Questions and answers
If your question is not here, email us.
About us
Are you solicitors?
No. Appeal Specialists is an independent consultancy, not a law firm. We are not solicitors or barristers and we are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. We only provide services that the law allows anyone to provide, and we tell you when a matter needs a solicitor.
Who do you act for?
Mainly the businesses and individuals we are associated with. We also take on matters for members of the public from time to time, when the matter is one we can properly handle.
Where do you work?
England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules for parking, courts and consumer disputes.
Working with us
How do I contact you?
By email only. If you are replying to a letter from us, quote our reference. See contact for what to include and what not to send.
Who makes the decisions?
You do. We act on your written instructions and never concede, settle or pay anything without your agreement.
Do you handle the money?
No. We never receive or hold money for clients. Refunds, compensation and payments of debts go directly to you.
Is what I tell you confidential?
We keep your information confidential and only share what a matter needs. However, advice from someone who is not a solicitor or barrister is not protected by legal professional privilege, so in some circumstances we could be required to disclose it. Do not tell us about anything you may be investigated for.
Can you go to court for me?
We do not conduct litigation: we do not issue claims, file or serve documents, or write to the court for you. You remain the party to the case. At a small-claims hearing we can speak for you as a lay representative if you attend, and we can represent you at a parking tribunal.
By area of work
Will the parking charge go up if I appeal?
While an appeal is being considered the amount should not increase. If the appeal fails, the full amount is usually payable and the early payment discount may be lost, although councils often re-offer it after an informal challenge. We explain the risk before we start. See parking and traffic penalties.
Can you come to the police station with me?
No. At the police station you have a right to free and independent legal advice. Ask for the duty solicitor. We help with complaints, reviews, data requests and property afterwards. See police matters.
Can you help with my bank, insurer or a Section 75 claim?
No. Those claims are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can complain to the firm yourself and then to the Financial Ombudsman Service at no cost. Our chargeback and Section 75 guide explains how.
Can you collect money a customer owes my business?
We write the reminders, the formal demand and the letter before claim, and negotiate payment terms. The customer pays you directly. If a court claim is needed, you issue it with our draft and checklist. We do not collect debts under credit, finance or hire agreements. See unpaid invoices.
Can you add interest to an unpaid invoice?
Where the customer is a business, statutory interest and fixed compensation are usually available under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Where the customer is a consumer, interest depends on your contract or the court's discretion. Use our late payment calculator.
If something goes wrong
How do I complain about you?
Email us and we will deal with it under our complaints procedure. Because we are not regulated by a legal regulator, the Legal Ombudsman cannot consider complaints about us.
Can you promise a result?
No. Decisions are made by the other side, appeal services, tribunals, ombudsmen and courts. We do not guarantee any outcome. We do tell you honestly how strong we think a case is before we start.
Our status
Appeal Specialists is an independent consultancy, not a law firm. We are not solicitors or barristers and we are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority or any other legal regulator, so you cannot complain about us to the Legal Ombudsman.
We provide non-reserved legal services only. We do not conduct litigation, file or serve court documents, or accept service of court documents for you. Where the law allows, we can speak for you at a small-claims hearing or a tribunal, but only with your agreement and, at small-claims hearings, only if you attend.
What you tell us is not protected by legal professional privilege. We never hold your money. We work on matters in England and Wales only. We do not guarantee any outcome.
All correspondence by email
We deal with everything in writing, so every point and every deadline is on the record. If you are replying to a letter from us, please quote our reference.