Independent Legal Advice (“ILA”) is where a lender requires you to obtain specific advice in relation to their transaction documents from an independent legal adviser before you sign them.  You will normally receive a certificate from the legal adviser to evidence that the documents were explained to you before you signed them.  This is to ensure that you fully understand what you are signing, for both your and the lender’s protection. 

There are several common types of transaction where you will be required to obtain independent legal advice.  At Backhouse Solicitors our expert team are here to help with Independent Legal Advice in all of these cases and more:

  • Personal Guarantees – where you are purchasing a property through a company, obtaining a commercial loan, extending your commercial overdraft facility or guaranteeing a family member’s loan or mortgage.

  • Occupier’s Consent Forms – where you occupy a property but are not a party to the mortgage documents.

  • ID1 Forms – where your identity needs to be legally verified during a property transaction.

  • Providing Security – where you own a property or land, and a tenant (perhaps your company) is offering this as security to a lender.

  • Face to Face advice – where the solicitors acting on your behalf for a property purchase involving a mortgage (or a re-mortgage) are too far away to meet with you directly, you will need to find a local advisor to see you in person.

Our Fees

At Backhouse Solicitors we offer Independent Legal Advice on a fixed fee basis as follows:

  • Occupiers Consent or ID1 forms – £350 + VAT. This fee is reduced to £280 + VAT per person where there is more than one person receiving advice on the same document.
  • All other forms of ILA – £500 + VAT per person. This fee is reduced to £400 + VAT per person where there is more than one person receiving advice on the same document.

You may only be given a short timeframe by your lender to arrange and receive your Independent Legal Advice.  Our experienced, commercially minded advisors provide a fast, efficient and accurate service and will be able to answer all of your questions before you decide whether to sign the lender’s documents.

Our Commercial Law Team

Minal Backhouse – Managing Director

Experience: Minal qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and is now giving advice on employment law issues of all types. She has worked in practice and industry and assists both employees and employers solve their legal problems. Minal also advises on litigation and commercial matters for her clients.

Percentage of time spent on Employment law: 80%

Charge out rate (where applicable): £400/hour

Sharan Dhooper – Solicitor

Experience: Sharan qualified as a solicitor in 2001 and can give Independent Legal Advice

Percentage of time spent on Corporate & Commercial Law: 100%

Charge out rate (where applicable): £350/hour

Eleanor Toomey – Associate Solicitor

Experience: Eleanor is a qualified solicitor and can give Independent Legal Advice

Percentage of time spent on Corporate & Commercial Law: 100%

Charge out rate (where applicable): £300/hour

Chardae Gill-Anderson – Solicitor

Experience: Chardae is a qualified solicitor and can give Independent Legal Advice

Percentage of time spent on Corporate & Commercial Law: 100%

Charge out rate (where applicable): £250/hour

To find out more about Independent Legal Advice

If you would like to find out more about what is involved or would simply like to book an appointment, please contact us today to speak to one of our friendly team.

Tel:          01245 893400
Email:     info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
Visit:       17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JU
Or send us a message through the Contact Us page on this website.