We give people a voice.

A Legal 500 Firm

ContentsWhy choose Duncan Lewis? 4Immigration 6Child Care 8Family 9Crime 10Prison Law 11Public Law 12Litigation 13Community Care 14Welfare Benefits 15Housing 16Debt 17Commercial Property 18Residential Property 19Mental Health 20Employment 21Personal Injury 22How to find us 23

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Why chooseDuncan Lewis?

With 17 departments and 400 staff sharing 65 nationalities, we have the specialist you need.

Size isn't everything. Indeed you could be worried that a large law firm will be impersonal and won't give your case the attention it deserves.

Fortunately at Duncan Lewis our size means that you actually receive a more personal service. That's because our staff are able to specialise in a particular sub area of law. They can use their specialist knowledge and expertise to work effectively on your behalf.

Our size also means that we are well-resourced, and through economies of scale very efficient. As a predominantly publicly funded (legal aid) practice, that means that despite the constraints of legal aid funding, you receive very high quality advice and representation.

Indeed we are the largest legal aid civil practice in the country, as well as offering a very high quality and cost-effective service to privately-paying clients.

The expertise to give you the best chance

The quality of our work is repeatedly demonstrated by the very high success rates achieved in cases that we take on.

We have achieved Quality Mark accreditation for Lexcel (the Law Society's quality mark) and Investors in People. This means our staff receive the highest quality training which enables us to maintain our excellent reputation and high standards.

We have also been awarded 9 franchises by the Legal Services Commission and have been awarded Category 1 status in many areas. A majority of our Solicitors are Law Society Panel Members.

In addition to our deep understanding of the law, we have also helped create new law. We have more Reported Cases than any other Legal Aid firm in the country, and some of those cases have fundamentally changed legal interpretations and how some laws work.

A number of our departments boasta Legal 500 listing, this is an illustrationnot only of our expertise but also our influence throughout the profession.

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Commitment to every caseThe legal system can be very intimidating for anyone, but particularly if you are up against a large organisation like a government department. Duncan Lewis is here to be your voice and your advisor, to make the strongest case on your behalf.

In many cases, we can provide legal advice assistance, which is free to you. This covers the most straightforward applications, but also includes complex cases in the High Court, Appeal Court and Supreme Court, which would otherwise cost many thousands of pounds. We strive to make our services as accessible as possible to everyone, conducting numerous outreach advice surgeries and also taking on some cases on a pro bono basis, where legal aid is not available. We also have access to over 400 interpreters covering over 40 languages ranging from Amharic through to Zulu. We consistently strive to provide high levels of legal advice and service to all those in desperate need of our help.

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ImmigrationWe are one of the largest and most respected Immigration Departments in the UK. Our broad knowledge and vast experience in general immigration, business immigration and asylum law issecond to none.

Our extensive Immigration team consists of specialised staff providing help in a variety of different languages and all of our Immigration team will have completed the Law Society's Immigration & Asylum Accreditation Scheme.

We offer our clients a personal service at very affordable rates for advice and representation on private immigration related matters. Our team deal with issues where public funding (formerly legal aid) may be available, for example,applications for political asylum.

We can offer assistance with General Immigration, Refugee & Asylum Immigration including Detention Centres, Work Permits & Visas and Business Immigration. We have included some examples of the types of Immigration matters we can assist with under each main category.

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To book an appointment or to refer clients to our firm, please contact our New Client Co-ordinators on 020 7923 4020.

General Immigration

We can assist clients with the following types of legal matters under General Immigration for both applications and subsequent appeals:

• Deportation / Illegal Entry

• EEA Association Agreement

• Entry Clearance

• EU Residence

• Family Reunions

• Judicial Review

• Married and Unmarried Partner

Concession Application and

Appeals

• Naturalisation

• Outside the Rules Applications

• Overstaying / Illegally in UK

• Port/Detention Emergencies

• Sponsorship

• Spouses & Unmarried or Civil Partners

• Students

• Travel Documents

Refugee & Asylum Law

We assist and represent asylum seeker clients from all over the world at all legal stages from Interviews to Appeals.

