Oakens’ status
Oakens Associates provides initial case assessment, factual information gathering, chronology preparation and structured case handover. Oakens is not a firm of solicitors, is not authorised or regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and does not provide reserved legal services.
No legal advice or representation
Oakens does not advise you what legal action to take, determine that a case will succeed, issue proceedings, conduct litigation or represent you. Information published on this website is general information only.
When a solicitor-client relationship begins
Submitting information to Oakens does not appoint a solicitor. If an independent solicitor is willing to accept the matter, that firm will complete its own checks and send its own client-care and funding documents. A solicitor-client relationship begins only in accordance with that firm’s acceptance and terms.
Independence and choice
A participating solicitor independently decides whether to accept a matter and remains responsible for legal advice, professional duties, fees and conduct. You are not required to instruct a solicitor introduced through Oakens and remain free to seek assistance elsewhere.
Payments between Oakens and firms
Oakens may be paid by a participating firm for genuine assessment and case-preparation services under a written commercial agreement. Oakens does not take compensation, damages, disbursements or VAT belonging to the client. Any permitted arrangement must protect the client’s interests and comply with applicable law and professional rules.
For personal injury matters, payment cannot lawfully be made merely for a referral. Any payment for preparatory services must represent genuine, reasonable work and must not disguise a referral fee.