National Reputation, Local Presence

Legal Notices & Website Terms & Conditions 

 

 


Legal Status

Blackfords LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England & Wales under number OC325398. Its registered office is at Hill House, 1 Mint Walk, Croydon, CR0 1EA.

We use the word partner to refer to a member of Blackfords LLP. A list of the names of the partners appears on this website and is available for inspection at the registered office address. All partners are solicitors, qualified to practise in England and Wales.

It should not be construed as indicating that the members of Blackfords LLP are carrying on business in partnership for the purposes of the Partnership Act 1890.

 

Regulation of Legal Services

Blackfords LLP is a member of The Law Society of England and Wales. The Solicitors Regulation Authority is the independent regulatory arm of The Law Society. The Legal Complaints Service is the independent complaints handling arm of The Law Society. Blackfords LLP is recognised as a professional body by, and regulated by, the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Blackfords LLP, its partners and employees are governed by the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007. The Code can be viewed on the website of the Solicitors Regulation Authority www.sra.org.uk

 

VAT Registration

Blackfords LLP is registered with HM Revenue & Customs under number 900 4182 70

 

Our Complaints Procedure

It is important to us that we provide services of the highest quality to all of our clients. We aim to ensure that any complaints that clients may have are identified and dealt with in accordance with this procedure. 

Making a complaint

You can register your complaint with the person dealing with your matter or the Managing Partner, Trevor Francis, is responsible for ensuring that complaints are handled effectively and in accordance with this procedure. 

Investigating your Complaint

  1. We will acknowledge your complaint within seven days.
  2. We will conduct a full investigation and an independent review of your matter.
  3. We aim to respond in full within 28 days. However, if your complaint is of a more complex nature we will require more time but we will let you know when you will receive a full response.
  4. We will reply to you, usually in writing to tell you our views on your complaint and how we propose to resolve it, hopefully to your satisfaction.
  5. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome, or the way your complaint has been handled, you may write to Trevor Francis who will make such further investigations as are necessary.
  6. Trevor Francis will inform you of the conclusions and any alternative proposals to resolve your complaint, usually within 28 days of this being referred to him.
  7. If still unresolved at this stage, you may take your complaint to the Legal Complaints Service at the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

Legal Complaints Service ("LCS")

The LCS is an independent organisation established by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (“SRA”) to deal with complaints against Solicitors. The SRA is the Solicitors’ professional body which has powers and responsibilities to ensure that all Solicitors observe proper standards of behaviour and provide professional services of an adequate standard. You must make any complaint to the LCS within 6 months of the work we have done for you being completed or within 6 months of learning that there was a problem with the service we have provided.

The LCS may:

  • Investigate the quality of professional service supplied by a solicitor to a client.
  • Investigate allegations that a solicitor has breached rules of professional conduct.
  • Express a view on whether a solicitor’s charges are fair and responsible.

The LCS will not:

  • Determine whether a solicitor has been negligent.
  • Give legal advice or tell a solicitor how to handle a case.
  • Review the outcome of a court case.
  • Review a decision of the Legal Services Commission (the body that regulates the provision of legal aid).

Before it will consider a complaint the LCS generally requires that the firm’s internal Complaints Procedure has been exhausted. If it is necessary to involve the LCS it may take up to six months from the end of the firm’s procedure; this can be checked at www.legalcomplaints.org.uk, or by telephoning the LCS on 0845 608 6565. If the LCS is satisfied that the firm’s proposals for resolving a complaint are reasonable, it may decline to investigate further.

The LCS address is: Legal Complaints Service, Victoria Court, 8 Dormer Place, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 5AE; telephone, 01926 820082; or view their website at www.legalcomplaints.org.uk

 

Confidentiality and Security

The firm acknowledges that the information you provide may be confidential. The firm will maintain the confidentiality of and protect your information in accordance with the firm’s normal procedures and all applicable laws.

 

Privacy & Data Protection

When you access this website, your computer's browser provides us with electronic information such as your IP address, browser type and access time. This information is collected and used to compile statistical data on the use of the website. We use this information to help us improve the website and the services we offer. We do not use cookies or collect personal data on this website.

Please note that our work for you may require us to give information to third parties such as expert witnesses and other professional advisors.

Blackfords LLP is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act. We are registered with the Information Commissioner under registration number Z6864991.

Equality & Diversity Policy

Blackfords LLP is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all dealings with clients, third parties and employees. Please contact us if you would like a copy of our equality and diversity policy.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Blackfords LLP has Professional Indemnity Insurance within England & Wales as required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority of England and Wales. Our current insurers are:

  • Travelers Insurance Co Ltd
  • Exchequer Court
  • 33 St Mary Axe
  • London
  • E33 8AG
  • Tel: 020 3207 6000

Disclaimer

This website contains general information and, although Blackfords LLP endeavours to ensure that the content is accurate and up-to-date, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy or completeness and therefore the information on this website should not be relied upon. Users should always seek appropriate legal advice from a suitably qualified lawyer before taking, or refraining from taking, any action. The contents of this website should not be construed as legal or other professional advice and Blackfords LLP disclaims liability for any loss, howsoever caused, arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information on this website.

 

Governing Law

This legal notice and all issues regarding this website shall be governed by English law. Unless we elect otherwise, any dispute relating to this notice or this website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.