What kind of advice we give
We try to diagnose your problem and give as much advice and suggestions as possible in the limited time available (typically 15 to 20 minutes).
Our advice is based on the information you provide to us when you attend a Richmond Legal Advice Service (RLAS) advice clinic. If you have any relevant documents (such as letters, forms, receipts or other papers), please bring them along. For example, if you have a problem concerning
- renting a flat: you should bring the tenancy agreement and inventory, notices sent by the landlord, and any letters/emails that you or the landlord have written; or
- employment: bring your employment contract, rules about, e.g. disciplinary and grievances matters, letters/emails you and your employer have written; or
- something that you have bought: you should bring the invoice/receipt for the item bought, and any letters/emails and the retailer have written, and any estimates for repairs.
- a dispute with a neighbour over a boundary or building: you should bring any (Land Registry) title deeds (including plans), letters/emails to and from your neighbour if affecting the party wall, the notices sent under the Party Wall Act and any communications/reports from the surveyor.
Although we do not (and are not able) to "take on" cases like a firm of solicitors or a law centre can, we can help you by drafting letters, filling in court forms and advising you over several sessions.
Note: We do not provide representation before the courts or tribunals. Also, if your 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 recommend that you will need to go to a firm of solicitors or other advice agency. Some possible different sources of help are available here.
Where you need to do something quickly or you require immediate ongoing help, we will have to ask that you obtain advice and help elsewhere. For example, if you have a court or tribunal hearing within a few days, or the amount of help you need is significant and must be provided within a short period. This is because of our limited opening hours (one evening every two weeks), and the adviser you see will only be present at some advice sessions (or cannot work on your problem during the day).
Last updated: 26 July 2024