Our experienced team assist a variety of vulnerable clients including; children, mental health patients, HIV/AIDS patients, victims of torture and detained clients for the following:

• Asylum applications, Interviews and appeals to the First Tier/Upper Tribunals [IAC] and the Higher Courts

• Bail Applications

• Detention Centre Visits

• High Court Judicial Review applications and appeals to the Higher Courts

• Humanitarian Protection and Discretionary Leave to Remain

• Human Rights Appeals

• National Asylum Support

Service(NASS) Appeals

Visas & Work Permits

We have extensive experience in preparing and submitting all types of visa applications; including applications under the Points Based System. Examples of visas are listed below:

• Ancestry Visa

• Ankara Agreement

• Business Visa

• Elderly Dependant Visa

• Extending / Varying a Visa

• Holiday Maker Visa

• Spouse Visa

• Student Visa

• Visitors Visa

• Work Permit

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When legal decisions influence the lives of your children, you want the best.

Our highly specialised Child Care Law department comprises of experienced solicitors, trainee solicitors and caseworkers. As a team they specialise in all aspects of Child Care Law.

Our Child Care Law department approaches each case with a level of understanding only achievable through specialising in Child Care Law. Whether involving social services, or a private law matter, it is important to be represented by those who understand how the law may affect you and your family.

We advise and represent parents, other family members, children and children's guardians in all Public Law proceedings. These include proceedings where the Local Authority have applied for Emergency Protection Orders, Care Orders or where parents apply for contact with children in care and discharge of Care Orders. We can also advise and assist where children are voluntarily accommodated and will attend Child Protection Conferences. We are there to support parents and provide them with advice and empower them during this difficult time.

Public Funding is usually granted to all parents and children involved in Public Law cases, regardless of financial means.

We also specialise in acting for children, parents and family members in other disputes i.e. where parents are separated and there are problems in facilitating contact or a dispute as to where the child should reside. Similarly, we are able to provide expert advice to adopted parents and the birth parents who are considering adoption. On the issue of Child Abduction,we are one of a small number of firms in the UK that are on the Lord Chancellor's Child Abduction and Contact Panel.

The Duncan Lewis Child Care Law department includes members of the Law Society Children and Family Panel Members. The majority are also members of the Association for the Lawyers for Children, and / or Members of Resolution. We have acquired a number of kitemarks which are testament to the quality of the specialised work our staff undertake.

We are continuously involved in high profile cases, which have been reported for their legal significance, they include caste, underage marriages and international elements.

We currently have a number of Children Panel members, including solicitor advocates. This enables us to provide advocacy in all Court proceedings which ensures our clients not only a consistent and professional service but also a high degree of continuity with the same Child Care team throughout their case.

Child Care

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The area of Family Law can be both highly sensitive and confusing.

We understand the sensitive nature of Family proceedings, especially when children are concerned, and we make a concerted effort to provide solutions that reduce the strain on all those involved.

Our Family department provides confidential advice with effective representation and includes advanced members of the Law Society's Family Panel and Children Panel. This means that they are specialists in Family and Child Care Law and deal withall family related matters. We have also acquired a number of kitemarks which are testament to the quality of the specialised work our staff undertake.

Public Funding is available to deal with all aspects of Family work. Privately funded work is also covered, with reasonable rates being charged and clients kept updated about the cost of their case.

Services

Domestic Violence

We place a high priority in helping victims of domestic violence. In times of emergency we can offer same day appointments and can assist with:

• Contacting Groups Offering Support • Dealing with the Occupancy of the

Family Home (Occupation Orders)

• Enforcement

• Injunctions (Non-Molestation Orders)

• Protection against Harassment

Divorce / Separation & Civil Partnerships

The team can assist you with mediation,guide you through all aspects of your divorce and will help you with future financial arrangements, dealing with:

• Arrangements for Children Following a Divorce or Separation

• Contested Divorce Proceedings

• Nullity & Judicial Separation

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•

Uncontested Divorce Proceedings

Financial & Property

Often there are complex issues that need direct action following a divorce or separation. Our team can help with:

• Maintenance Pending Suit (Including Legal Fees Order applications)

• Financial matters arising from the dissolution of marriage/nullity or judicial separation (Ancillary Relief); as well as freezing injunctions on assets

• nternational Issues

• Pensions

• Pre Nuptial Agreements

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Property Disputes for unmarried families

Private Law

• Adoption

• Contact & Residence Orders

• Parental Responsibility

• Prohibitive Steps Orders

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•

Family

Civil Dissolutions

Child Abduction

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When the police or Courts are involved, you need specialist legal advice you can trust.

