Legal Help signed prior to instructions

Law and practice Other
1

I went to see a new client with a prearranged appointment but when I attended the client was on leave so the appointment could not go ahead. I left the legal help form with the ward for client to sign and they signed and returned it on the same day.

I am seeking opinions on whether we would be able to claim for disbursements (mileage/parking) and time spent on this file even if the appointment did not go ahead and we don’t yet have instructions.

thanks :slight_smile:

2

Dear Lauren
You cannot open a file unless you have instructions or have been appointed under Rule 11 (7) (b) Tribunal Procedure Rules before your visit. Even if you are appointed under R11 (7) (a) you still cannot open a file without instructions. If you see the client and feel that they lack capacity to instruct you cannot open a file either.