

We shall act in your best interests, subject to our duty to the Court.
We shall review your matter regularly and advise you of any circumstances and risks of which we are aware or reasonably foreseeable that could affect the progress and outcome of your matter.
We shall advise you of any relevant changes in the law and give you our best advice.
We shall give you the best information possible about the likely costs of your case.
CITYWIDE Solicitors are committed to equality and diversity in all aspects of our work. We have an Equality and Diversity Policy, which states our values, commitments and aims. A copy is on our website and available on request.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

YOU MUST:

Provide us with clear, timely and accurate instructions to enable us to perform our duties on your behalf properly.
Place us in funds (your fees and disbursements) on time for your matter.
Provide all documentation required to undertake and complete work in a timely manner and keep safe any documents that are likely to be required for disclosure.
Not ask us to work in an improper or unreasonable or unlawful way.
Not deliberately mislead us.
Must co-operate with us to enable us to progress your case.
Not, unless we have made alternative arrangements, attend any appointment and Court/Tribunal Hearings without our knowledge and advice.

6.1. You must also let us know if you are subject to a bankruptcy order of a bankruptcy petition that has been presented by or against you or you are subject to any other form of the insolvency process.

IMPLIED AUTHORITY:

7.1. Unless you advise us to the contrary, we will assume that we have your authority to take all steps that we consider reasonable and necessary in the conduct of your matter and incur necessary expenses (known as ‘disbursements’, e.g., Court/Tribunal Fees, Barrister’s fees, medical report fees, any other relevant expert’s fees, etc.). We shall of course inform you in advance if unusual or high expenses are to be incurred. We will not incur any disbursements unless you have made payments to us on account of them.

CHARGES AND EXPENSES/DISBURSEMENTS:

8.1 We confirm that we will agree to a fee with you, which is either a fixed fee or hourly rate unless we agree to act on your behalf on pro bono or under a special fee arrangement. You will, however, be responsible for all other expenses also known as disbursement which may be incurred including VAT, where applicable. We will obtain and provide quotation of the disbursement to you and received full cleared funds including VAT, if applicable, from you before instructing the agent/expert on your behalf. This may include Counsel’s fee, Court costs, Country Expert fee, Medical Expert fee and any other necessary expenses required. In addition, if your matter becomes complex, we will have to bill you at a new higher rate to reflect this. However, we will of course inform you about this if it does happen.

8.2. We will inform you if any unforeseen additional work becomes necessary (for example, due to unexpected difficulties, for example, your case takes longer than anticipated, or if your requirements or the circumstances significantly change during the course of the matter). We will also inform you of its estimated costs in writing before any extra charges or expenses are incurred.

BILLING ARRANGEMENTS:

9.1. We will send you an interim bill for our charges and expenses at intervals of six months at least while the work is in progress. This enables you to budget as the matter progresses. The bills we send out while we are still working on your case are not an exact costing of the full amount due.

9.2. If there is not enough money to pay an expense or our bill, we will ask you to pay the balance promptly and we may also ask you to pay a further amount to be held on our client account in your name for anticipated work on your behalf.

9.3. Payment is due once we have issued a bill to you. But we will allow you seven days to make payment (unless the payment is for a disbursement or the matter is urgent). We will charge you interest on the bill at 8% per year seven days from the date of our bill if you do not pay our bill within this time. Interest will be charged on a daily basis. If you fail to make full payment of our bill after 14 days or for any disbursement necessary to advance your case or for a hearing, we will stop representing you. If our fee remains unpaid after one month, we will add an administrative fee each month the bill remains unpaid.

9.4. We understand that sometimes it is easier for people to pay bills than at other times. If you have difficulty in paying for the work as it progresses, please do speak to the person who is dealing with your case straight away. You should tell us if your financial circumstances change and we will do our best to develop the right payment plan for you. Although, we cannot work free of charge in this case, but we will try to assist you with the right payment plan.

