Legal Representation Required

[minskin]

Hi everyone,

I've been taken to Court by a 'lender' who was responsible for the closure of my Ltd Co and is now pursuing me personally under a PG.

Its a long story which is too protracted to go into here but in short they have behaved appallingly in many ways and I believe the 'contract' I signed (another story in itself) is very shaky to say the least. I have even discovered that they fraudulently constructed my company letterhead and signed letters as if from me.

I have been managing to deal with the Court proceedings myself as an LIP so far but believe that with the correct representation they would not dare to continue to trial. My problem is that, as I now don't have the business I did I have no money (or insurance) to pay the £5k plus costs quoted to me by lawyers all promising they can help. I did find a no win no fee option but they took so long to decide that they now say it's too late to offer help on a nwnf basis! Not helpful as I waited weeks in the hope that they could!

The trial date is in the middle of Sept so clearly there isn't much time. I am desperate for some help but there just doesn't seem to be anything there for me. The issue itself also appears to be a little tricky to handle as i am a consumer defending a claim on a commercial 'contract' for a 'cash advance' type lending.

Can anyone make any suggestions at all? Even the possibility of a payment arrangement should costs be incurred would be acceptable to me.

Thanks

 

[smallclaimsassistance]

Hi, I am sorry to hear of your predicament. I would offer help, but you are correct, you need solicitors representing you, rather than someone assisting you as a LIP (which is what I do).

I was a partner in a firm of solicitors up to earlier this year (I left to run this business), and I believe one of the partners may be up for this. I have emailed him, and will let you know if he is willing to help.

If he is not able to help, I would certainly be prepared to look at the papers for you with a view to offering advice and assistance as a LIP. That is NOT the best option for you, but it would be better than continuing by yourself.

 

[smallclaimsassistance]

I've just received a reply from my ex-partner and I'm afraid it's no-go - he's on holiday for much of August.

Let me know if you wish me to have a look at this for you. You will find my credentials on my website.

 

[minskin]

Hi Dean,

Thank you so much for your replies and apologies for the delay getting back here - life/business taking over as usual!

I really appreciate you asking your ex-partner for help, it's a real shame he can't but I am very grateful all the same.

Just had a quick look at your site and I see that you offer help for small claims under £10k. This claim is for circa £20k. Would you still be able to help? If so I could send you the documents exchanged so far, the WS's give the best round up of the claim and my defence.

Many thanks again Minskin

 

[smallclaimsassistance]

Hi Minskin, yes, I can still help. The only relevance of the value is that my business is designed to help those in circumstances where solicitors cannot, due to non recoverability of fees. As I said above, because fees are recoverable in your case, your best option is full representation by solicitors. As you have not been able to arrange that, and therefore remain as an unrepresented litigant, you are better off with advice and help, than being totally on your own.

I can't represent you, the best option for you, but if you're content to make do with the next best thing, I can help you.

Incidentally, I would mention at this point that if there are any solicitors reading this who are prepared to offer full representation, please contact the OP asap.

If not, I understand you don't have much time, so if you send me the witness statements, together with the claim form and particulars of claim, the defence, any P18 requests and responses, and all court orders, that should give me a full picture. I generally work standard office hours, but in view of the urgency, I will have some advice for you by Monday am.

I have sent the email address to you by pm.

Best wishes

Dean