Ascot Lawyers. At Ascot Lawyers we understand the importance of investing in the continual development of our staff.

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1 Ascot Lawyers Who are Ascot Lawyers? Ascot Lawyers has been looking after the interests of local people and businesses for more than ten years and specialises in a wide range of legal services including: Accident & Injury, Corporate & Commercial, Debt Recovery, Dispute Resolution, Divorce & Family, Employment, Industrial Disease, Financial Mis-selling, Medical Negligence, Property: both Residential & Commercial and Wills, Probate & Trusts. The firm has quickly established itself as a leading litigation practice employing highly skilled and specialist staff. At Ascot Lawyers we understand the importance of investing in the continual development of our staff. We pride ourselves on our growing reputation for being a professional, trustworthy, easy to talk to and highly efficient practice. We are based in Berkshire and Hampshire and can assist clients throughout the UK. At Ascot Lawyers we understand the importance of investing in the continual development of our staff, in order to ensure that we maintain the highest level of service. We are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) and Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators (AVRO) where we are the approved supplier of legal advice and services to AVRO members in relation to debt and contractual disputes matters. For further information, to make a claim, or speak to a Lawyer, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our aim is to be the leading service provider within our operational area, providing our clients with an indispensible relationship based upon quality, excellence and value. We believe that a relationship with our clients allows us to exceed their expectations by consistently delivering the level of service they need, when they need it. A good understanding of our clients will allow us to help our clients indentify issues before they occur, saving time, effort and money later on. We consider our key virtues to be adaptability, flexibility and responsiveness.

2 Accident & Injury We had every faith that we would get a fair deal when we were told who was in charge of the case. We will readily give your name wherever we can because it was all done very well indeed. Thank you. Simon Smith Had an accident at work? Fallen in a public place? Looking for a Personal Injury lawyer in the UK? Whether you have been injured in a car accident, accident at work, a fall in a public place, as a result of negligent medical treatment, a defective product or any accident, our specialist Personal Injury Lawyers can help. At Ascot Lawyers we can recover the right amount of compensation for your injuries and other losses and operate on a UK wide basis. We can help guide you through complex legal issues explaining these issues, without the legal jargon, in a straightforward way. Car Accidents If you have been a victim of a Road Traffic Accident whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist our specialist qualified staff can help. At Ascot Lawyers we have vast experience in dealing with car accident claims. This helps us to give you the best possible advice. We can help with all aspects of your claim including repair management, organising hire/replacement vehicle, as well as dealing with your injury claim and any other reasonable expenses you may have suffered as a result of the accident; such as damaged property, loss of earnings or medical expenses. Motorcycle Accidents Our qualified staff has extensive experience and specialist knowledge of dealing with motorcycle claims. If you have been injured as a result of another driver, a local authorities failure to maintain the road surface or other incidents where you were not at fault then you probably have a right to claim compensation. Accident at Work Many accidents happen in the workplace. An employer is under a duty to take reasonable care to protect against any foreseeable risk of injury. This includes providing safe equipment, a safe place of work and a safe system of work. If you have had an accident at work, which was not your fault, you may have a claim for compensation. Our specialist qualified staff can help. Accident in a Public Place / Slips and Trips If you or your child have been injured as a result of a fall in a public place such as a footpath, pavement, playground, supermarket, other shops or as a result of falling masonry, you may have a claim. Our specialist qualified staff can help. Defective Products If you or your child has suffered illness or injury because of a defective product whether it be a faulty toy, chair, electrical equipment, food, medication or a medical device you may be able to claim compensation. Our specialist staff has the experience and knowledge to give you the right advice on how to bring a claim.

3 Corporate & Commercial A very big thank you for everything you have done for me throughout my claim. Your professional standards and rapid response to all s was fantastic. Mike Burt CORPORATE & COMMERCIAL We provide advice to businesses of all sizes on corporate and commercial matters, irrespective of whether they are companies, partnerships or sole traders. We firmly believe that averting legal conflict is better than having to settle conflict by way of legal procedure. Therefore we work to anticipate potential legal pitfalls through understanding our clients businesses and using our own commercial acumen, as well as our knowledge of the law. We can advise on most corporate and commercial matters including, but not limited to, the following: Commercial contracts e.g. supply of goods and services Company formation Directors duties Heads of Terms / Memoranda of Understanding Joint ventures Non-disclosure agreements / confidentiality agreements Partnership agreements Sale and purchase of assets Sale and purchase of shares Shareholders agreements Terms and Conditions (standard or tailored) We aim to develop long standing relationships with our clients, providing continuity and enabling us to get an in-depth understanding of our clients businesses and the legal issues that may impact them. Our objective is to provide our clients with the highest level of protection in their commercial and corporate dealings.