9.5 If you or we decide that we should stop acting for you, you will pay our charges up until that point. These are calculated on an hourly basis plus expenses (and if we are acting under a fixed fee agreement, by a proportion of the agreed fee.

LIEN FOR UNPAID COSTS:

A “lien” means the right to hold someone else’s property as security for a debt. If you do not pay our bills or disbursements, CITYWIDE Solicitors have the right to hold onto your documents/paperwork as security for the outstanding bills. This also applies if you decide to change solicitors, where there are fees outstanding. In practice, CITYWIDE Solicitors will release your papers to your new solicitor if a satisfactory Undertaking has been provided by the new solicitors or legal representatives that they will obtain and pay us our outstanding fees and unpaid disbursements. Clause 9 above will also apply. After six years we will destroy all the documents without notice to you.

CONCERNS ABOUT OUR BILLS:

11.1. You have a right to know how much you are likely to have to pay CITYWIDE Solicitors and should never feel uncomfortable about asking. If you ever want to know anything about cost, all you need to do us ask the lawyer handling your case.

11.2. If you are unhappy about the amount of fees and other costs you are asked to pay because you believe it was not what you had agreed to, please speak with the lawyer dealing with your case. CITYWIDE Solicitors also has our own complaints procedure and if you remain dissatisfied, in certain circumstances, you may ask the Law Society or the Court to assess whether or not the costs we have asked you to pay are reasonably provided that you have made some payment to us. If you would like further details of these procedures, please let us know.

OTHER PARTY AND THEIR CHARGES AND EXPENSES:

12.1. Just as we will do our best to achieve the most cost-effective outcome for you, we will try to ensure that as much as possible of your own legal costs is paid by the other side. In the civil courts, such as the County Court or High Court, Court of Appeal, etc., the general rule is that if you win, the other side will have to pay your costs (but Judges have the discretion to order any costs). However, the other party may not be able to pay all your charges and expenses, or these may not be recovered from them in full; if this happens, you will still be responsible for the whole of our fee and other disbursements. If the other party is legally aided, you may not get back any of your charges and expenses even if you win the case.

12.2. If you are successful and the court ordered the other party to pay some or all of your charges and expenses, interest can be claimed on them from the other part from the date of the court order. We will account to you for such interest to the extent that you have paid our charges or expense on account, but we are entitled to the rest of that interest.

12.3. You will also be responsible for paying the charges and expenses of seeking to recover any charges and expenses that the court orders the other party to pay.

12.4. In some circumstances, the court may order you to pay the other party’s legal charges and expenses, for example, if you lose the case or have acted very unreasonably in the process of your case. The money would be payable in addition to our charges and expenses. We could discuss with you whether our charges and expenses and your liability for another party’s charges and expenses may be covered by insurance, and if not, whether it would be advisable for you to have insurance to meet the other party’s charges and expenses.

FINANCIAL, TAX, AND INSURANCE ADVICE; AND BANKING INFORMATION:

13.1. Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, the scope of this firm’s work for you will not include tax, investment, or other financial advice.

EFFECTS OF ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING AND COUNTER-TERRORISM OBLIGATIONS:

14.1. Identity evidence:

14.1.1. The law requires solicitors to get evidence of the identity of their clients and sometimes people related to them in order to satisfy that they are who they claim to be and to confirm their address. This is because solicitors who deal with money and property on behalf of their clients can be used by criminals wanting to launder money.

14.1.2 To comply with the law, we need to get evidence of your identity as soon as possible. Our practice is to require the production of a current passport or valid photocard driving license. We need the original evidence of identity. We will obtain a copy for retention and return the originals to you.

14.1.3 If you have not already provided and cannot provide us with the specific identification requested, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss other ways to verify your identity. If you fail to provide us with satisfactory evidence of identity, we would have to decline to act for you or cease acting for you.