The Duncan Lewis Crime department is able to deal with all criminal offences and our team is available on an emergency basis 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 07920 077057.

We regularly represent our clients at Police Stations, Magistrates Courts, Crown Courts, and at Appeal Courts such as the Court of Appeal.

We know how important it is that you are well represented, either at Court or at the Police Station. Duncan Lewis has a reputation for well prepared, high quality work. Our case building excellence is based on a sound knowledge of the criminal justice system and the ability to assemble first rate evidence and documentation. We also secure the services of the highest quality experts to ensure that we get the best possible outcome for our clients.

You do not have to wait until you are arrested to get in touch with us. Duncan Lewis can advise you of your rights and how they can be protected at any stage.

All solicitors in our Crime department are police station representatives, which means they can represent clients from the outset of a criminal investigation. This is usually when a case is at its most vulnerable and when mistakes or errors of judgment could be made which could result in unfavourable outcomes for those under investigation. With a number of offices across London, we can reach you within 45 minutes.

In addition, we now have a number of highly experienced Higher Court Advocates. We are also able to advise on appeals against conviction or sentence.

We are particularly expert in the often highly technical issues raised in road traffic offences.

Experienced in serious and minor cases, the Duncan Lewis Crime Department's commitment is to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

Public Funding & Costs

Our Police Station Service is free. If you are receiving Income Support or certain benefits, most of the additional legal help we can provide will also be free. For most motoring summonses e.g. speeding, drink driving etc, Public Funding is not usually granted for representation at Court. However there are certain circumstances where “Legal Aid “ may be granted. Please give us a call to see how we can help you.

Crime

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If you are in prison, you can be at your most vulnerable.

Prison Law looks after the rights of prisoners. Here at Duncan Lewis we appreciate the emotional distress caused to you and your family during such times.

Our specialist Prison Law department provides a unique service to clients as it ensures that the care they have received throughout their criminal matters does not simply end when a person is at their most vulnerable, when they are taken into custody. At this stage we can address issues such as appeals against conviction and/or sentence, Proceeds of Crime, advice regarding categorisation etc.

Once an inmate is in custody, we are able to assist with matters such as transfers to other prisons, often closer to loved ones, re-categorisation to follow sentence plans, assistance with complaints, advice specific to foreign nationals and more. We are also able to assist and to provide representation during adjudications should the inmate be subjected to 'nickings' for disciplinary behaviour.

Towards the end of a sentence, we are able to further assist in relation to parole (for determinate and not determinate sentences), HDC and licence conditions.

We have expertise in oral parole hearings, including for lifers, where advocacy assistance is often instrumental in ensuring early release. Post release, the team are also able to assist in relation to licence recall matters.

Prison Law is funded under the CDS scheme which provides publicly funded assistance where a matter is deemed to have sufficient merits and benefit to the individual, and where they do not have significant private funds of their own. This means that, in almost all cases, the advice and assistance will be free to the client, subject to completion of some simple forms.

Services

At Duncan Lewis Solicitors we provide a complete range of services, covering all aspects of prison law. In particular the following areas are covered:

• Outside Adjudication / Governor Adjudication

• Appeal Against Conviction and Sentence

• Categorisation/Re-categorisation

• HDC/ROTL/Refusal

• IPP paper/parole

• Judicial Review

• Licence Recall

• Parole Board Reviews

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•

•

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•

• •

Transfer / sentence progression

Lifer Issues

Parole Appeals

Criminal Case Review Commission

Tariff Reviews

General Complaints

Re-housing

Prison Law

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When public bodies act incorrectly, they need to be challenged.

The decisions of public bodies, where there is no other right of appeal, are susceptible to judicial review. Duncan Lewis have experience in all aspects of judicial review, including obtaining emergency orders and other interim relief to prevent breaches of human rights, following up judicial reviews with actions for damages in both the County and High Courts and successfully pursuing judicial review matters to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. We have acted in a number of high profile cases and our experienced department has a deserved reputation for committed and professional conduct.

We are now well established and known by the Legal Services Commission, the Courts, and the Treasury Solicitor. This enables us to quickly and effectively obtain funding, manage cases with the Court (get quick listings, direct access to Court lawyers etc), and communicate with team leaders at Treasury Solicitors.

We have more caseworkers carrying out Public Law work than most firms. This results in a depth and breadth of knowledge, constant effective cover, and an ability to monitor the approach of defendants in different cases which enables us to point out inconsistencies.

This also means that when dealing with a large class of case we are likely to have conduct of several, meaning that we are likely to get lead cases and be able to steer the course of the litigation to favour all of our clients.

We advise other firms on funding and case management issues regularly.

Services

The Public Law department makes challenges to non-appealable decisions of all public bodies. These can be central or local government, or other organisations carrying out public functions.

Our work includes advising upon challenges to decisions of:

• Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service

• Criminal Cases Review Commission

• HM Prison Service

• Local Authorities

• Metropolitan Police

• National Asylum Support Service

• NHS Trusts

• Parole Board

• Probation Service

• UK Border Agency

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•

Independent Police Complaints Commission

Tribunal decisions that cannot be challenged upon appeal.

We conduct all stages of such matters from initial pre-action correspondence to filing conducting and settling claims.

We carry out both publicly and privately funded work.

Public Law

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Sometimes in life things just don’t work out amicably.

At Duncan Lewis we are able to provide you with a friendly, proactive approach to disputes with the aim of resolving them as quickly and as cost effectively as possible.

We are aware that litigation is not always the best way to solve disputes and we will advise you on alternative dispute resolutions that can best rectify your problem, keeping the cost and distress to you down to a minimum.

However, if matters cannot be avoided fromgoing to Court, we have the expertise to prepare your case to the best advantage and arrange for high quality representation throughout the Court procedure.

Services

The following is not an exhaustive list, but examples of the types of work we undertake regularly:

• Contract and commercial disputes –be they for the purchase of goods/ services or for more complex partnerships and commercial transactions; 'after contract' disputes such as consumer credit/hire purchase agreements; claims against insurers and banks

• Debt – we aim to recover the monies as quickly as possible with interest at the highest rate; issuing court proceedings; enforcement of debts whether by obtaining charging orders; attachment of earnings; or warrants in the County Courts or high courts

• Employment – high court actions such as injunctive proceedings, and breaches of contract in the county or high court; harassment proceedings under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997; whistle-blowing cases

• Housing – representation in possession Housing – representation in possession Housing –proceedings; disputes with neighbours; nuisance and anti-social behaviour; challenging housing associations and andlords where they fail to fulfil tenants’ obligations

• Insolvency – whether you are an individual or a business not able to pay your debts or if you are a creditor wishing to take bankruptcy or winding up action to recover your debts, we can advise you on the options available to take or avoid these actions

• Property – for both Landlords and Property – for both Landlords and Property –tenants, dealing with rent arrears, repossessions, dilapidations/repairs; boundary/building disputes; disputes with neighbours; service charge disputes with landlords or managing agents; mortgage related disputes

Litigation

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Get the care you are entitled to receive.

We are all aware that social services departments are under constant strain. As a result it can be difficult to obtain the services you are supposed to receive. While we cannot change the funding system, we can guide you through the process to help you receive the support and care you need.

Community Care deals with the care people receive in their own homes, institutional accommodation or from health and housing services.

Our Community Care department offers assistance to help access social care services for those who are not receiving the care they need. We believe the most vulnerable members of society are entitled to satisfactory services from institutions and organisations that have a duty to help.

With a dynamic legal team consisting of specialists, the strength of the Duncan Lewis Community Care department lies in its unrivalled knowledge and experience. Duncan Lewis is amongst a handful of firms who have been awarded a Legal Services Commission franchise for Community Care work.

Services

We help people access the social services, housing and healthcare they are entitled to, including services for:

• Asylum seekers

• Children

• Elderly people

• HIV patients

• Rape & Domestic Violence Victims

and those facing:

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Problems

• Chronic Health Problems

• Disabilities

• Mental Health Problems

Reviews and Reassessments

• Charges for Residential and Nursing Home Care

• Joint Working, Information and Planning

• Non-Residential Community Care Services

• Residential and Nursing Home Accommodation

Health service and home adaptation

• Disputes

• Home Adaptations

• National Health Service Continuing Care

• National Health Service Provision

Community Care

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Welfare Benefitscan assist you to understand the legal process to challenge a negative benefit decision. We are able to advise you step-by-step on the appeals process and help you to prepare for your tribunal hearing.

