Your first consultation

Before you call

Before we discuss your matter, we check that we can act for you (see conflict checkbelow). So we may ask for the names of the other people or companies involved before we fix a time. Until we confirm, an outline of the matter is enough; please hold back confidential details.

What to bring

Any notice, summons, order or letter you have received, with the envelope or email that shows when it reached you. Deadlines usually run from that date.
Contracts, agreements and correspondence about the matter, including emails and WhatsApp messages.
A short timeline: what happened, when, and who was involved. One page is plenty.
Earlier filings, replies or orders, if the matter already has a history.
For a company: the name of the person who will give us instructions, and any board approval you already have for the matter.
Your questions, written down, so none are forgotten in the meeting.

Copies are usually enough for a first meeting. Keep the originals safe.

What happens in the meeting

You tell us what happened, in your own words.
We go through the documents and ask questions, including the uncomfortable ones.
We explain where you stand: your options, the risks of each, and a realistic timeline.
If you want us to act, we explain what the work involves and how the fee would be agreed.

How fees are agreed

The consultation fee is shared when we confirm your booking, and can be paid by multiple modes.
For any further work, the fee is agreed upfront and in writing, before any work begins.
Companies can engage us matter by matter or on a monthly retainer. Banks, insurers and corporates with advocate panels can engage us on their panel terms. See how we work with in-house teams.
Court fees, stamp duty and filing charges are set by law and government, and are separate from professional fees.

Confidentiality

What you tell an advocate while seeking advice is protected by law. Under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, an advocate may not disclosea client's communications, or the advice given, without theclient's consent. The exceptions are narrow, such as a communication made to further an illegal purpose.

Companies that need it in writing can have a non-disclosure agreement signed before they share documents.

Conflict check

An advocate cannot act for both sides of the same dispute. Before we act, we check that we do not act, and have not acted, for anyone on the other side. If there is a conflict, we tell you straight away, before you share the details of your matter.

When we become your advocates

Booking or attending a consultation does not by itself make us your advocates. That relationship begins when we agree to act for you and the terms of the engagement are confirmed in writing.

Common questions

Can the consultation happen online?

Yes. You can meet us at our chambers in Dehradun, or over Google Meet from wherever you are.

Do I need all my documents before I book?

No. Book first and bring what you have. If something important is missing, we will tell you what to get and where to get it.

I have received a notice with a short deadline. Should I wait for an appointment?

No. Call or message us straight away, because deadlines usually run from the date you received the notice. Our notice helper can also help you work out the dates in the meantime.

What happens if you cannot act for me?

If our conflict check shows we act for someone on the other side, we tell you at once, before you share the details of your matter, so you can approach another advocate without delay.

Am I obliged to engage you after the consultation?

No. The consultation is for you to understand where you stand. Whether to take the matter further, with us or at all, is your decision.

Received a notice? Our notice helper works out the key dates while you arrange a consultation.