4 Debt Recovery They are very efficient and supply quickly on a case to case basis. Roger Ridd, Recoveries Manager (Bank of Ireland) Effective Debt Recovery Lawyers with Rapid Solutions Ascot Lawyers acts for individuals, businesses and financial institutions in relation to the recovery of outstanding invoices, debts and goods. The services provided range from the straight forward collection of outstanding invoices where there is no dispute, to the collection of goods and monies both for regulated and unregulated hire purchase, lease, and other loan agreements. We are able to provide debt recovery solutions on a case by case basis, either by assisting you in reaching an amicable agreement with the debtor for payment or where necessary, issuing proceedings against the individual or company for the recovery of your debt or goods. Our team is knowledgeable and results focused, we recognise that all our clients require an effective, fast and efficient service to obtain the best results, whilst incurring minimal costs. If you would like advice on recovering unpaid debts and invoices or enforcement of loan, hire purchase or lease agreements, we can help. A selection of areas where we can help: Unpaid Invoices Ascot Lawyers can advise you on the quickest and most cost effective course of action to be taken, thereby maximising the recovery of monies in each case. Sometimes just a letter from a firm of Lawyers can prompt the debtor to pay even when your letters have previously been ignored. Issue of Court Proceedings We recognise the need to resolve disputes at an early stage but if litigation is necessary then our team are experienced in the Court process and their proactive approach aims to achieve results for you, the client, as quickly as possible. Enforcement We can trace individuals and assets to advise you in relation to the best method of enforcing any Judgement obtained. Bankruptcy / Insolvency We can advise you in relation to the process and the costs involved in issuing bankruptcy proceedings against an individual or winding up a company. When you have decided that you want to take this course of action, we can deal with the whole process on your behalf from issuing and serving the proceedings to liaising with either the insolvency service or any trustee appointed. Credit Control If your internal credit control has drawn a blank then we will comprehensively assess each case to advise on the quickest and most cost effective course of action. Our aim is to control your litigation expenditure whilst maximising recovery.

5 Dispute Resolution Very helpful. A pleasure to deal with. A real fantastic service from a professional firm. Teresa Goodwin DISPUTE RESOLUTION FROM PROFESSIONAL NEGLIGENCE TO CONTRACT DIFFICULTIES Our dispute resolution team specialises in non injury civil law cases. We are able to represent and advise you whether you are making a claim against another party, or defending a claim being made against you. Whether these are Contractor Problems or claims of Professional Negligence, our Lawyers are professional and results focused. We have experience in representing corporate and individual clients and pride ourselves in providing a service specific to your needs. We appreciate that dealing with a legal claim can be a daunting prospect, therefore we give our advice in a straightforward, plain speaking manner, which is easy to understand. We aim to quickly get to the heart of the matter and to offer our clients a range of legal remedies to their particular dispute. We identify the crucial issues important to our client at an early stage allowing us to effectively negotiate a resolution to the case, often without the need for potentially time consuming and expensive court room battles, whilst protecting our client s interests. Where court action is the most appropriate solution to your needs we are robust and assertive in our approach, mindful always of the costs or potential costs to our clients. Whatever the right solution for you, from negotiated settlement through to court litigation, you can be assured that we will act with your best interests in mind and we remain conscious that what is in your interests may change as the case progresses. Building/Construction Disputes These cases may involve faulty or defective buildings, construction or installation works such as bathroom/kitchen installations, shop fitting, defective conservatory builds, landscaping etc. Typically for our commercial clients there may also be an associated loss of business or revenue for which the party at fault may be liable. Contract We are able to assist with a wide range of contractual issues from drafting contract terms, advising on the meaning and interpretation of contractual clauses, through to the effects and resolution of breaches of contract. Property Disputes Such cases may involve rights of way, ownership of land, boundary disputes, nuisance neighbours, subsidence, landlord and tenant disputes, party wall issues etc. Professional Negligence Professional Negligence involves claims concerning the provision of professional advice and the impact that advice has, when it is relied upon. Business Disputes For example, shareholder or partnership disputes or other corporate disputes.

