Dan Jones is qualified under the Bar Standards Board’s Public Access (also known as Direct Access) rules to accept instructions directly from clients, whether individuals or representatives of companies and public bodies, across all of his areas of practice.
He is able to provide advice and representation throughout any proceedings as well as assisting with the drafting of court documents and statements, and the instruction of any experts. Dan does not conduct litigation (e.g. the filling and serving of documents) and so the day to day management of a case would remain with the client, unless the client wishes to instruct a separate litigator (Dan can advise and help identify such a service should it be required).
If you wish to enquire about instructing Dan directly, please contact us. An assessment of the nature of the case and its suitability for direct access can then be made. The information provided may be sufficient for Dan to agree to take on your case and for an initial estimate of the fees likely to be incurred. A client care letter will then be issued, setting out the scope of work, the fees payable, and any other conditions subject to which the work will be carried out. In some cases, it may be necessary for Dan to hold a preliminary meeting with you before accepting the work and before a client care letter can be prepared.
Please note that Dan cannot undertake any publicly funded ("legal aid") work under the Direct Access scheme. If you think that you may be eligible for public funding, you can check by completing the Legal Aid Eligibility Calculator. If you are eligible for legal aid but would prefer to instruct Dan directly, you can do so on a privately funded basis.
FEES
Dan provides legal services either on an hourly rate basis or by agreeing a fixed fee. His fees will vary depending upon the nature and complexity of your case. As a general guide Dan’s hourly rate ranges £300 to £450 (plus VAT) per hour, and we are happy to provide you with a quotation, including for a fixed fee if appropriate.
TIMESCALES
Timescales for a case may vary depending on factors such as my availability, the type and complexity of the case, the other side’s approach, and court waiting times. Dan is sometimes available for last minute instructions, so it is always worth contacting us to check his availability.
The detailed rules governing the work a barrister may do under the Public Access Scheme may be found by using the search facility at the Bar Standard Board and Bar Council’s websites.
REGULATORY AND COMPLAINTS INFORMATION
Barristers in chambers are regulated by the Bar Standards Board. You can search the Barristers’ Register on the Bar Standards Board’s website: https://www.barstandardsboard.org.uk/regulatory-requirements/the-barristers'- register/
The Barristers’ Register shows (1) whether a barrister has a current practising certificate, and (2) whether a barrister has any disciplinary findings, which are published on the Bar Standards Board’s website in accordance with their policy. Alternatively, you can contact the Bar Standards Board on 020 7611 1444 to ask about this (or e-mail ContactUs@BarStandardsBoard.org.uk).
The aim at DOJ Legal is to provide an excellent service at all times. However, if you have a complaint please contact Dan Jones, either by telephone or email, as soon as possible. A separate sheet is enclosed which provides information about:
· The complaints procedure at DOJ Legal;
· Any right you may have to complain to the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) – the independent body which can help you if you have complained to your lawyer and are not happy with their response;
· How to complain to the LeO; and
· Any time limits for making a complaint.
You can also search the decision data on LeO’s website http://www.legalombudsman.org.uk/raising-standards/data-and-decisions/#ombudsmandecision-data
This shows providers which received an ombudsman’s decision in the previous 12 months, and whether LeO required the provider to give the consumer a remedy.
Alternatively, you can contact LeO 0300 555 0333 to ask about this (or e-mail enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk).