What kind of advice we give
We try to diagnose your problem and give as much advice and suggestions as we can in the limited time available.
Our advice is based on the information a client provides to us when
s/he attends a Richmond Legal Advice Service (RLAS) advice clinic. If
the client has any documents (such as letters, forms, receipts or other
papers) which are relevant to their problem they should bring them
along. For example, if a client has a problem concerning
- renting a flat: the client should bring the tenancy
agreement and inventory, notices sent by the landlord, and any letters
the client and the landlord have written; or
- employment: bring your employment contract, rules about,
e.g. disciplinary and grievances matters, letters you and your employer
have written; or
- something the client has bought: the client should bring
the invoice/receipt for the item bought, and any letters the client and
the retailer have written, and any estimates for repairs.
Although we do not (and are not able) to "take on" cases in the same
way that a firm of solicitors can, we will assist a client by drafting
letters, filling in court forms and advising you over several sessions.
We do not provide representation before the courts or in tribunals.
Also, if the client's problem appears to be too complex for an instant
answer, or requires more time and attention than we can allocate during
our sessions, we will generally recommend that the client consult a
firm of solicitors or other advice agency. We have a list of local
solicitors, many who provide assistance under the legal aid scheme or
enter into conditional/contingency fee arrangements.
If there is a deadline a client needs to meet or there is some urgency
concerning a client's problem we often have to ask the client to obtain
assistance elsewhere. This is because of our limited opening hours (one
evening per a week) and that the adviser who sees you will not be
present every week