6 Divorce & Family I am very happy with the service I have received from Ascot Lawyers. Claire Smith divorce and family Ascot Lawyers has extensive experience in helping clients with various family and matrimonial issues. We can offer straight forward advice, guidance and assistance in many areas, including but not limited to: Divorce Separation Finances Children Co-habitation Pre and Post Nuptial Agreements Civil Partnership Domestic Violence We are committed to adopting the amicable and conciliatory approach set out by Resolution. We help matters be dealt with constructively and sympathetically. We know how upsetting and stressful these issues can be, and we ensure that we offer our clients a friendly and supportive service. We cut out the legal jargon and explain everything in plain English to ensure that you fully understand the various options available to you. Our experienced Lawyers encourage communication with one another and we try and maximise co-operation, minimise acrimony and discord and help you resolve disputes rather than jumping into court action.

7 Employment Law I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your excellent service during a difficult time. Mayele Mapangala Need an Effective Employment Law Solution and Advisory Service? Ascot Lawyers provides a professional Employment Law Advisory Service and Solution covering all aspects of Employment Law. Whether you are an employee who needs advice on your rights and entitlement or an employer who needs advice on how best to deal with an employee, we can help. Below are a selection of areas describing our expertise in Employment Law. Unfair Dismissal If you have been dismissed we can advise you in relation to whether the dismissal is fair and whether you may have any entitlement to compensation or damages. We can act for you in Employment Tribunal claims. Bullying or Harassment We can advise you whether conduct against you at your workplace amounts to harassment and whether you have a claim against your employer or against another employee. Discrimination If you feel that you are being discriminated against in relation to age, sex, race, religion or as a result of a disability, then contact us for advice. Redundancy Whether you are an employer considering if your business needs a reduction in the workforce by way of redundancy or an employee who is about to be made redundant we can advise you about the procedure that should be followed. Failure to follow the correct procedure can result in the dismissal being unfair. Employment Terms and Conditions The law requires mandatory written terms of employment. Ascot Lawyers can draft terms and conditions. We can also advise in relation to the meaning and effect of contractual terms. Problems with Employees Sometimes the employer/employee relationship breaks down. Ascot Lawyers can advise you in connection with your Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures and how following the correct procedure can avoid a claim being made against you in the Employment Tribunal. If a former employee does make a claim in the Employment Tribunal we can act for you. Maternity We can advise you with regards to your entitlement to Maternity Leave whether it is ordinary Maternity Leave or additional Maternity Leave. At the end of ordinary Maternity Leave, you are entitled to return to your original job. At the end of additional leave, you should still be able to return to your original job, but if this is not reasonably practicable, to a suitable alternative job. During Maternity Leave, you may work and be paid as usual for up to 10 Keeping in Touch days. Compromise Agreements If your employer terminates your employment and offers you a Compromise Agreement we can provide expert advice on the terms of settlement to ensure that you receive a fair and appropriate settlement. We can also draft Compromise Agreements for employers to ensure that all the issues between you and your employee are resolved.

8 Financial Mis-Selling You have been cheerfully supportive during the course of my claim and I consider myself most fortunate to have had your professional determination to follow this case through to a just conclusion. I will have no hesitation in recommending you to anyone in need of your services. Angela Wicks FINANCIAL MIS-SELLING Our financial mis-selling team specialises in claims relating to the sale of financial products. If you have a claim, we will be able to represent you in making a claim against the lender or broker that sold you the financial product in question. If you are in arrears on your loan, mortgage or credit card payments and legal action is being brought against you, we may be able to represent you in defending such a claim. We are able to offer advice and assistance where you have been sold a variety of financial products, including but not limited to the following: Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) If you were sold a payment protection insurance policy on your loan or other credit agreement (including credit cards) prior to 2009, you may have a claim in a number of circumstances, including not being told that the policy was optional or not being asked for or provided with sufficient information. If you were told that the PPI policy was required in order to obtain a loan or hire purchase of 25, or less and the loan has not yet been settled, you may have a valid claim that the loan is unenforceable. Mortgage Mis-Selling If you were sold a mortgage by a broker after 31st October 2004 or directly from the lender after 2000 and it is shown that the salesperson breached one or more of the rules which govern the sale of mortgages, you may have a claim for any losses incurred to date, or that will be incurred over the entire term of the mortgage as a result of taking out that mortgage. Even if the mortgage has been repaid and/or you have moved on to another mortgage, provided it can be shown that the broker or representative of the lender did not adhere to the requirements in selling, you can still bring a claim. Likewise, if you have had your home repossessed, you could still make a claim. Interest Rate Swap Mis-Selling If you own a business that borrowed money to finance the purchase of one or more properties, and were required or pressurised by the lender to take out protection against an increase in interest rates, this protection may have been and may continue to be a cause of significant losses to your business and the hedging product, usually an interest rate swap, may have been completely inappropriate If so, we will be able to advise whether you may have a claim. Investment Mis-Selling Individuals or entities who sell the investments are subject to strict rules that have been in force since Most significantly, the Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) or anyone involved in the sales process must ensure that the investments recommended meet the needs and circumstances of the investor. If it is shown that the IFA or salesperson did not engage properly in this assessment, there may be a valid claim. We pride ourselves in providing a service specific to your needs. We appreciate that dealing with a legal claim can be a daunting prospect, therefore we give our advice in a straightforward, plain speaking manner, which is easy to understand.