15.2 Disclosure Obligations:

15.2.1 We are professionally and legally required to keep your affairs confidential. However solicitors may be required by statute to make a disclosure (without your permission to ) to the Serious Organised Crime Agency where they know or suspect that a transaction may involve money laundering, terrorist financing, or a “criminal property” (e.g. proceeds of tax evasion or benefits fraud). The requirement for us to make this report would override the normal rule of client confidentiality. If we make a disclosure in relation to your matter, we may not be able to tell you that a disclosure has been made. We may have to stop working on your matter for a period of time and may not be able to tell you why.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

16.1 Generally speaking, the law says that the information you give to your solicitor for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or because you are involved in litigation is confidential. Your solicitor may not disclose it to anyone, even members of your family, without your permission. This duty to preserve your confidential information applies both to individual and institutional clients of the firm.

16.2 However, it is important that you are aware that there are some exceptions to this:

If you receive Public Funding for your case, we have a duty to tell the Legal Aid Agency about your case whether you want us to or not, and we have a duty to tell them if your financial circumstances change, whether you want us to or not.
If you have insurance to cover your legal costs, we will also have to provide information to other third parties, such as this firm’s professional indemnity insurers, banks, financiers, and other finance houses.

16.3 If you have any concerns about confidentiality, please let us know.

AUDITING OF FILES AND CONFIDENTIALITY:

17.1 External firms or organisations may conduct audits or quality checks on our practice. For example, where a matter is publicly funded by the Community Legal Service, your file may be seen by the staff from the Legal Aid Agency as part of their assessment of the quality of this firm’s work. Additionally, the firm is required to maintain the quality standard set by the Law Society, Solicitors Regulation Authority and other Quality Mark Accreditation providers such as Lexcel. As a result of this, we are or may become subject to periodic checks by outside assessors.

17.2 These external firms or organisations are required to maintain confidentiality in relation to your files.

DATA PROTECTION:

18.1 You have given us permission to hold your information. All information that we hold concerning you as an individual will be held and processed by the firm subject to your instructions, in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 and our duty of confidentiality. Such personal data will be primarily used by the firm in the provisions of legal services to you and for related purposes including:

Updating and enhancing client records;
Analysis to help us manage our practice;
Statutory returns;
Legal and regulatory compliance

18.2 We will not, without consent, supply your name addresses to any third party except where:

i) such transfer is a necessary part of the legal services that we undertake (e.g. to expert witnesses and other professional advisers);
ii) the transfer is necessary to comply with the reasonable requirements of a third party who is funding your case; or

iii) we are required to do so by operation of law.

18.3 As an individual, you have a right under the Data Protection Act 1998 to obtain information from us, including a description of the data that we hold on you. Should you have any queries concerning this right, please contact our Data Protection Officer, Mrs. Rachel Clarke.

18.4 A copy of our firm’s Data Protection Policy is available on request.

TERMINATION:

19.1 You may end your instructions to us in writing at any time, but we can keep all your papers and documents while there is money owed to us for our fees and expenses.

19.2 We may decide to stop acting for you only with good reason, for example, if you require us to act unlawfully or unreasonably, or if you do not pay an interim bill or comply with our request for a payment on account. We must give you reasonable notice that we will stop acting for you.

19.3 If you or we decide that we should stop acting for you, you will pay our charges up until that point. These are calculated on an hourly basis plus expenses (and if we are acting under a fixed fee agreement, by a proportion of the agreed fee] as set out above.

STORAGE OF PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS:

20.1 After completing the work, we will keep our file of papers (except for any of your papers that you ask to be returned to you) for such a period as we deem appropriate in our absolute discretion, which is not exceeding 6 years. We keep the file on the understanding that we have the authority to destroy it six years after the date of the final bill we send you for this matter. We will not destroy documents you ask us to deposit in safe custody.

20.2 If we take papers or documents out of storage in order to provide copy documents to any new legal representatives you instruct to take over your matter, we will charge you £50 to retrieve the file and £0.10 per copy. But if we take papers or documents out of storage in relation to continuing or new instructions to act for you, we will not normally charge for such retrieval. However, we may charge you for:

Time spent producing stored papers that are requested
Reading, correspondence, or other work necessary to comply with your instructions in relation to the retrieved papers.

