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Regulation
Samira Haider is a solicitor of England and Wales authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). My SRA number is 8016319.
I practise as an independent freelance solicitor providing legal services directly to individuals and businesses from outside an SRA-authorised law firm.
You can check my details on the Solicitors Register (opens in a new tab) by searching for my SRA number. The rules that solicitors must follow (the SRA Standards and Regulations) are available on the SRA website (opens in a new tab).
Professional indemnity insurance
I am a freelance solicitor providing reserved and unreserved legal services.
As a freelance solicitor providing reserved legal services outside an SRA-authorised firm, I am required to maintain adequate and appropriate professional indemnity insurance in accordance with the SRA’s requirements.
My professional indemnity insurance arrangements provide cover in respect of the legal services I provide.
As a freelance solicitor, I am not required to maintain professional indemnity insurance that complies with the SRA’s Minimum Terms and Conditions applicable to SRA-authorised firms. Alternative insurance arrangements are in place.
Further information regarding the scope and level of my professional indemnity insurance cover is available to clients on request.
What are reserved and unreserved legal services?
Reserved legal activities are types of legal work that, by law, may only be carried out by a person who is authorised (such as a solicitor) or exempt. Under the Legal Services Act 2007 they are:
- appearing for a client in court (rights of audience);
- the conduct of litigation (for example issuing and managing court proceedings);
- reserved instrument activities (mainly preparing documents for the transfer or registration of land);
- probate activities;
- notarial activities; and
- the administration of oaths.
Most other legal work (such as giving legal advice, negotiating on your behalf or drafting most letters and agreements) is unreserved.
The full definition is in section 12 of the Legal Services Act 2007 (opens in a new tab).
SRA Compensation Fund
The SRA Compensation Fund provides protection in certain circumstances involving financial loss arising from dishonesty or failure to account for money.
The availability of protection from the SRA Compensation Fund depends upon the circumstances and the applicable SRA rules. Where applicable, I will explain to you the regulatory protections available to you before you instruct me.
Client money
I do not hold client money as part of my freelance practice.
Where a transaction or matter requires money to be held or transferred on behalf of a client or another person, I will explain the arrangements that apply and, where appropriate, use an appropriate third-party managed account (TPMA) or other permitted arrangement.
I will not accept or hold client money unless I am permitted and appropriately authorised to do so under the applicable regulatory requirements.
Your protections
Before I start work, I will explain in writing the protections available to you as my client including my insurance arrangements and how to complain if you are unhappy with my service (see my Complaints Procedure).
Services
I provide legal services in civil litigation and disputes, debt recovery and family matters including child arrangements, divorce and financial dispute resolution. Details are in the Services section of my homepage and information about fees is in the Fees section.