Terms & Conditions

Thank you for choosing SKK Solicitors Limited.
It is important that you understand and agree on how we will work for you. This document outlines the standard of service you can expect from us and the terms of our work. Please retain it for future reference. These terms apply unless varied in writing or changed by law or the regulation of solicitors. Your continuing instructions will be considered as acceptance of these terms.
Our Commitment to You
We commit to:
  • Prioritising your interests when representing you.
  • Understanding your objectives and ensuring expectations are realistic.
  • Providing clear explanations in plain English to aid your understanding.
  • Agreeing on the scope of work to be performed.
  • Keeping you informed of progress and sharing key documents.
  • Maintaining confidentiality and avoiding conflicts of interest.
  • Explaining costs and financial risks, with regular updates.
  • Advising you of foreseeable risks that may affect your matter.
  • Informing you of relevant changes in the law.
  • Responding promptly to your queries.
  • Being polite, considerate, and professional.
  • Treating you fairly, regardless of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.
What We Ask You to Do
To help us serve you effectively, please:
  • Provide clear, timely, and accurate instructions.
  • Supply necessary documents promptly.
  • Safeguard important documents.
  • Attend appointments on time.
  • Inform us of any changes to your contact details.
  • Respond promptly to our queries.
  • Pay our fees promptly.

Contact and Communication

      • Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Friday.
        Outside these hours, messages can be left on our answering service or via email.
      • Appointments: Please schedule appointments in advance to avoid waiting or disappointment.
      • Communication Methods: We may communicate via letter, email, or telephone. If you agree to email communication, we will take precautions against viruses but cannot guarantee security.
        We reserve the right to monitor email correspondence under the Telecommunications (Lawful Business Practice) (Interception of Communications) Regulations 2000.
If we do not hear from you for four months, we will assume you no longer wish to proceed, and your matter will be closed. A new engagement will be required to resume services. Previous matter files will be retained per current guidelines.

Your Solicitor
Your solicitor will inform you of their qualifications and expertise. Most work will be carried out by your solicitor, with assistance from others when needed. All work is supervised by Santhosh Kumar Karuvari, Solicitor and Principal of the firm. If a change of solicitor is necessary, we will inform you promptly.

Fees & Expenses
Understanding Fees

  • Fee Structure: Fees are based on the time spent on your matter, billed in 6-minute units.
  • Hourly Rate: The applicable rate will be agreed upon and confirmed in writing.
  • Fixed Fees: For specific work, we may agree on a fixed fee. Any additional work will be charged at the hourly rate.
  • Initial Meetings: Chargeable unless stated otherwise.

Billing

  • Interim Bills: We may issue interim bills for work completed and request payments on account for future costs.
  • Travel & Waiting Time: Charged at two-thirds of the hourly rate.
Disbursements and Expenses
In addition to our fees, you are responsible for disbursements such as:
  • Court fees
  • Application fees
  • Expert reports
  • Barrister fees

We will inform you of estimated disbursements and request payment in advance for third-party services.

Costs and Liability

  • If you are unsuccessful, you may be liable for your opponent’s costs.
  • Even if successful, you may not recover all your costs and remain liable for our fees.
  • If an opponent has public funding, you may not recover costs.

Payments on Account

Advance payments for fees and disbursements will be held in our office account at Lloyds Bank Plc. These funds will be applied to your bills, and you may be entitled to interest unless agreed otherwise.

Lien

If you change solicitors, we may retain your papers until all fees and disbursements are paid. Written authority is required for file transfer.

Legal Aid

We do not provide Legal Aid services. If you may qualify, we will refer you to appropriate providers.

Money Laundering Compliance

We comply with Money Laundering Regulations. We may request proof of identity and information about the source of funds. Failure to comply may lead to delays or reports to authorities.

VAT

We are not currently VAT-registered.