COMPLAINTS:

INTRODUCTION

21.1 All solicitors will attempt to resolve concerns that may arise with their services professionally and promptly. It is therefore important that you immediately raise any concerns you may have with the lawyer handling your case. We value you and would wish to thank you and your custom.

FIRST STEP: RAISING CONCERNS WITH YOUR LAWYER/CASEWORKER

21.2 We are committed to, and confident in, providing high-quality service to all our clients in all respects of their matter with us. If, however, you have any queries or concerns about any aspect of our service to you, or about our bill, please raise them in the first instance directly with the lawyer/caseworker who is dealing with your matter. In the event that the lawyer/caseworker dealing with your case was unable to resolve the issue to your satisfaction, we still value you and will review the decision of your lawyer/caseworker.

SECOND STEP: REVIEW OF YOUR LAWYER/CASEWORKER’S DECISION BY A SENIOR DIRECTOR

21.3 If you remain unsatisfied with the decision or how your lawyer/caseworker handled the concerns you raised with them, please contact Mr. Theo Mathias-Nwaulune, the Managing Director of the Firm and he will either review or appoint one of the other senior Directors to review the matter. We have eight weeks to consider your complaint internally.

RAISING YOUR CONCERNS WITH THE LEGAL OMBUDSMAN

21.4 We believe that this will never be necessary, but if one of our Directors has not resolved your concerns within eight weeks or all to your satisfaction, you have the right to raise your complaint with the Legal Ombudsman. If you are not satisfied with our handling of your concerns, you can your raise your complaint with the legal Ombudsman within 6 months of the date of our finale Second Step decision.

You contact the legal Ombudsman at:

Email: service.complaints@legalombudsman.org.uk

Tel: 0300 555 0333

Post: Operational Support Team
Legal Ombudsman
PO Box 6168,
Slough,
SL1 0EL

21.5 The Legal Ombudsman cannot consider a complaint about our Bill of Costs if you have applied to the Court for assessment of the Bill. Also, note that we may be able to charge interest on all or part of an unpaid bill.

If you require a hardcopy of this document, please contact our Administration Team on 0203 490 1221, or by emailing admin@citywidesolicitors.co.uk

You Deserve The Best Solicitors

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Our Clients Satisfaction Ratings

Practice Areas

Civil Litigation

100%

Immigration & Nationality

100%

Wills & Probate

100%

We are very happy with the support provided by CITYWIDE Solicitors.

We are very happy with the support provided by CITYWIDE Solicitors. They made sure we had all the right documents and put everything together for us. They made the application process smooth and easy, and we felt supported every step of the way. We would definitely recommend them, especially, Wendy. (a week ago-New)

Dorcas A.

We are so grateful to Theo and his team

We are so grateful to Theo and his team. They were very professional. We were running late but they were patient with us. Theo explained the will and power of attorney responsibilities very professionally. He also answered all my questions and I left extremely satisfied. I would highly recommend this business and look forward to working with them again.( 2 months ago)

Christine Kwakwa

The service was professional

The service was professional, efficient, friendly and welcoming. I was able to get me situation resolved quickly.
I will be recommending Matius again and I will be using their services whenever needed.

Sheza Bee

Working with Citywide Solicitors has really been a good experience.

Working with Citywide Solicitors has really been a good experience. I will definitely recommend them.

