Client Charter

The Client Charter sets out how the team at KM Splatt & Associates deliver legal services and the standards towards which we aspire.

• Once a client signs a client agreement we proceed to obtain all relevant evidence and information. We will continue working on the file and may only contact the client only when necessary to obtain appropriate updates and information.
• We have a duty to be time and cost effective in the way we conduct matters. Accordingly we generally like to leave people alone to allow them to get on with their lives.  We may only need to be in contact a few times during the course of a matter.
• We will be in contact with people as we think it necessary to obtain information.   However, clients can always feel free to contact us to obtain an update.
• There may be periods where clients do not hear from us.  Rest assured your matter is progressing and we are gathering information or may be waiting for information from the other parties.
• All we ask is that clients provide their full co-operation throughout the matter and provide us with necessary information when requested. It is also important to keep us updated with personal details such as phone numbers and addresses. This will enable us to process the matter as quickly as possible and avoid any delays.
• Kerry Splatt supervises the overall conduct of every file but has a number of people working with him. A number of people will be in contact with you during the course of any matter but they will be introduced in letters etc as the matter proceeds.
• We act on a no-win no-fee basis which means KM Splatt & Associates won’t render an account to the client until the successful conclusion of the matter.
• We will fund all necessary outlays for specialist reports etc.
• We will keep clients advised of any information that may come to our attention during a matter that affects the prospects of success and advise accordingly.
• If circumstances change it may be the case KM Splatt & Associates cannot proceed. However, this is rare. When we take a matter on we are confident of success.
• We cannot give an accurate estimate of what our costs will be at the outset of a matter, no firm can. Costs depend on the individual circumstances of each matter, but we have a policy of keeping our costs to a minimum.  The Legal Services Commission have the power to audit files to determine if costs have been unnecessarily  incurred.
• We cannot give an estimate of the likely quantum during the early stages of a matter as it is impossible to speculate without first obtaining the necessary evidence. Clients should be wary of any solicitor that does so.
• Note that over 90% of our matters do not proceed to a trial and are settled out of court because of mandatory pre-court procedures which are designed to reduce the time and cost of litigation.
• If for some reason KM Splatt & Associates does not proceed with a matter we will not charge the client for work done.
• The client is always free to obtain a second opinion from another lawyer. If seeking a second opinion we would recommend you only obtain advice from a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist.
• If a file is transferred to another solicitor KM Splatt & Associates will agree to be paid upon the successful conclusion of the matter.
• If at any stage of a matter a client has any concerns they should discuss the matter first with Kerry Splatt.  If a client is ever dissatisfied with any solicitor they can go to the Legal Services Commission (LSC). However, for our firm this is extremely rare as we are confident that we have excellent communication systems.