We are also able to provide professional advice and representation if you have been accused of benefit fraud.

We can assist with reviews, appeals and disputes against decisions made by:

• Jobcentre Plus

• Tax Credits Office

• Child Support Agency

• Housing Benefit / Council Tax Benefit office.

If you are entitled to benefits, claim what is rightfully yours.

At Duncan Lewis we understand the rules regarding welfare benefits are complicated. Constant changes to the welfare system make it hard for applicants to receive their fair share.

Our Welfare Benefits team can explain what benefits you should be entitled to receive. If you are unemployed, disabled, on a low income or unable to work due to illness or an accident, then we may be able to assist you.

We specialise in appeals to the First Tier Tribunal and applications for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. Our team

Services

Let us help you with the following:

• Appeals befo Appeals befo re the Social Security Tribunal.Tribunal.T

•

•

•

• Carers Allowance

• Delays in processing benefits

Discretionary Housing Payment reviews•

• Disability Living Allowance Appeals

• Employment & Support Allowance appeals

• Housing / Council Tax Benefits

Incapacity Benefit

Industrial injuries benefits

Income Support

Job Seekers Allowance

Overpayments of benefit / underpayments of benefit

Habitual Residence Test / Right to Reside Problems

Tax Credits and Pension Credit

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•

•

• •

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•

We have had considerable success in helping clients in problem situations. We are proud of achieving results that have a positive effect in improving our client’s lives. By contacting ourWelfare Benefits team you could find yourself financially better off.

Benefit Fraud allegations

Child Benefit / guardians allowance

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Whether tenant or landlord, know your legal rights.

Our Housing team provide guidance for landlords and tenants on all housing issues. We are highly experienced at finding solutions to your housing issues and aim to address cases quickly and effectively.

We can guide you in any matter or issues arising with local housing authorities, housing applications, tenants, landlords, ownership, repairs and many more. This department also regularly represents clients in the courts, ensuring they receive the highest quality assistance throughout their case.

Services

Our Housing department has solicitors who are capable of dealing with the most complex of situations as well as more straightforward cases including:

Landlord & Tenant issues

Landlord

Tenant

• Defending Claims for disrepair

• Defending possession claim/eviction• Injunction against harassment by landlord• Injunction against unlawful eviction• Bringing claims for unlawful eviction• Bringing claims for disrepair• Defending ASBO injunction• Defending closure order• Unfair terms contract• Tenancy Deposit Issue • Alternative accommodation

• Defending unlawful eviction claims/injunction

• Service of Notice seeking possession

Repossession and representation at Court Mortgage arrears possession/EvictionService Charge Dispute

•

• •

Possession Proceedings

• Defending all possession claims

Bringing counter claim

Harassment

Housing benefits issues

Rent arrears issues

Right to Buy

Security of tenure

Succession rights

• • • • • • •

Disrepair, Allocation & Transfer

• Claim for disrepair

• Allocation of permanent accommodation

• Enhancing points

• Overcrowding

Homelessness

• Homelessness Applications

• Judicial Review to Secure Temporary Accommodation

• Reviews against Council Decisions

• Appeal to the county court

Housing

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Worried about debt? We can give you constructive support.

We recognise that however prudently a person borrows, he or she is doing so on the assumption about the future. If that individual's circumstances change this leads, in many cases, to debt. We appreciate that unemployment, separation, sickness or bereavement are participating factors in individual's inability to pay. If you are in this situation then please contact us immediately as we may be able to assist.

Our specialist debt advice solicitors are aware that debt problems can be extremely stressful. However, ignoring these issues will not make them go away. We aim to improve the quality of your life by advising and assisting you with your debts, giving you confidence again so that you can take action to stop bailiffs or County Court judgements being issued, and that it is never too late to get help. We understand that each individual's circumstances are different and we ensure that our advice will benefit you now and in the future.