Company Information

      • Company Name: SKK Solicitors Limited
      • Company Registration Number: 15835910
      • Registered Office: 18 Lydford Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 1NL
Our Fixed Fees
In some cases, SKK Solicitors may offer Fixed Fees for certain legal services. At the commencement of your retainer, we will provide written confirmation of the scope of work covered by the Fixed Fee.
      • Additional Work: If you instruct us to carry out additional work, or work outside the agreed scope, we will inform you whether we can offer a separate Fixed Fee for this work or charge at an hourly rate + VAT. Any additional work will be discussed with you before commencement.
      • Payment: Full payment for Fixed Fee cases is required before work commences. Once payment is received, we will issue a receipt and a letter of engagement. Fees are non-refundable once the engagement letter has been issued.
      • Non-Refundable Fees: If you withdraw instructions after a Fixed Fee has been agreed, the full fees and any disbursements or expenses incurred up until that point will remain chargeable. If the matter is not subject to a Fixed Fee, hourly rates will apply, and you remain liable for all costs incurred.
      • Third-Party Payments: You remain primarily liable for all fees, even if a third party (such as a friend or family member) pays your costs.

No Win No Fee or No Win Half Fee Refund

In some cases, we may offer a No Win No Fee or No Win Half Fee arrangement, but please note that a refund is applicable only if your application is unsuccessful due to an error on our part.

      • Conditions for Refunds: If your application is refused due to your failure to follow our advice or provide requested information in a timely manner, we will not be liable for any refund. If you withdraw from the process or fail to provide necessary information within the timeframe (maximum 3-6 months), you will not be eligible for a refund.
      • Home Office Compliance Visit/Audit: Our No Win No Fee policy does not apply if your business is subject to a sponsor licence audit or compliance visit. In these cases, separate charges will apply, and the No Win No Fee policy will not be applicable.

Billing Arrangements

      • Payment Terms: Bills must be paid in full within 14 days of receipt. Overdue bills may incur interest at the County Court judgment debt rate (currently 8% per annum).
      • Non-Payment: If payment is not made within 30 days, we may cease to act on your behalf, and we may withdraw instructions from any third parties engaged on your behalf.
      • Cash Payments: We do not accept cash payments over £500. If a payment on account is required, cheques will clear in 6 working days. Disbursements will not be incurred until funds are cleared.

Identity and Disclosure Requirements

In compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, we are required to verify your identity before providing legal services. We may request documents such as a passport, driving license, and a recent utility bill. We are entitled to refuse to act if you fail to provide satisfactory evidence.

Working with Other Professionals

If we recommend or engage other professionals on your behalf (such as barristers, financial advisors, or accountants), we do so based on our experience but cannot be held responsible for their work unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Maintaining Quality

Our firm is committed to maintaining high standards of service. Occasionally, external auditors or regulators may inspect our files to ensure we meet quality standards. All inspections are carried out with strict confidentiality.

Termination of Services

You may terminate our services at any time in writing. However, we will retain all your papers and documents until any outstanding fees or expenses are paid. We will not tolerate abuse or harassment towards our staff.

Applicable Law and Regulations

These terms and conditions are governed by English law. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of England. SKK Solicitors is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and adheres to the SRA Code of Conduct.

Data Protection

We use the information you provide to offer legal services and for related purposes such as improving client records and compliance with legal requirements. We will not share your information with third parties unless required for your case. You have the right to access your personal data and update it if necessary.

By providing us with your personal information, you consent to its processing as outlined in our Privacy Policy, which is available upon request.

Client Consent

By engaging us for legal services, you consent to the processing of your personal data for the purpose of progressing your legal matter. You may withdraw consent at any time, but this may affect our ability to continue representing you.

Firm’s COLP & COFA Duties

The Principal Solicitor, Santosh Kumar Karuvari, is responsible for the firm’s compliance with legal practice and finance regulations. He ensures that systems and controls are in place to meet regulatory standards.

Time Scales

We will provide an estimated timescale for your matter in writing where possible. However, legal work is often complex and subject to external factors, which may affect the ability to provide an accurate timescale. As progress is made, the timescale may need to be reviewed and updated. Each case will be assessed individually, and estimates may be given on a step-by-step basis.

Undertakings

We will not provide an undertaking on your behalf without your prior approval unless it is part of our usual business. If a payment is required, we will ask for the relevant amount or a reasonable estimate of that sum before giving the undertaking, as it cannot be withdrawn once given.

Professional Indemnity Insurance
In compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) rules, we maintain professional indemnity insurance covering up to GBP 3,000,000 per claim plus defense costs. This insurance complies with the Solicitors’ Indemnity Insurance Rules.

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

We are committed to protecting your personal data in accordance with GDPR. Your information will be used for legal services, client records, analysis, legal compliance, and statutory returns. Information may be shared with third parties such as expert witnesses or advisors when necessary. You have the right to access your data. For queries, contact our Data Protection Manager, Mr. Santhosh Kumar Karuvari at office@skksolicitors.com.

