1.1 Ledger Finders is the trading name of Ledger Finders Limited.
1.2 The legal services that Ledger Finders Limited provides are regulated and authorised by the appropriate regulatory bodies. These terms and conditions are set out to comply with certain standards and to indicate to clients as clearly as possible the standard of service that they can expect from us, the amounts that we will charge for the work that we do and our methods of charging.
1.3 These terms and conditions do not affect statutory and common law rules that govern solicitors' business. However, if there is a conflict between the terms and conditions and such rules, the terms and conditions will prevail so far as it is possible for them to do so.
1.4 When the words "we" and "us" are used in these terms and conditions, they mean Ledger Finders Limited. This company is registered in England and Wales and the registered office is situated at Lilestone 39, London, NW8 8SS.
The following points indicate our general policy as to how we will provide legal services in relation to the matter for which you have instructed us:
2.1 Use of plain English: Our aim is to use plain, straightforward and non-technical language in our written and verbal communications. If documents and communications from other persons or organisations are not expressed in this type of language, we will clearly explain the meaning as far as it is reasonably possible to do so.
2.2 Keeping you informed: On a regular basis we will let you know what is happening with your matter.
2.3 Explaining what we are doing: We will let you know what legal and other work we are carrying out for you as your matter advances. We may do this in writing, by telephone or by email.
2.4 Costs information: We will let you know on a regular basis what your matter is costing you. If we are charging on a fixed fee basis, we will inform you as soon as it becomes apparent that the work we need to do is outside the scope of work to be carried out.
2.5 Timescales: We will provide you with information about how long each stage of the work that we are carrying out on your behalf is likely to take.
2.6 Informing you about risks and benefits: We will let you know whether the results that you are seeking or the goals that you wish to achieve are worth pursuing set against the amount that you will need to spend on legal fees and any risks that you might face.
3.1 The person(s) who will carry out all or the majority of the work on your matter will be specified in our initial correspondence with you.
3.2 In certain circumstances, it may be appropriate for some work to be carried out by other members of staff, such as paralegal, secretarial or support staff. This allows us to provide a more efficient service to you and also to charge you the appropriate amount for the work done. All work by such staff is performed under the supervision of a qualified professional.
4.1 How we charge: We charge for the work we do in a number of ways:
4.2 Fixed fee arrangements: Where we agree to charge you a fixed fee, you must usually pay that fee regardless of whether your matter proceeds as expected or whether you achieve the result that you wish.
4.3 Estimated cost arrangements: Where we provide an estimate for our fees, the estimate is normally based on our view of the amount of work that is necessary to deal with a matter. If the estimated amount is no longer realistic, we will inform you straightaway and discuss what the next steps will be.
4.4 Time-based fees: Where it has been agreed that we will charge you based on the time that we spend dealing with your matter, our rates will be provided in our client care letter to you.
4.5 VAT: We add VAT to our charges at the rate that applies when we carry out the work. Currently this is 20%.
5.1 You can pay our invoices by cheque or by making an electronic payment.
5.2 Payment is due within 30 days of the date of our invoice unless otherwise agreed.
5.3 If payment is not made within the agreed time, we reserve the right to charge interest on the outstanding amount.
6.1 You may terminate our retainer at any time by giving us written notice.
6.2 We may terminate our retainer in certain circumstances, including if you fail to pay our fees or if there is a conflict of interest.
6.3 If the retainer is terminated, you must pay for all work done and expenses incurred up to the date of termination.
7.1 Our liability to you in contract, tort or otherwise is limited to the extent permitted by law.
7.2 We maintain professional indemnity insurance and will provide details of our cover upon request.
8.1 We will keep your affairs confidential except where disclosure is required or permitted by law or with your consent.
8.2 We may use your information for training purposes and business development, but we will ensure that you cannot be identified from any such use.
9.1 If you are unhappy with our service, please contact us immediately so that we can try to resolve the matter.
9.2 If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer the matter to the appropriate professional body or the Legal Ombudsman.
10.1 These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
10.2 Any disputes arising from these terms and conditions will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
Last updated: January 2025