Services

We are able to provide advice & assistanceto you in the following areas:

• Bankruptcy & Individual Voluntary Arrangements

• Charging Orders

• Consumer Credit Agreements

• Council Tax Arrears

• Hire Purchase Agreements

• Mortgage Arrears & Repossession

• Rescheduling Credit Card and other Debts

• Restriction Orders

• Secured & Unsecured Loans

• Statutory Demand

• Utility Bill Arrears

Debt

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Commercial property requires a commercial approach.

The Duncan Lewis Commercial Property department acts for clients large and small, having successfully assisted across a range of commercial transactions including: the acquisition and disposal of substantial commercial premises, business leases, development capabilities, acquiring properties for investment portfolios and much more.

We can provide an efficient, business oriented approach to these matters as well as a very competitive costs structure. We deal with transactions up to £3 millions as standard and are able to quote above this figure on request.

Of course each client and each case is unique, and we offer a completely personalised bespoke service. In each transaction we apply our extensive experience and expertise to ensure that your interests are protected, consequently saving you time and avoiding potentially expensive mistakes.

As a panel member of all the major Banks, Building Societies and other leading institutions we can often expedite transactions as well as reduce legal coststo help you capitalise on your commercial venture.

Each commercial transaction is directly supervised by our Head of Property whose experience in acting for large banking institutions and high profile transactions ensures the highest possible level of service and legal expertise for each client.

Services

• Business Acquisition and Sale

• Commercial Leases & Sub Leases& Lease back transactions

• Commercial Purchase and Sale

• Commercial Securities• Licences

• Finance, Mortgages & Investments

• Business Franchising

Commercial Property

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You want the move; we can help it go smoothly.

As we all know, moving home is a trying time for all involved. With so much to worry about, choosing the right conveyancing solicitor is crucial to easing the whole experience.

Duncan Lewis offers a thorough and professional property service, providing excellent value for money with a friendly and approachable legal team always ready to assist.

Our residential team operates with a unique combination of personalised service and state of the art computerised systems. This allows us to concentrate on your needs without sacrificing efficiency or incurring undue legal costs.

We provide you with a fixed quote for fees and your work is supervised by a senior qualified solicitor and contact can be by direct phone or by email. We wish to minimise inconvenience and maximise the speed of your transaction. We endeavour to carry out all legal work promptly and in particular to keep you informed and to make ourselves available to you to answer your concerns at any time.

We are accepted by all leading Banks, Building Societies and other leading institutions and are able to act on their behalf so that you do not incur undue costs or delays.

Contact us now and let us help you make your move a stress free experience.

Services

• Freehold or leasehold

• Purchase

• Re-mortgage

• Right to buy

• Sale

•

•

New Builds, Bulk Buy

Transfer of equity

Residential Property

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Protecting legal rights is even more challenging when dealing with Mental Health Issues.

The Mental Health department, led by Mental Health Panel Members, is proud of the level of care we give to our clients and their families. The team's dedication to improving the quality of life for their clients is matched only by their expert knowledge in this area.

The department is concerned about the individual rights and liberties of those being detained and will endeavour to exercise patients' legal rights and advise them while in hospital detention, including scrutinising all forms of medical treatment.

Persons detained under the Mental Health Act are eligible for free legal advice and assistance. It may also be possible for a relative of someone detained to be eligible for financial assistance.

Services

Duncan Lewis can assist you in the

following areas:

Mental HealthMental Health Law is highly specialised and an area in which Duncan Lewis has operated a successful department for several years. Indeed, we are the largest provider of Mental Health, publicly funded services in the UK.

We assist those suffering from mental health problems, who are being compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.

Our team can arrange appointments at any hospital at short notice and while based in London, we routinely assist clients at locations across the country as we have been provided a contract by the Legal Services Commission to provide advice and assistance in the Mental Health category nationwide including Wales. Please contact us on 0203 114 1124 to speak to a specialist.

