Blog

COVID-19

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COVID-19

These are unprecedented times for all of us and we appreciate that there is significant concern around the COVID-19 pandemic.   This page will be updated regularly with our operational position.

We are currently facing a significantly higher volume of phone calls and emails than we normally do. These levels are running over a 70% increase to our pre COVID-19 levels of phone calls and 25,000 additional emails. Whilst we have recruited and added additional members of staff across the firm, the volume we are receiving is significantly impacting upon the teams' ability to respond as quickly as they ordinarily do. We ask that you are patient and understanding and we will deal with enquiries as quickly as we can.

We are incredibly fortunate in that we have invested heavily in technology over the years and we are a recognised leading firm in this regard. Primarily our staff are working from home seamlessly following the government advice and in light of the current lockdown. Our team are committed to servicing existing clients and assisting new clients as normal.

Please note there are inevitable delays and challenges which are outside of our control and we ask for everyone’s patience and understanding in this regard. In terms of conveyancing, there are a number of significant challenges which are impacting right across the market.  Further details can be found here.

We are contactable by all our usual channels - namely phone, email, online chat and a 24-hour emergency number. We are also able to conduct face to face meetings utilising video conferencing via all the main platforms including Microsoft Teams,  Skype, Zoom, Face Time, WhatsApp and, where appropriate, we can also arrange such conferences with counsel via these methods so that we can progress your matter.

As a result of the current lockdown, we are only able to offer face to face appointments in emergency situations between the hours of 10am to 3pm in our Liverpool and Runcorn offices and only when a video appointment is not possible.  This is strictly on a prior appointment basis only and you will be required to complete an online COVID-19 questionnaire prior to attending our offices.  In addition, those you are attending will have to comply with the guidance that will be issued at the time the appointment is made. For now, except for prior arranged emergency appointments and for dropping off documentation at our designated drop of points in Liverpool and Runcorn, our offices are closed to members of the public.  

Bell Lamb & Joynson are still very much open for business and as indicated we are able to continue to work for all our existing clients and new clients to our usual high service standards and most of the time we can do all of this online.

We can offer the following:

  1. We can arrange appointments on the phone or via video conferencing.
  2. Emergency Face to Face appointments in our Liverpool and Runcorn office by prior arrangement if video or telephone conferencing is not possible.
  3. We can deal with our Identification Requirements using facial recognition via a mobile phone app so there’s no need to attend the office.
  4. All our instruction forms can be completed online, including applications for legal aid and we can electronically sign important documents via DocuSign.
  5. We utilise secure client portals for secure sharing of documents giving you round the clock access to them with the ability to share with us at your convenience.  For conveyancing this includes our own dedicated mobile app so you can track your matter 24/7 and message us via our app.
  6. We can accept online payment.
  7. Our criminal team are still attending urgent court appointments and attending police stations within the current guidelines with regard to social distancing within the criminal justice system and they are still available 24/7, 365 days of the year to provide urgent advice and assistance.

Whilst there is an inevitable disruption across the country that will be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic we are committed to being there to support, advise, offer guidance and ensure that we remain ‘by your side’ as we have been since 1821.

Please remain vigilant and safe in these unprecedented times. Support your loved ones and help the vulnerable wherever you are able. If you need us during this time, please get in touch.

Mike Leeman
Managing Partner
Bell Lamb & Joynson

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