Terms of Business
These Terms of Business set out the basis on which Oakbridge Legal Services provides non-regulated legal and document support services. Please read them so you know what to expect before we begin working together.
About our services
Oakbridge Legal Services is an independent legal services provider. We are not a firm of solicitors and are not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We provide non-reserved legal services and practical legal assistance to individuals, landlords, property owners and businesses across England & Wales.
Reserved legal activities
We do not undertake reserved legal activities unless carried out by an appropriately authorised professional. These include: exercising rights of audience; conducting litigation; reserved instrument activities; reserved probate activities; notarial activities; administration of oaths. Where your matter requires a reserved activity, we will tell you clearly and, where appropriate, recommend that you obtain assistance from an authorised solicitor or other suitably regulated professional.
Regulatory protections
Clients of Oakbridge Legal Services do not receive the regulatory protections that apply to clients of an SRA-regulated solicitors' practice — for example, access to the SRA's complaints and compensation arrangements. We take care to explain this at the outset so you can make an informed decision.
Engagement & scope
Each matter is confirmed in writing with a clear scope of service, so you know exactly what we will and will not do. We only act within the agreed scope; if your needs change, we will discuss and agree any further work before it is undertaken.
Your instructions
We act on your written or verbal instructions. Please give us accurate, complete information and tell us promptly about anything that changes, so we can support you properly.
Fees & disbursements
Fees are agreed with you in writing before work begins, so there are no surprises. Any third-party costs or disbursements incurred on your behalf will be notified and agreed with you in advance.
Timescales
We will give you an honest indication of likely timescales at the outset and keep you updated. Some matters depend on third parties or on information you provide, which can affect timing.
Client responsibilities
You agree to provide accurate information and documentation promptly, to respond to our queries, and to let us know of any change relevant to your matter.
Identification & checks
Where applicable, we carry out identity and conflict checks before accepting a matter. This protects both you and us and is standard professional practice.
Confidentiality & data
We treat all information you provide as confidential and handle it in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Cancelling or ending instructions
You can end your instructions to us at any time. You remain responsible for fees for work already carried out up to that point. We will return your documents and explain any next steps.
Complaints
If you have a concern about our service, please contact us. We will respond promptly, investigate fairly, and seek to resolve the matter in line with our Complaints Procedure.
Limitation of liability
Our liability is limited to the work we are instructed to carry out and is set out in the engagement letter for your matter. We are not liable for matters that fall outside our agreed scope or require a regulated professional.
Governing law
These Terms of Business and any matter we undertake are governed by the laws of England & Wales.
Contact
info@oakbridgelegalservices.co.uk · 01206 580138 · Greytown House, 140 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1QW
Important Regulatory Information
We are an independent legal services provider and are not a firm of solicitors. We are not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). We provide non-reserved legal services and practical legal assistance. Where a matter requires a reserved legal activity or advice from an appropriately regulated professional, we will explain this to you and, where appropriate, recommend that you obtain assistance from an authorised solicitor or other suitably regulated professional.