We appreciate that some clients may find it more difficult to visit unknown premises and the information below is designed to explain our premises, facilities and procedures.
You are welcome to bring an appropriate adult, support worker or family member/friend as support.
Where we are based:
Our office is based in the town centre, near the junction with Woodlands Road and opposite the old Evening Gazette offices. Visit our Contact Page to see our map and full address.
Parking:
You can park on Emily Street, which is the car park next to the Magistrates Court, or at MIMA. Clients with mobility issues should request to park at the front of our building when making their appointment. Whilst the space is usually utilised by a staff member, we can make arrangements for it to be available to you.
Access to our building and within our building:
Our front doors can be opened fully to allow access to wheelchairs and mobility equipment. Our meeting room is on the ground floor, behind our reception. The doorways to access that room have been specially widened to allow easy access and the room can be altered to create sufficient space.
If you are able to walk short distances with a mobility aid, please be assured that there are no stairs. You should let us know if stairs cause you any difficulties when you book your appointment however, as some Solicitors see clients upstairs in their own rooms in order to avoid double bookings
Hearing impairments:
Clients with a hearing impairment should be aware that the firm has a portable hearing loop. Please let us know either when booking the appointment or when you arrive that you require this facility and we will arrange for it to be situated where you need it.
Visual Impairments:
We welcome assistance dogs, guide dogs and support dogs to accompany you when visiting our offices.
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We are a breastfeeding friendly organisation and you are welcome to breastfeed your baby in our reception area, where there is comfortable seating. We are supportive of breastfeeding mothers, both as visitors to our building and internally by our employees. We are aware that embarrassment and negative public attitudes can be barriers to a mother’s decision to breastfeed and our staff are aware of our commitment to supporting the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme. If you experience any difficulties in undertaking breastfeeding at our premises, please do report this to us so that we may ensure that there is no repetition in the future.
On your
arrival:
To avoid isolating staff members, our reception desk is not continually manned; however, when arriving there is a bell on the safety glass of the reception desk. When you press this button, it signals to our general office that you have arrived, and a member of staff will come out to reception to meet you. The staff member will be behind the reception desk, which is fitted with safety glass. Please give your name and the staff member will ask you to take a seat, and will let the relevant Solicitor know that you have arrived. We have a comfortable reception area, lit with LED spotlights. The area is generally quiet and shaded with full length blinds. If you become hot, please feel free to open the front door, as the area can become warm on sunny days.
The meeting:
We have a number of Solicitors undertaking meetings with clients and the type of law and details of your case will determine who you will be seen by. The criminal department is very flexible in this regard, for example if the Solicitor planned to undertake your meeting is called out or held up at court, you may be seen by a different Solicitor, rather than cancelling your appointment, particularly if it is the first time you have been to see us. You can find photographs of our staff on our Meet the Team page. When booking your appointment, you will generally be advised of the name of the Solicitor undertaking your appointment.
We pride ourselves on having a friendly, approachable team of advisors and support staff. Our Solicitors are very comfortable with dealing with clients from a variety of backgrounds and with varying needs. Whether you have a mental health condition, are a young person with an appropriate adult, or have a disability, our staff will be flexible to support you through your case.
Home visits:
For clients who are housebound, we are able to offer home visits. Please discuss this with our staff when calling to arrange an appointment.
In summary:
If there is anything else we can do to make your visit to us easier or more comfortable, or if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01642 293427.
