Legal speak

Have you noticed that many professionals have a code.

For example, if an estate agent refers to a motivated seller, they often mean that they are desperate!

Or if a mechanic or builder takes a sharp intake of breath, you know that means it’s going to be expensive.

If your teenage children pay you a compliment it probably means they want something stupid, or they’ve done something stupid.

Legal speak isn’t that much different if you know how to interpret it.

For example, if the other side say that in the absence of a satisfactory response within 14 days, they will advise their client to issue proceedings, the client in question clearly has not decided whether to issue or not.  If they had, the letter would say that proceedings WILL be issued in 14 days.

If a letter sent on Thursday demands a response by Friday at 4pm or proceedings will be issued forthwith, that probably means Monday morning at the earliest, but almost certainly later.  How many solicitors are going to prepare the court papers in advance, just in case you don’t reply on time.

If the letter also says that if proceedings become necessary, you’ll have to pay, what they really mean is that they will claim costs, but only the judge can decide if they get costs and if they do, how much.  Of course if you win, they are more likely to have to contribute towards your costs.

If you need help interpreting a solicitor, I’m always happy to provide a translation service.  You’ll find me at the bar and if you need any help interpreting that, just order me a glass of champagne and I’ll explain.

Kleyman & co solicitors.  The full service law firm.  Speaking your language.