Juliet Okwor

I have only good things to say about CITYWIDE Solicitors

I have only good things to say about CITYWIDE Solicitors. My favourite descriptions would be that they are awesome, absolutely amazing.
My solicitor Wendy surely went the extra mile, over and beyond, bank holiday or not, night, or morning Wendy always responded.
I highly recommend them for all legal advice and support. Welldone CITYWIDE Solicitors 👍

chinenye ihemedu

He gave us confidence to delve deeper into negotiations with greater certainty

We asked Theo to provide an overview of the risks and critical issues in a franchise agreement we are considering. His advice and counsel were incredibly helpful and comprehensive. He gave us confidence to delve deeper into negotiations with greater certainty. Highly recommended

Ross Kent

I was impessed by their professionalism

My church in Tower Hamlets, where I’m a pastor, has close connections with the Bangladeshi commuity. We brought one of our members to Citywide Solicitors in connection with an asylum claim which had been refused by the Home Office. Citywide fought the appeal on our behalf. I was impessed by their professionalism – including clear and concise answers to my questions, even ‘after hours’. The appeal was allowed by the Immigration Tribunal following evidence of myself and another pastor. The Home Office had to back-track, and were obliged to grant refugee status to the the asylum seeker who could not return to his county because of threats that he could be killed for becoming a Christian.
I particularly commend and am grateful for the work of Theo Mathias-Nwaulune, Citywide’s MD, and Wendy Akaigwe, their consultant solicito

Mike Workman

We had an excellent experience working with CityWide Solicitors

We had an excellent experience working with CityWide Solicitors for our application of a Sponsorship Licence and Certificate of Sponsorship for a foreign worker. From start to finish, the process was seamless and handled with professionalism and efficiency.

Chi-Chi Ekhator

I am absolutely thrilled with the exceptional service provided by Citywide Solicitors!

I am absolutely thrilled with the exceptional service provided by Citywide Solicitors! Their handling of my partner’s immigration application was nothing short of top-notch. From the very beginning, they displayed the utmost professionalism and expertise, guiding us through the intricate process with ease. Their attention to detail, prompt responses, and unwavering support were truly remarkable. Thanks to Mr Theo of Citywide Solicitors, our application went through smoothly. I cannot recommend them highly enough – a well-deserved 5-star review for their outstanding work!

Opeoluwa

Theo was extremely professional, supportive and informative.

Theo was extremely professional, supportive and informative.
My issue was resolved successfully and speedily.
The office staff were always extremely professional too and upbeat when I spoke to them either on the telephone or in person.
I would happily use this Citywide
Solicitors again and would have no hesitation in advising others to do the same.

Tricia Gilbride

Citywide Solicitors are second to none and first class in service when it comes to dealing with clients

Citywide Solicitors are second to none and first class in service when it comes to dealing with clients. Lawyers Wendy & Eric were more than helpful when I needed a witness to sign & stamp my Ghana passport renewal application form. I was very happy with there counsel and will be highly recommending them to friends, family & colleagues.

Sophia Donkor

Citywide Solicitors has always provided me with great service

Citywide Solicitors has always provided me with great service and one thing that stuck with me is the great level of communication they provide their clients with. Mr Mathias is very helpful and devote in the work he does.

Katerina Legisi

Honestly We are so super delighted meeting Theo

Honestly We are so super delighted meeting Theo, has he was a great “push” and professional. He ensured that everything went so well even at the last second.
I would recommend the company over and over again.
Thank you

Peachville Platinum

I cannot recommend Wendy at Citywide solicitors highly enough!

I cannot recommend Wendy at Citywide solicitors highly enough! From start to finish, the service I received was nothing short of outstanding. Wendy and team took the time to fully understand my situation and provided clear, expert guidance every step of the way. They made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth and manageable, always keeping me informed and reassured.

Their attention to detail and professionalism are second to none, and I truly felt like they had the organisations best interests at heart throughout. Not only did they secure a fantastic outcome, but their friendly and approachable manner made the entire experience positive. If you’re looking for a solicitor who delivers top-tier service with a personal touch, look no further. Absolutely fantastic!

Zakya Hussain

Fast and efficient service

Fast and efficient service. Had my documents certified. Highly specialised solicitors. Gave me the right advice, were punctual and flexible with the appointment.

