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 transactions 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 – £450 + VAT.
  • All other forms of ILA – £600 + VAT per person.

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 – Chief Executive Officer

Experience: Minal qualified as a solicitor in 1997 and works primarily in the Employment team assisting both employees and employers solve their legal problems. Minal also advises on various commercial law matters.

Percentage of time spent on Commercial law: 10%

Charge out rate (where applicable): £425/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): £350/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): £275/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 | 01702 410880
Email: info@backhouse-solicitors.co.uk
Visit our Chelmsford office: 17 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JU
Visit our Leigh-on-Sea office: 22-24 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, SS9 1SN
Or send us a message through the Contact Us page on this website