About Shieldacre PDF Print E-mail

Shieldacre is committed to offer solicitors a seamless service. The recommendations we make are from our own observations of providers and sources, experts and sites; gleaned over many years in the business of bill drafting for firms around the country. Shieldacre prides itself in dealing with cases from an eclectic number of firms - Accordingly, our sources encompass a similar range yet maintain a consistantly high standard.



We are happy to assist busy practitioners by telephone for questions requiring an immediate response or to provide more comprehensive answers by e-mail.



Shieldacre Services Include



Index


Costs advice on the telephone: email
Costs recovery on all legal billing
Case sources for firms: RTA: EL:PL: Medical: Legal Aid
Investigation by knowledgeable agents
Medical agencies; Wollard compatible
Web links


to: Solicitors for agencies
Court forms: court rates: court addresses
CPR
Case law
Legal Aid: LSC


Billing
Drafting replies to Points of Dispute
Detailed assessment
Case law update
European Assistance


Costs Advice




Costs Recovery


First, by drawing bills: claim forms or other mediums as required (solicitor/client)
Secondly by negotiating costs
Thirdly by detailed assessment (see below)



Case Sources


Over the years we have assisted Claims Management Companies (CMCs) to refine their case sourcing. The CMCs that Shieldacre deal with do not engage in "cold calling". Instead, they receive instructions directly from potential claimants. The Shieldacre risk assessment procedure has meant that, over the years, we have built a proforma that means only cases with over a 65% chance of success are made available to solicitors. We take no financial reward or commission from either provider or solicitor. Those organisations have certain mandatory requirements.



Investigation


The geographical spread of claimants means that solicitors need to be able to rely on dedicated and knowledgeable agents to carry out instructions. Over the years we have monitored different firms we have seen from any number of solicitors files.



Our compendium is short but reflects our criteria:



1) The maximisation of costs for solicitors on any given file.


2) The Agents are aware of the rules and regulations


3) Accuracy


4) Timeframe



Medical Agencies


Shieldacre's extensive experience has led to us dealing with various agencies and their management and billing structures. We have advised on presentation, costing and timing. Those we recommend understand Woollard, the requirement for agency fees, reasonableness and recoverability. In addition, criteria such as professionalism, adhering to timescales and integrity of reports, together with duties to the courtand the maintenance of an expert database all play their part.



Medical Experts


There are individual medical experts who prefer to accept instructions directly from solicitors. Various firms of solicitors prefer to source and deliver their own instructions. These nominations may be of interest to you.



Web Links


In the course of a day, research and documentation, addresses and names will be required. From our site you are able to move quickly and accurately to a number of different sites to assist you in the working day.



Points of Dispute


This area has become increasingly important in recent years. Good Points of Dispute will narrow issues and possibly lead to earlier settlement. Equally good replies, being robust, accurate and properly quoting will see off challenges and enable negotiations to conclude a better, earlier settlement. Conversely, the failure to provide detailed points of dispute may be detrimental.



Detailed Assessment


On bills we draw, Shieldacre undertake to attend hearings. We also attend courts where the solicitor does not wish to or is unable to do so. Acting both for paying and receiving parties we are able to approach the arena well prepared, well versed, and more aware than perhaps others. This attitude and attention to detail gives Shieldacre an even greater understanding of the counter requirements.



Case Law Update


Shieldacre offers Lawtel, a subscription based service.



We also publish cases and their criteria for fuller research by our clients. We will also refer to certain articles in publications, which we suggest you might read. From time to time we will place on our site items of interest, references to reports and items of general interest.



European Assistance


Shieldacre has undertaken costing work in both Paris and Gibraltar. Our European operative is Karen Darbyshire LL.B. Karen holds an English solicitors practising certificate. Karen with her local knowledge and local contacts (France and Spain) is well placed geographically to assist in property acquisitions and claims. She acts as agent for firms in this country. Karen is able to lift the burden and worry from you on local legal requirements especially in relation to property law and areas such as renovation, planning and lettings.



Karen also handles tax and inheritance matters. Foreign inheritance tax is significantly different, with many more beneficial exemptions.