Mihaela

I came to citywide with immigration in workplace case against my business

I came to citywide with immigration in workplace case against my business. After meeting with Theo and the team we challenged the case and got positive result.
Plus it just took about 3 weeks time.
Anyone who looking speedy and good service I highly recommend this team .
And for myself if I need any more law advice or services definitely be back.
Thank you

simas andrilionis

My wife obtained her visa in less than 45 days from application!

I have had the opportunity to solicit some immigration advice from this firm for obtaining a spousal visa for my wife to obtain residency in the UK. I found their client care and client services to be very professional and absolutely first rate, and the advice very clear and client friendly. I’ve dealt with a gentleman called Theo who was excellent, and was always very timely and accurate with the legal advice he gave. I highly recommend Theo and this firm. My wife obtained her visa in less than 45 days from application!

Adebayo Adesina

I strongly recommend Mr Theo from citywide solicitors!

I strongly recommend Mr Theo from citywide solicitors! He was very helpful and professional in getting my settlement visa! The whole process took about 2 months! Thank you Mr Theo! Highly appreciated and Grateful. God bless

ladipo Oshodi

Adil exceeded my expectations as an immigration lawyer

Adil exceeded my expectations as an immigration lawyer. His knowledge and dedication were evident from our first consultation. Throughout my case, he provided clear guidance, kept me informed, and worked tirelessly to ensure a positive outcome. I’m grateful for his expertise and highly recommend him to anyone navigating the complexities of immigration law.

Kanlayanit Thaweesap

Citywide solicitors, I can’t say enough about them

Citywide solicitors, I can’t say enough about them. The staff are so friendly, helpful and curtious. I have had 2 urgent matters that needed to be dealt with and Mr Mathias was so kind, helpful and professional at the same time. Most times solicitors will not even take the time out to help walkins without an appointment but they do. Highly recommended.

Xerona Brown

Speedy execution and easy access to the lawyers.

Speedy execution and easy access to the lawyers…impressive!

Juliet Okwor

Thank you very much Mr Theo and Citywide Solicitors

Thank you very much Mr Theo and Citywide Solicitors . You are amazing , just three months you got me my VTS leave to remain, thank you , I am now very happy I can stay in the United Kingdom with no problem. I will tell my friends about you good job. Thank you. You are great.

Klodian Patlli

Theo is the best solicitor ever seen

Theo is the best solicitor ever seen , very professional ,helpful, kind ! I am soo grateful Theo for all your supports you did provide for me during a very hard time I went through. You stand by me , your advices was marvellous! Surely I am recommending anyone to Theo . You are the best Theo

Esther Ngwata

I received a brilliant service from Mr Theo Mathias-Nwaulune

I received a brilliant service from Mr Theo Mathias-Nwaulune. I went to City wide solicitors today to do affidavit statutory declaration. He was very professional and respectful to me and very patient. He helped me to prepare everything and even write up the envelope which he also gave me. True if you are looking for a very good lawyer in London around Tooting or Mitcham or Clapham look him up you won’t not be disappointed.
Thank you for the Big help you gave to me and the good discount rate. 100% satisfied

Norman Pinnock

They were highly professional our case dragged on

I can’t be more appreciative of the high-quality service my family received from Theo at Citywide solicitors.

They were highly professional our case dragged on. We were comforted by being kept informed by citywide solicitors every step of the way, they managed every hurdle we faced which were
many.

Citywide solicitors were available on short notice, they went above and beyond. Most importantly We Won our case. Thank you again so much Theo. Citywide Solicitors comes highly recommended from my family.

Dede Abdi

highly recommend Mr Adil at CITYWIDE Solicitors

I highly recommend Mr Adil at CITYWIDE Solicitors, especially for all your immigration matters. He successfully helped me in a very complicated immigration matter. He is easily approachable over the phone. Thank you CITYWIDE, I highly recommend them.

Thanatcha Siri

Came in to the guys to seek some advice regarding a speeding fine

Came in to the guys to seek some advice regarding a speeding fine, Theo saw me within minutes and was very helpful, giving great advice

Chris Economou