We were pleasantly surprised to receive some more very positive feedback from the Family Billing Team at the Legal Aid Agency.
Their online feedback portal picked up an extensive comment regarding a bill we’d submitted f on the 12th October 2022 for one of our barrister’s meetings held on the 25th August 2022 and for a Final Hearing on the 30th August 2022 under the Family Advocacy Scheme (FAS).
They were pleased the bill had been sent promptly (in this case on the 13th June) and that all fees had been not only claimed correctly but also comprehensively evidenced alongside Counsel’s detailed attendance note.
The Legal Aid Agency noted our client wanted them to pass on their thanks to both counsel and their clerk, Laura Ford, “for taking the time and trouble to provide such a accurately claimed and helpfully evidenced bill.”
The client went on to say that Laura’s diligence allowed them to authorise payment as claimed and without delay and process more claims for payment in the limited time they have than they can when fees are claimed incorrectly or where evidence is missing or more difficult to locate.
While the part about clearly setting out the contents and ensuring all the right information is in the right place should be a given, we know from our instructing solicitors that it isn’t always the case with other Chambers.
However, we know we’re all in this together so it is essential we do everything we can to avoid any delays in payment.
At Westgate Chambers we always make sure the settlement of every claim goes though as quickly and easily as possible. Although our primary objective is to always provide our instructing solicitors and lay clients with the best possible legal advice, we know this advice has to be delivered with the highest level of service.
An important part of this service is making sure everyone is paid and paid promptly.
While it was nice to receive more praise for the way we work and get a little recognition for the hard work we’ve done to improve our billing processes, we know this is a standard we must maintain as standard.
If you would like to find out more about the extra mile we go for every client to ensure their working lives are as efficient and straightforward as possible, please contact our clerks today.