Terms & Conditions
Effective Date: November 24, 2025
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before you engage the services of M L Brown. By instructing us to provide services, you agree to be bound by these terms.
1. Introduction and Scope of Service
M L Brown provides professional lay support services as a McKenzie Friend (MF) and general advocate in non-court settings. We are a fee-charging layperson service.
Important Note: M L Brown is not a regulated solicitor or barrister and does not provide formal legal advice, conduct litigation, or exercise a right of audience (speak on your behalf in court) without express court permission, which is rarely granted. Our service is not a substitute for qualified legal advice from a regulated professional when required.
2. Client Responsibilities
As the client (litigant in person or service user), you agree to the following:
- You retain full control of your case: You are the decision-maker and responsible for managing your case, strategy, and all outcomes.
- Honesty and Integrity: You must provide honest, complete, and accurate information, and you must not mislead the court or any professional involved.
- Documentation: You must sign all court forms, statements, and formal documents yourself.
- Conduct: You agree to be courteous and respectful at all times to all parties, including court staff, judges, and opposing parties.
- Communication: All case communications should primarily use approved channels (email or phone during working hours: 9am-5pm) so we can maintain secure records.
3. Fees and Payment
Our fees are as set out in our Services & Fees page and are non-negotiable once agreed.
- Hourly Rate: £40 per hour (or any part thereafter) for ongoing support.
- Payment in Advance: All fees for services, including attendance at meetings or document preparation time, must be paid in advance. Work will not commence until funds are received.
- Travel Costs: Charged at 45p per mile plus the cost of parking. Overnight stays require a quote and advance payment.
- Late Payment: We reserve the right to cease work immediately if invoices are not settled promptly as agreed.
- No Recoverable Costs: You understand that as a fee-charging McKenzie Friend/lay advocate, any costs you incur for our services cannot be lawfully recovered from the opposing party in court proceedings.
4. Confidentiality and Data Protection
We adhere strictly to confidentiality and UK GDPR data protection principles.
- Confidentiality: All information shared will be kept strictly confidential, except where disclosure is required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns, money laundering, or court order) or you provide explicit consent to share information with a third party (e.g., a barrister you instruct).
- Data Protection: Your data is processed according to our Privacy Policy. By engaging our services, you consent to our data processing practices
5. Termination of Service
We reserve the right to terminate our service at any time and for any reason, including if we believe:
- You are not someone we can effectively support.
- You are acting in an unreasonable, dishonest, or misleading manner.
- A conflict of interest arises.
If services are terminated, any fees paid in advance for uncompleted work will be refunded, less an administration fee of £50.
6. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers
We will perform our services with reasonable care and skill. However, the nature of legal and advocacy support is such that we cannot guarantee specific outcomes.
- We are not liable for any losses, damages, or unsatisfactory outcomes arising from your case or reliance on our procedural guidance. Our maximum liability to you will be limited to the total fees paid by you for the specific service in question.
- We accept no liability for any loss or corruption of data, loss of business, profits, or reputation.
- Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or for fraudulent misrepresentation.
7. Complaints Procedure
We aim to provide a high-quality service. If you have a complaint:
- Please contact M L Brown directly in writing at contact@mlbrown.co.uk.
- We will respond to your complaint within 14 working days.
As an unregulated service, you do not have access to the Legal Ombudsman. If your complaint cannot be resolved internally, your rights are covered by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These terms are governed by and construed in accordance with English law. Any disputes relating to these terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.