An LIV referral can help a person identify member firms by location and legal issue. It does not mean that a selected firm is automatically able to act.
1. Keep the referral letter
The official LIV Find Your Lawyer service asks a referred person to provide the referral letter before or at the consultation. The letter helps identify the pathway through which the enquiry arose.
2. Expect a preliminary conflict check
A firm needs the names of the prospective client, opposing parties and materially connected people or entities before receiving detailed confidential information. This protects existing and former clients and helps determine whether the firm can properly consider the matter.
3. Identify urgent dates immediately
A referral does not transfer responsibility for a hearing, limitation period, statutory demand or other deadline. State the exact date and telephone the firm where urgency exists.
4. Understand which consultation applies
The official LIV service presently describes its referral consultation as free for up to 30 minutes, without legal advice, to discuss legal needs, potential next steps and future fees. AIF Lucas & Co separately offers eligible new clients a free 30-minute consultation that may include preliminary views and a practical way forward where the available information permits. The firm will confirm which pathway applies.
5. A consultation is not a retainer
The firm acts only after confirming in writing that it has accepted the matter and setting out the scope and fee basis.