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How the service works:
LegalAdvice.ie offers a one-stop solution
to individuals or businesses with a legal query
or problem. Enquiries are submitted via e-mailto
the LegalAdvice.ie website, by calling the free
LegalAdvice.ie help line, or by SMS message to
a help centre, or by sending a fax.
Enquiries are logged and responded to
by LegalAdvice.ie staff within a guaranteed timeframe;
e.g. 90 minutes for enquiries made between 9 a.m.
and 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, or before midday
on the next working day if the query is made after
9 p.m. or at the weekend. This service will be
extended to 24 / 7 / 365 as soon as possible.
The 'quick response' service does not
mean an immediate consultation with a solicitor
or business expert. However, an operator calls
the enquirer back to acknowledge receipt of the
query, clarify any points, log any further details,
and pass the information to a solicitor for assessment.
If necessary, the matter will be referred to e.g.
FLAC, Social Services, or the Gardai.
Once logged, processed as above, and accepted,
the query is passed to a solicitor or law firm
who is a member of LegalAdvice.ie. If there's
more than one, the enquirer is given a choice
of solicitors. If asked to make a recommendation,
LegalAdvice.ie only does so on the basis of practice
specialisation or proximity to the address given.
If no choice is made, the enquiry is referred
on a strictly rotational basis, with no subjective
criteria applied to the merit or potential value
of any case.
The member must acknowledge that the
enquirer has been referred by LegalAdvice.ie,
and must agree to be bound by the rules of membership
of the LegalAdvice.ie network.
The member must promptly contact the
enquirer and arrange a meeting to discuss the
case. If the solicitor declines to act, the enquirer
must be referred back to LegalAdvice.ie with an
explanation. If the enquirer engages the member,
normal Law Society rules apply to the solicitor
/ client relationship. Law Society rules on change
of solicitor will apply as usual.
By joining the LegalAdvice.ie network,
the solicitor agrees to be bound by the rules
of membership that aim to provide the highest
standards of service to clients. Once instructed,
a member shall have sole responsibility for the
client, and shall indemnify LegalAdvice.ie. In
the event of a dispute, a client may inform LegalAdvice.ie
who will try to resolve any dispute. Law Society
rules will prevail at all times.
To become a member of LegalAdvice.ie,
a solicitor should fill out an application form,
and pay the annual subscription. Following acceptance,
each solicitor or firm will have equal status,
and clients will be referred in strict rotation.
An introductory fee, or fee apportionment is levied
by LegalAdvice.ie for each client referred to
a solicitor. This will apply only to a limited
period.
LegalAdvice.ie will be responsible for
all marketing, advertising and promotion of the
service. LegalAdvice.ie will continually update
the website, and will add services and features
on an ongoing basis.
Advantages of LegalAdvice.ie membership.
1. LegalAdvice.ie works with each law
firm as an independent associate, whereby LegalAdvice.ie
refers potential new clients to member firms.
In return, the association with a whole range
of firms will enable LegalAdvice.ie to offer a
maximum range of services to new clients nationwide.
2. LegalAdvice.ie is launching a nationwide
marketing campaign, which will include advertising,
roadshows, mailshots, attendance at conferences
and public events, seminars and multimedia marketing.
Each locality where we have members will be specifically
targeted.
3. Enquiries to LegalAdvice.ie are passed
directly to a member in confidence. Other members
may not solicit or canvass allocated clients.
Normal rules of professional conduct apply, as
drafted by the Law Society apply.
4. We will be entirely responsible for
the growth and development of the business. Active
involvement by members is not required. You will
be kept informed of LegalAdvice.ie marketing activities,
and expansion strategy. If you have a query as
a member, you may contact us at any time.
5. LegalAdvice.ie is a private limited
company. Only such information as is required
by law will be made public. Other information
relating to the service will be available to members.
The Law Society Arbitration Service is the recommended
forum for disputes.
6. For a fixed annual fee, LegalAdvice.ie
will actively market its memberŐs services throughout
the country. The LegalAdvice website, and Free
Phone numbers will be promoted, and an information
campaign will also be launched.
7. LegalAdvice.ie will soon set up a helpline
and networking facility to allow members exchange
expertise and feedback.
8. LegalAdvice.ie is regulated by The
Law Society of Ireland, and an nominee of the
Law Society will be appointed to the Board.
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