The Gazette 1993

GAZETTE

JUNE 1993

firm on the way to obtaining the quality standard. His firm introduced computerised time-recording which threw up the interesting statistic that 25% of files had not been worked on at all in the previous 90 days. Another innovation was the introduction of a review system of every file every six months by somebody who was not responsible for the file. While the introduction of that system had been an enormous task it now provided an important warning system and quality mechanism. The firm also introduced a contract with each client which was signed at the commencement of work. The contract clearly stated how much the firm would charge per hour. In the initial stages, Philip Hamer said, they were worried that clients would "run". However, the system worked and the only clients who left were the ones who were not likely to pay anyway. Philip Hamer also advised that it was important to get payment from clients at regular intervals during the work rather than presenting the client with the total bill at the end of the proceedings. The firm also introduced a procedure for taking statements. Following a consultation with the client, the solicitor dictated the statement in the client's presence. The typed statement was then sent to the client for signing. aid case awaiting attention on a pro- bono basis before the end of 1993. In return, the Minister had indicated that substantial additional funding would be sought for the Legal Aid Scheme in 1994 and that the expansion of the Scheme would include provision for the participation of private practitioners. The Council approved the proposal on the basis that firm commitments would be sought from the Minister and that, ultimately, it would be a matter for each individual solicitor to decide whether to participate. • Philip Hamer said that devising the procedures had been relatively easy, the

that the Society would be the body who would set the standards of practice management. There had been surprisingly wide support within the profession for the idea, although he reported that one firm had responded: "we don't believe in practice management - our staff don't stay very long"! Andrew Lockley explained that the practice standards were not compulsory and there was no formal enforcement by the Law Society of ! England and Wales. However, the | Society devoted resources to promulgating the standards and providing seminars etc. The Law Society itself, he said, was adopting the practice management standards in its own operations. Philip Hamer, Managing Director of Philip Hamer & Company, which has four branches around the Leeds area, and has just obtained the BS5750, queried why people always expressed the view that "lawyers are terrible - but I'm lucky, mine is OK". He described certain decisions which had been taken by his firm when it decided to seek the BS5750 standard. When the firm first started, he said, they had operated the cab rank rule which he defined as: "everybody operating at the same level of incompetence." Three years ago, he and his partners decided to focus the firm and to take on work only in areas in which they were expert and trained. j Lawyers are terrible - but mine is OK Council Meeting, May 1993 (Continued from page 188) notices should also be discussed at the Special General Meeting on 17 June. Pro-Bono Legal Aid The Council approved in principle a proposal from the Minister for Equality and Law Reform, Mervyn Taylor, that solicitors engaged in family law work might take one legal Philip Hamer described some of the innovations that had been made by his

problem, of course, had been getting people to follow them. However, when the procedures had been established, problems and complaints became much easier to handle. He did not deny that there had been a certain pain element and a great deal of work in developing and implementing the procedures. "We are talking about improving the worst person in your office (not just the best), the one most likely to let you down," he said. His final advice to conference delegates was to send jobs that they did not feel competent to do outside the firm rather than leave them unattended to or letting them become the cause of potential difficulties. He also cautioned delegates not to let their clients lead them down the wrong road. If quality standards and procedures were in place and the solicitor knew that somebody else in the office would be reviewing his handling of the case, it was much easier for him to say no to a client at the outset. Members of the profession, apprentices and students, are requested to note that on 1 June, 1993 the Law School acquired its own switchboard and its main number is 6710200. The Law School's fax number is 6710064. It is hoped that the new switchboard will enable callers to have easier access i to the Law School while easing the pressure generally on the Society's main switchboard. • English Agents: Agency work undertaken for Irish solicitors in both litigation and non-contentious matters - including legal aid. Fearon & Co., Solicitors, Westminster House, 12 The Broadway, Woking, Surrey GU21 5AU. Barbara Cahalane • New Law School telephone number i and fax

Tel: 0444-483-726272. Fax: 0044-483-725807.