MaddensLawyers

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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  Why are legal documents sometimes so hard to read and understand?

  Many Legal documents can be complex. Maddens Lawyers have a policy of minimising Legal jargon, and attempt to use language and expressions that will be understood by the client. If you do not understand any document or words, Maddens Lawyers will be pleased to clarify the matter.



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  Do you keep and store my legal files at the completion of my case?

  Unless specifically requested, we are not obliged to store files after the completion of a matter. Our practice is to destroy those files after seven (7) years from completion.



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  How do you accept or reject a client?

  The first decision a Lawyer must make is whether they are able to accept a client's matter. A practising Lawyer is not obliged to act for a client in a particular matter - unless you he or she wants to. Some of the considerations that are taken into account before accepting a matter include whether there are any potential conflicts of interest, whether the client's instructions involve potential fraud, illegality or other impropriety, and whether the Lawyer is experienced to handle the particular matter. All potential clients should be reassured that all matters are in strict confidentiality.



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  How long have Maddens Lawyers been in legal practice?

  Maddens Lawyers have been practising Law in Warrnambool for 57 years. In 1951 Mr Dan Madden moved from Terang to practice Law in Warrnambool. The firm commenced business under the name of D. Madden & Co, and is now known as Maddens Lawyers. Dan Madden passed away in 1983.



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  How many lawyers are on the Maddens Lawyers' team?

  Maddens Lawyers comprises 12 qualified and experienced Lawyers and 9 para legal executives - offering a comprehensive range of legal services at our Warrnambool, Melbourne and Colac offices.   Our team of Lawyers includes six Principal Lawyers, one Consultant, a Senior Lawyer and four Lawyers.   Para legal executives undertake roles in litigation and property transactions.



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  Do you have Accredited Specialist lawyers at Maddens Lawyers?

  Yes. Maddens Lawyers have two Accredited Specialists.  Mr Gary Foster is a Personal Injury Law Accredited Specialist.  Mr Erol Chakir is an Accredited Business Law Specialist and an Accredited Tax Law Specialist.



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  If I am unhappy with your firm's service, can I terminate your service?

  You, as our client, have the right to terminate our services at any time.  We have a similar right, upon reasonable notice, to terminate our engagement and cease representing you.  All fees and expenses incurred prior to termination are then immediately payable.  We are entitled to retain all moneys, papers and records until our accounts are paid.



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  How do you charge me for your legal services?

  Maddens Lawyers charge for our services based on a time-cost basis, unless some other arrangement is agreed to. Our fees are therefore the product of the hours worked - multiplied by the hourly rates of the people who performed the work. Hourly rates vary, depending on the level of experience and the expertise of the person involved. Current rates of charges are referred to in a Letter of Engagement to you. Please discuss the matter with one of our lawyers.



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  Can you supply a fixed quote for your services?

  The total cost of the fees and expenses to complete any matter will vary, depending on the extent of the work required to obtain the best result, the approach and attitude of the other party, and other factors which cannot be predicted accurately in advance. Any estimate given is therefore not a fixed quote - unless expressly so stated.



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  Do you offer a No Result - No Charge option with Personal Injury Claims?

  Maddens Lawyers have a No Result - No Charge policy for Personal Injury Claims, even though most lawyers require up-front payment followed by progressive payments. We have adopted our policy to ensure that financial restraints do not affect your right to institute legal proceedings, to a fair hearing and to ther recovery of proper damages. Some conditions apply.



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  Do I have to pay for my first interview for a Personal Injury enquiry?

  Whatever the situation, we charge nothing for your first visit to our office for a personal injury enquiry. We will always be frank in giving you proper advice on the relative merits of your case.