Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from legal advice?
This is document preparation, organisation, and practical support, not legal advice. I don't tell you what the law says or what you should do legally. Instead, I help you get organised, write clearly, and prepare effectively so that when you do need legal advice, you can make the most of it.
How does payment for your services work?
I offer two ways to work together:
Hourly work – for clearly defined tasks, where each task is agreed and approved in advance. My own planning, invoicing, and task management are included in the rate, so you won't have surprise bills for any of my internal organisation.
Retainers – a forward commitment for flexible access to my time, up to 10 hours per month. Forward commitment ensures availability, with no need to approve individual tasks. Retainers are limited in number, but they do offer a discounted rate in return for that forward commitment.
Both options provide clarity and structure, with the choice depending on whether you prefer task-by-task approvals or ongoing access.
How long does typical work take?
This varies significantly depending on the complexity of your situation. Document review might take a few days, or even just a few hours, whilst preparing comprehensive material could take several weeks. I'll give you realistic timescales when we discuss your specific needs, and of course, there's a difference between elapsed time and billed time:
A task may cost a few billable hours, but complete over a period of a few days.
Can you work alongside my solicitor?
Absolutely. I often work in collaboration with legal teams, helping to bridge the gap between technical legal requirements and practical implementation. This can make your solicitor's work more efficient and potentially reduce overall costs.
What if I'm not sure whether I need a solicitor yet?
That's exactly when this service can be most valuable. I can help you organise your situation, understand what you're dealing with, and prepare material that will help you make an informed decision about whether and when to instruct legal representation.
How do you ensure confidentiality?
All client material is handled with complete discretion. I use end-to-end encrypted file transfers, zero-knowledge storage systems, and can work entirely offline when required. Your information is never shared with third parties or fed into AI systems without your explicit consent.
What types of situations do you typically handle?
I work with people involved in commercial disputes, broken obligations, contract negotiations, business breakdowns, collation of evidence, and other situations where clear documentation and measured communication are crucial.
Do you work with individuals as well as businesses?
Yes, I work with both businesses and individuals. For businesses, this typically involves contract review and drafting, dispute preparation, or helping organise and explain complex commercial situations before engaging legal counsel. For individuals, the focus is often on protecting their position within those same commercial or professional contexts. Either way, I can help bring order and clarity.
Are there areas you don't work in?
Yes, there are.
I can help put you on the right path, but I don't take clients for Family Law issues concerning probate, vulnerable persons, children, domestic violence, abuse, or immigration.
These require specialist intervention, assistance and coordination across multiple organisations and bodies from the outset, and often involve early, or urgent legal help. This is well before any need for documentation, explanation or preparation for considered legal action or responding to the threat of legal action.
Tax and customs are another area where specialist knowledge and help are required. I do work with clients to help with understanding and explanation, but the sector is well served with accountants, planners and advisers.
How do I get started?
I don't offer free consultations or taster sessions; you will need to book an hour as a client, and we'll use that time to find some clarity and direction.
Many law firms do provide free initial calls, which are often designed to introduce their services, confirm whether they can take your case, and identify any conflicts of interest. That’s useful in its way, and you may get a feel for the situation you are in, but it’s not the same as 60 minutes of practical help towards clarity and confidence in your next steps.
You do not have to gather up information for our first call or meeting.
Becoming a client is very easy. Just send your name and email address using the "Contact Me" form on the home page. You don't need to go into detail or even add a message; the absence of a message is enough in itself.
You’ll receive a link in your email, your ActionID and associated email address to forward or send materials through to, and my confidentiality commitment (downloadable for your records).
As a client, you'll be set up to communicate and share information fully encrypted and secured.
Not using your personal and work emails or social messaging accounts allows you to be as open as you feel comfortable with. This includes sharing your information with other professionals helping you, because as a client you have access to a space you can securely share documents from with others, which can include your solicitors, accountants, etc..