The five stages
- You tell us what happened. Complete the relevant online assessment or speak to an adviser. Give the facts as accurately as you can; it is fine if you do not yet have every document or date.
- We check the initial information. Oakens reviews the enquiry for basic suitability, missing details, urgency and any obvious time-limit concerns. We may contact you to clarify the facts.
- We organise the case record. Relevant facts, dates, parties, documents and outstanding questions are put into a structured summary and chronology.
- A suitable matter may be sent for independent review. Where appropriate, Oakens can provide the prepared record to a solicitor whose work covers that type of matter.
- The solicitor makes their own decision. The solicitor carries out their own checks and decides whether they can offer advice or representation. If they accept the case, their client-care documents, fees and funding arrangements come directly from them.
What you may need
Useful information can include names and contact details, key dates, letters or emails, photographs, medical information, tenancy documents, accident reports, court papers and details of previous action. The exact documents depend on the legal issue.
Urgent matters
Do not wait for the Oakens process where someone is in immediate danger, urgent medical attention is needed, a court deadline is imminent or a legal time limit may expire. Contact the emergency services or obtain urgent advice from an authorised legal professional as appropriate.
If the matter cannot proceed
Not every enquiry will be suitable for referral. A matter may fall outside the areas covered, require urgent assistance, lack essential information or not be accepted by an available solicitor. We will not describe an enquiry as accepted until an independent solicitor has confirmed that directly.
No guarantee of acceptance: Oakens’ assessment and preparation work does not guarantee referral, solicitor acceptance or a successful legal outcome.