News release

Wednesday February 14, 2018

COMMUNITY-FOCUSED LEGAL FIRM PLANS FREE SURGERY TO HELP PEOPLE COMBAT ‘VERY MODERN CHALLENGES’

‘Modern life is complicated’.

That’s the view of Solicitor Chris Hutchinson from James Legal Solicitors, based in Beverley and Hull.

“We’re seeing a rise in demand from people needing help with specific things, including relationship matters and later life planning,” he said.

“And of those, protecting their futures, and those of their families, as they grow older is the biggest thing on many people’s minds.

“Factors like people living longer, the resulting prevalence of illnesses associated with dementia and more complex family structures, means people need more help than ever in guarding against their wishes not being met when it matters most.”

According to the Office for National Statistics, the percentage of the population that is aged 65 years or older increased between 1975 and 2015, from 14.1 per cent of the population to 17.8 per cent, with life expectancy sitting at 79.4 years for men and 83.1 years for women.

As a consequence, the number of people approaching Chris and the team for help with issues like protecting their home as they get older, legacy planning, wills and powers of attorney, has spiraled.

And the team has also seen a rise in the number of people seeking help with matters like relationship breakdown and child custody disputes.

Which is why the firm is offering what Chris hopes will be the first of many free legal surgeries at its new Beverley office, in Lairgate.

James Legal was established in 2009 as a specialist business law firm, and has since expanded its offering to include complementary personal law matters, as part of its commitment to offering 360-degree support to its clients.

Chris and a number of his colleagues from James Legal will be on-hand to see people for 30-minute appointments on Tuesday 6 March between 5pm and 7pm.

“We’re well-known in the region as a business-focused firm, but are here to help people on a personal level too, and this free surgery is one example,” he added.

“We’re running the sessions outside of normal working hours because we know many people struggle to arrange appointments between 9 and 5 due to work and other commitments.

“These first sessions are completely free of charge because we understand there are a number of prevailing issues that affect people’s lives and, as a firm, we want to help as many people as possible access important legal advice.”

James Legal, which also has an office in Hedon Road in Hull, believes in taking a ‘fresh approach’ to law, through its commitment to being approachable ‘people first, lawyers second’; transparency over fees; taking a ‘walking it with them’ approach to helping its clients with a range of needs, beyond just the law itself, and only recommending paid legal action when it is genuinely in their client’s best interests. It is also very active in the communities where it is based, and has run legal surgeries in collaboration with organisations including the Freedom Centre and Citizens Advice Bureau in Hull for a number of years. This is the first time it has extended this opportunity to people in Beverley.

Anyone wishing to book one of the free slots at James Legal’s forthcoming Beverley surgery should call them on (01482) 225566 to arrange in advance.

ENDS

Photo: Chris Hutchinson

For further information, and to arrange photographs or further interviews, please contact Tracy Fletcher of By Tracy Fletcher Limited PR, on 07983 633385, or via bytracyfletcher@gmail.com