• Advising and assisting in all areas of Mental Health, including admission to hospital, consent to treatment, Supervised Community Treatment Orders and aftercare provisions• Representation at First-tier Tribunals (Mental Health) in applications for discharge and seeking recommendations in relation to transfer and leave• Provision of advice and assistance at Hospital Managers Hearings and Renewal Hearings• Representing nearest relatives in displacement proceedings before the County Courts• Challenging Decisions of the First-tier Tribunals at the Upper Tier Tribunal • Challenging decision of Primary Care Trusts by way of Judicial Review Proceedings• Commissioning independent experts in the field of psychiatry, psychology, social circumstances & nursing• Advising on the legality of detention and assistance with challenging the detaining authority where there is any ambiguity in this respect• Advising and assisting detained Children and Young People.• Advising in relation to appropriateness of treatment• Attending Section 117/Care Programme Approach meetings• Advising and assisting client's seeking transfer from prison to hospital for psychiatric treatment• Advising clients involved in criminal proceedings in relation to disposals under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as amended)

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In an employment dispute, you need an expert on your side.

When employment disputes arise, they can have a profound effect on those involved.

Our Employment Department acts on behalf of both Claimants and Respondents in all Tribunal related matters. We have the size, experience, skill and flexibility to represent all types of employer, both large and small as well as individual employees.

We have negotiated quick and amicable solutions for many of our clients. Where this is not possible, we can represent you in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeal Tribunal and Court of Appeal. We find that many cases eventually settle no matter how far apart the parties are at the beginning. When this doesn’t happen, we can arrange representation either by one of our in-house advocates or by a barrister best suited to deal with your case.

Clients fund their cases through insurance policies, a no-win, no fee (Damage Based Fee) arrangements, or paying privately. Clients appreciate that we offer fixed fee arrangements, so you know exactly what the costs will be.

Many people are unaware that their household insurance policy covers them for legal expenses, including bringing a claim in the Employment Tribunal. We are often appointed as solicitor of choice under such a policy, making the cost of representation free save the policy excess.

Services

Employees

If you are experiencing problems at work or are not clear about your legal rights, then we may be able to assist you in the following:

• Changes to Terms and Conditions of your Contract of Employment

• Considering and Advising on Compromise Agreements

• Discrimination of Sex, Race, Disability,Religion & Belief, Sexual Orientation and Age

• Harassment/Bullying at Work

• Holiday/Long Hours/Sick Pay Rights

• Maternity Rights

• Minimum Wage

• Redundancy

• Unfair Dismissal

Employers

We bring our expertise from representation in the Employment Tribunal to advise our employer clients on how to avoid such claims. We give practical step by step advice as to how to deal with employee issues in such a way as to limit liability. Our contracts, policies and procedures are tailored to your business, not “off the shelf”.

Sometimes claims are inevitable. When they are, we look at the best and most cost effective way to defend them. If it is not possible to reach agreement with your employee, we can arrange representation either by one of our in-house advocates or by a barrister best suited to deal with your case.

We may be able to assist you with:

• Drafting contracts, staff handbooks, policies and procedures.

• Drafting directors' service contracts.

• Advice and assistance with disciplinary and grievance procedures.

• Training key employees, managers and HR.

• Advice on injunctive relief, restrictive covenants and anti competition clauses.

• Negotiation of settlements with employees and Compromise Agreements.

• Representation in the Employment Tribunal, High Court, Employment Appeal Tribunal and above.

Employment

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Personal Injury If you’ve had an accident, you may be due compensation.

Injuries may occur as a result of accidents such as on the road, at work, or when visiting someone at their home or place or work.

Services

Our Personal Injury Department may be able to get you compensation for:

• Accidents at Work and accidents arising from Occupier’s Liability• Children’s Injuries• Holiday/Travel accidents• Road Traffic Accidents• Injury as a consequence of a crime• Trip and slip i.e. on pavement, another person’s premises• Slipping on a wet or uneven floor in a public place or elsewhere

Types of Compensation

• General Damages: are awarded to compensate for pain suffering and loss of amenity arising from the injury sustained. The level of damages is dependent upon the severity of the injury, likely period of recovery time and prognosis. In assessing the damages, the court will have reference to the medical report, previous similar cases and guideline figures given by the Judicial Studies Board.

• Special Damages: are actual losses

arising from the accident and includes

but is not limited to:

- Loss of income

- Travel expenses

- Damage to possessions

In serious cases it is possible to recover damages for example

• Future loss of income

• Ongoing and future medical care and related expenses

• Adjustments to your home

• Lost opportunity for promotion

• Pension loss

Whilst most claims settle without the need to instigate proceedings, if court action is the only way to obtain the best remedy for you, we will instigate proceedings to obtain maximum compensation as quickly as possible.