9 Industrial Disease Thank you for all your hard work and for getting me such an excellent result. Thanks again. Ian Gosling Industrial Disease Industrial Disease is a broad term commonly assigned to a range of injuries, diseases and other medical conditions which are caused over a period of time, rather than in one specific incident. Historically these injuries and diseases have been more common in industry, although industry is by no means the only place where such injuries occur. Perhaps a better term would be Occupational Disease. Commonly such injuries occur as a result of exposure over a period of time to noise, chemicals, fumes, dust, vibrations, power tools and hazardous substances. Quite often the symptoms of the injuries do not become apparent for a number of years after the exposure. At Ascot Lawyers you will receive the benefit of a dedicated team of Lawyers specialising in Occupational Disease and Injury. The team deal with a wide variety of claims including : Asbestos related disease including Asbestosis and Mesothelioma Silicosis Bronchitis Asthma Chest ailments Noise induced hearing loss Tinnitus Repetitive strain injury Back and spinal injuries Vibration white finger Dermatitis Chemical injuries Stress Whilst a claim should normally be brought within three years of becoming aware of your symptoms, it is still possible to pursue a claim that was triggered many years ago. Similarly it is possible to bring a claim against an employer who has ceased to trade, been taken over or acquired by other businesses. Our team of specialist Lawyers will guide you through the evidence gathering process and analyse the available information including compiling a detailed occupational and medical history. At the appropriate time we will arrange for the necessary medical investigations and reports that are required as evidence of the nature and extent of your injuries. At Ascot Lawyers we believe that our clients want and deserve a quality service with clear understandable advice and guidance. We understand that dealing with a legal case is often stressful and confusing, which is made no easier whilst also suffering from any form if illness or disease. Our Industrial Disease Lawyers will deal with your case quickly, efficiently and with sensitivity. Our role is to take care of the complexities and technicalities of the law and to provide you with the support and advice you need. Our team will also be able to assist you access welfare support and benefits that may be available to you.

10 Medical Negligence I would like to take this opportunity to say a very grateful thank you for all you have done. Since you have taken on the case you have dealt with us with compassion, understanding and total professionalism. David Hooper medical NEGLIGENCE Many people across the UK would consider medical staff to be among the most trusted of all professionals. Thousands of people day in and day out, unconditionally place their health, safety and wellbeing into the hands of doctors, nurses, dentists, GPs and other medical staff. Whilst in the vast majority of cases such trust and faith is well placed, there are occasions where things go wrong. We deal with a large variety of Medical Negligence cases including: Injuries to mother and child during birth Failure to diagnose or wrongful diagnosis Failure to treat or incorrect/inappropriate treatment Dental Negligence Surgical Negligence, including leaving surgical implements in situ Cosmetic surgery Elective procedures Death resulting from negligence At Ascot Lawyers we understand that it is distressing enough to need the care of medical professionals in the first instance, but to find your condition made worse as a result of treatment received can be shattering. We understand that your faith in the professions may be shaken as a result of Medical Negligence incident. We strive to provide clear and understandable advice from the outset; it is our role to deal with the complexities and technicalities of the law and how it interrelates with the medical professions, and to advise you in a straight forward manner. We appreciate that the aftermath of Medical Negligence is often traumatic, particularly if the original condition has been made worse, or if the negligence resulted in the death of a loved one. We aim to deal with your case with sensitivity and sympathy. Even if we believe that we cannot assist you, or that legal action is not in your best interests, we will strive to provide you with clear advice as to the alternative options available to you. We will consider all of the circumstances surrounding your case, assess the available evidence and documentation and give you clear advice on your options, answer your questions and help you get the answers you need. We help to ensure that you are provided with the necessary treatment and means to conduct your life as normally as possible after a Medical Negligence incident. We are also aware that for many people the desire to prevent similar incidents happening again is as important as any compensation. Far from taking money from the NHS, claims can highlight the need for a higher level of medical training and understanding, and identify areas that may need improvement such that similar incidents may be avoided in the future. Our approach with our clients is to provide a free initial consultation during which we hope to be able to obtain enough information to confirm to you whether or not there is a likely claim and what further investigations would be appropriate. We also provide our clients with advice on funding the potential claim. If public funding is not available to you, or if you do not have insurance that may help cover the cost of the case, we may be able to offer a no win, no fee agreement from the outset.

