Client letters offered for charity

Firm seeks Benevolent Fund donations in return for popular styles

News, 8 July 2005

A Perth solicitor who has raised several hundred pounds for charity by sharing his new-style client engagement letters is now offering the service to lawyers across Scotland.

Graham Gibson of Kirklands in King Street first made the offer to delegates at an IT conference organised by his firm last month. In return for a £20 donation to the Scottish Solicitors Benevolent Fund (sent to James Ness at the Law Society of Scotland), he would send a style of the letter needed to comply with the new Client Communication Rules, and related documents.

The Rules, which come into force on 1 August when the Society's recommended table of fees is withdrawn, require solicitors to provide written terms of engagement to each client, including details of how fees will be charged. Mr Gibson's offer includes a style terms of engagement letter (with fee charging provisions), a covering letter, notes from his law accountant on fee charging options , and a money laundering form.

"Word got round and we have been inundated with requests", Mr Gibson said today. "So far James Ness has received about £600 for the Benevolent Fund and it would be good to see that boosted beyond the £1,000 mark."

"If you are looking for some pointers over the new Rules, please email me (gmg@kirklands-solicitors.com) or phone 01738 442299, confirm that you have sent a cheque to James for £20 and I will email you one copy of each of these documents. Please do not send your cheque to me."