Violent Crimes You may be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if you have been the victim of an assault or other violent criminal act. Types of funding for your personal injury claim

• Private funding

• Before the event insurance if eligible under home insurance, credit card or private policy

• Legal insurance linked to motor insurance

• No win no fee - Conditional Fee Agreement

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How to find us

Hackney Office

1 Kingsland High Street Hackney London E8 2JS

Harrow Office

Spencer House29 Grove Hill RoadHarrow-On-The-HillMiddlesexHA1 3BN

New Cross Gate Office

182 New Cross Road Lewisham SE14 5AA

QUEEN’S ROAD A202

A2 NEW CROSS ROAD

A202 BESSON STREET

A2LUBBOCK STREET

FAULKNER STREET

BR

AN

T STR

EE

T

CAS

ELLA ROAD

BILLINGTON ROAD

CA

MP

LN

ST

RE

ET

BR

OC

KLE

HU

RS

T STR

EE

T

HATCHAM PARK ROAD

LANCHESTER WAY

WA

LLER

RO

AD

ER

LAN

GE

R R

OA

D

PE

PY

S R

OA

D

BALL’S POND ROADA104

KIN

GS

LAN

D R

OA

D

B108

A10

A10

LAUREL STREET

QU

EE

NS

BR

IDG

E R

OA

DB

108

A104

BO

LE

YN

RO

AD

KIN

GS

BU

RY

RO

AD

RIDLEY ROAD

KINGSLAND SHOPPING CENTRE

TOTTENHAM ROAD

BUCK NGHAM ROAD

STAMFORD R

OAD

HE

RTFO

RD

RO

AD

ENGLEFIELD ROAD

BU

XTE

D R

OA

D

GLE

BE

RO

A

HO

LLYRT

S E

T

RICHMOND ROAD

FOREST ROAD

LENTHALL ROA

OR

SB

EE

RR

YC

ALP

E

BE

EO

WH

CO

D R

AO

D

CA

RL

SLE

WA

LK

DALSTON KINGSLAND

HARROW ON THE HILL

LOW

LANDS ROADTYBURN LANE

KENTON ROAD

SHEEPCOTE RO

AD A409

GREENHILL WAYA4005

GAYTON ROAD

PICKWICK PLACEMAXTED PARK

WH

ITEHALL RO

AD

COLLEGE ROAD

KYMBERLEY ROAD

ST ANN’S

ST GEORGE’S

HA

VE

LOC

K P

LAC

E

BEST WESTERN

CUMBERLAND HO

TEL

GR

OVE

HLL

PE

TER

BO

RO

UG

H R

OA

D

Shepherds Bush Office

54 Goldhawk Road Shepherds Bush London W12 8HA

A402

SHEPHERD’S BUSH GREEN

A219

SHEPHERD S BUSHCOMMON

BATOUM GARDENS

SU

LGR

AVE

RO

AD

LENA GARDENS

PEN

NA

RD

RO

AD

BU

SH

MA

RK

ET

RO

VE

SCOTT S ROAD

DE

VO

NP

OR

T RO

AD

GO

LDO

LPH

N R

OA

D

BENBOW ROAD

BR

AC

KE

NB

UR

Y R

O

FFEL

YO

R D

A

AG

ATE R

OA

D

HA

MM

ER

SM

TH G

RO

VE

RC

HFO

RD

STR

EE

T

Y ROAD

CROMWELL GROVE

MELROSE GARDENS

SULGRAVE ROADGOLDHAWK ROAD

Tooting Office

3rd Floor Offices40 Tooting High StreetLondonSW17 0RG

Offices also in :

Croydon Slough

Ealing Uxbridge

Islington Watford

Romford

If any of these issues are affecting you, your business or you need advice on any other legal or financial matters, please contact our New Client Co-ordinators on 020 7923 4020 to put your affairs back in order.

24hr EmergencyCrime: 07920 077057Domestic Violence: 07920 077054Mental Health Helpline: 0203 114 1124

For more information visit www.duncanlewis.com or email contact@duncanlewis.com

Also in Birmingham, Islington, Romford, Slough, Southall, Watford and London (EC2). A Legal 500 Firm