11 Property: Residential and Commercial Very pleased with the service, I will definitely recommend your services to friends and family. Thank you very much! Anna Smith Property: Residential and Commercial Ascot Lawyers has a specialist team of conveyancers to help our clients through the purchase and sale of both residential and commercial property. Residential Conveyancing Our specialist team provide regular advice in relation to many different types of transaction including: Property Sale / Purchase Remortgaging Transfer of Equity Shared Ownership Tenancy Agreements Grant and Renewal of Leases Lease Variations Transfer of Matrimonial Property We know how stressful buying or selling a home can be, and the need to get things right. Our view, as with all our other legal services, is that our clients want a quality service delivered quickly, efficiently and in plain English. We see it as our job to guide you through the transaction and clearly explain to you the various options along the way to ensure that sale or purchase is completed in the way that best suits your needs. In order to ensure that we provide the quality of service, speed of transaction and provide our clients with ready access to the conveyancer dealing with their transaction, we do not operate as a factory conveyancing practice. There are a variety of ways of holding property, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. We will explain the different methods to you and help you decide which one is right for you. Ascot Lawyers also provide specialist advice to landlords and tenants in relation to their rights and obligations. Commercial Conveyancing Whether commercial property is your business or you simply own or rent premises, the outlays involved attach a high risk to most ventures. Ascot Lawyers provide comprehensive advice, support and guidance to ensure that your interests are protected as fully as possible at all times. Most commercial conveyancing is pursued with a specific business aim in mind. We will provide our clients with advice on the available opportunities to achieve maximum commercial benefit. We can assist a wide range of investors, developers, contractors, businesses, buyers and sellers; on all aspects of commercial property transactions, including: Purchase / Sale of land Purchase / Sale of commercial property Grant of Leases Renewal of Leases Licences and Lease variation

12 Wills & Probate Making a Will was so easy! Ascot Lawyers made the whole process simple. I ve even persuaded my husband to make a Will! Seana Millard wills & probate It is estimated that more than 60% of the UK population do not have a Will, and that many of those without a Will simply believe that their estate will end up with the right people automatically. When a person dies without a Will the estate will be shared out according to the intestacy rules and only certain people will be able to inherit, furthermore the amount they may inherit is also limited by the rules. Wills We find ourselves in an age of complex financial affairs and sometimes intricate family relationships. The need for a Will has never been more important. It is vital that a Will is drafted correctly if it is to have effect. The language of Wills is based in historic legal precedent and as such it is often archaic and confusing. The media is awash with examples of improperly drafted Wills resulting in the wishes of the deceased being ignored; or cheap Will writing kits being misunderstood with disastrous consequences for the deceased s family. Given the importance of drafting the Will correctly, at Ascot Lawyers your Will shall be drafted only by experienced Wills and Probate Lawyers, irrespective of the cost. We understand that sometimes the need for a Will can often come at a difficult and emotional time. We offer a sympathetic and personal service to all of our clients. We are happy to arrange to see you or your loved ones at home, in a nursing / residential home or hospital should the need arise. We also understand that for many people writing a Will naturally leads them to contemplating their mortality. There may also be issues for some clients that they would prefer to keep to themselves. We pride ourselves on acting with tact, understanding and discretion when helping you draft your Will. To save you time we can help you via and over the telephone. You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our specialist Lawyers either at our offices, your home or another place convenient to you. Making a Will is often straightforward and inexpensive; it will also provide peace of mind and ensure that your wishes are adhered to, and make things easier for loved ones should you die. Probate Probate is a general term used to signify the administration of the deceased s estate. Until Probate is granted by the court, assets such as the home, bank accounts and insurance policies cannot be dealt with, nor can the deceased s tax affairs be settled. Ascot Lawyers can assist you with all aspects of dealing with the obtaining of Probate and the ultimate distribution of the deceased s estate. Lasting Powers of Attorney It is possible to appoint relatives or friends to manage your financial affairs should you become incapable of doing so yourself, however this must be done before the ability to make decisions is lost. A Lasting Power of Attorney may be viewed as an insurance policy for the future to ensure that decisions can still be made to your benefit at a time when you have become unable to make decisions for yourself. Ascot Lawyers can advise on the suitability of a Lasting Power of Attorney and further advise upon its registration and use.