Equality and Diversity

We are dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. We ensure fairness, respect, and professionalism in every aspect of client service and employment. We are committed to maintaining an environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bullying.

Identity Verification

To comply with legal obligations, we require satisfactory proof of your identity. We do not accept cash deposits greater than £500. Please provide original documents from the following lists:

        • List A: Valid passport, H.M. Forces identity card, valid UK photo driving license.
        • List B: Recent utility bill (within 6 months), Council Tax bill, mortgage statement, or other official documentation.

Termination

We may cease to act for you under the following circumstances:

        • Threat of violence, injury, or danger.
        • Discovery of a conflict of interest.
        • Requests to break the law or engage in professional negligence.
        • Failure to provide adequate instructions or payment.
        • Any other breach of our terms.

If we stop acting for you, we will notify you in writing with the reasons. If your instructions were made without face-to-face contact, you may have the right to withdraw within 7 working days as per the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, provided work has not commenced with your consent.

OUR COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If you have a concern or complaint that has not been adequately addressed by the person handling your case or their supervising partner, please contact us as soon as possible. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

Our contact details are:

By Post:

SKK Solicitors
18 Lydford Avenue
Slough
SL2 1NL

Phone: 0203 916 6263

Email: office@skksolicitors.com

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT?

  • We will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your complaint within five working days of receiving it. This letter will also include a copy of our complaints procedure.
  • We will then investigate your complaint. This process typically involves referring your complaint to our Principal Solicitor, Mr. Santhosh Kumar Karuvari, who will review your case file and speak to the relevant member of staff who handled your matter.
  • Mr. Santhosh Kumar Karuvari will invite you to a meeting within fourteen days of sending the acknowledgment letter to discuss and, we hope, resolve your complaint.
  • Within three days of the meeting, Mr. Santhosh Kumar Karuvari will send you a written summary of what occurred during the meeting and any solutions that have been agreed upon.
  • If you are unwilling to meet or if a meeting is not feasible, Mr. Santhosh Kumar Karuvari will send you a detailed written response to your complaint, outlining potential solutions, within twenty days of the acknowledgment letter.
  • If you remain unsatisfied with our response, you should contact us again to explain why. We will review your concerns and, if necessary, arrange a further review of the decision.
  • Within fourteen days of receiving your request for a review, we will confirm our final position on your complaint in writing and explain our reasoning.
  • Should we need to amend any of the above timeframes, we will notify you and explain the reasons for the change.
  • If you are still dissatisfied with how we have handled your complaint, or with the firm’s bill, you may contact the Legal Ombudsman for further consideration. Before submitting a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, you must first give us an opportunity to address the issue. We have eight weeks to deal with your complaint. If after this period you are not satisfied, you may approach the Legal Ombudsman.
  • As of 1 April 2023, the time limits for submitting a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman have changed. You may submit your complaint to the Legal Ombudsman within six months of receiving our final written response to your complaint, or within six years of the incident you are complaining about (or three years from when you reasonably should have become aware of it).
  • 11. Legal Ombudsman Contact Details: • Address: Legal Ombudsman, PO Box 6167, Slough, SL1 0EH • Telephone: 0300 555 0333 • Website: www.legalombudsman.org.uk • Email: enquiries@legalombudsman.org.uk

Refund Policy

As per the firm’s Refund Policy SKK Solicitors do not issue refunds once an engagement letter has been sent and or disbursements have been paid or a liability for disbursements has been incurred.

If you request a refund of some or all of that money,  after deducting any direct costs to us and work carried out by us associated with the processing of your matter and the processing of any refund and also any costs (including any applicable tax and disbursements) which we have incurred in accordance with your instructions up to the date of your request for a refund.

If you would like to request a refund you should raise the matter with your solicitor in the first instance, by writing to SKK Solicitors, 18 Lydford Avenue, Slough, SL2 1NL.  Once we have received your refund request, your matter/work carried out will be assessed by the accounts team. The assessment by the accounts team will take in 30 working days and once the assessment is done and a response with the agreed refund is sent to you, our accounts team will refund any money due to you will be made to you via bank transfer within 28 working days of that agreement.

Please, contact our Director by post for any refund request at the below addresses.

SKK Solicitors
18 Lydford Avenue
Slough, SL2 1NL
United Kingdom