Hello! Some of the members of this forum may have already seen my replies to queries raised on here. I know there has been some scepticism so the reason for this “hello” post is to explain a little bit about me.
I’m an immigration lawyer working for QualitySolicitors Talbots. I post on various immigration forums and I stumbled upon this forum when searching for some information for a client currently in the States.
Incidentally, I found the answer to my query on this forum. So…I thought I’d join to see whether I could help anyone – one good turn deserves another
I know the legal profession and immigration specialists haven’t exactly done themselves any favours in the past, for various reasons. I’m not one of those lawyers! Firstly, I work for a firm of solicitors and am therefore heavily regulated, I’m accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority but probably most importantly of all I work for a QualitySolicitors firm. QualitySolicitors do things differently - I’m not going to say much more on this because this isn’t an advert for QualitySolicitors.
I do free consultations, I write an immigration blog (for which I don’t get paid and don’t want to!) and I do legally aided work (which many people have abandoned!)
What I’m trying to say is, I’ve not come on this forum to answer queries and then send you a bill! If you look at the replies I’ve already made, they tend to relate to people who are on benefits which is one of my particular areas of interest.
I’ll happily help anyone who needs help and I’m happy to reply to queries raised within the forums. Yes, I have my office details here because I’ve found in other forums that I’m often asked what my details are because, after providing information in a forum, the person may want me to instruct a lawyer anyway and the feedback I’ve had is that the person concerned would rather deal with someone they already ‘know’ (me) than having to trawl the internet/phone book (does anyone use a phonebook these days?), having in the most part no information about other lawyers.
One comment I read on the forum is that most immigration applications don’t require a lawyer. What I’ll say in response is that, as a person has come onto a forum looking for info, they need someone – whether a lawyer or someone else which is why these forums are good. They contain general information that can help a lot of people who just need a little bit of help. However, others may need a lot more help or (as one poster put it) just a bit of reassurance and they decide to instruct a lawyer.
I understand that there’s been an allegation that I’m in cahoots with another poster to post a ‘fake’ question and answer. This is, quite frankly, nonsense. When this point was brought to my attention I looked back at the person concerned. I’m not going to reveal any details because I have no need to do so – my client deserves and is entitled to confidentiality. If someone believes that I’ve set up an account on here, asked someone else to join a week earlier and then post a question to which I’d post a reply (about benefits, of all things!), then I’m not going to be able to change that person’s mind.
Frankly, I’m here to help with those niggling queries. Yes, I’ll happily assist you with more detailed work in my professional capacity if you want me to but that’s up to you. If you want a lawyer and you want to contact me, that’s fine – glad to help & thanks for thinking of me. If not, that’s fine too.
I’d like anyone’s comments in reply to this post. Apologies that it’s so long-winded but I was disappointed to hear of the comments and complaints that were raised and I hope, with this post, to allay any fears you may have.
I’d love to stay part of the forums and hopefully help but it’s up to you guys. I never outstay my welcome at a party!
