Dispute Resolution
In the firm, we have expertise in conflict/dispute analysis, management and dispute resolution processes. Our firm will always “partner” with clients through interviews, by listening attentively to their legal problems or needs, understanding their position, and utilizing the knowledge base of conflict resolution processes to advise on the best alternative process. We avail our clients the opportunity to choose dispute resolution alternatives that will best serve each client’s best interest in specific cases. We have an excellent track record in the following:
-Litigation: at the High Courts (subject to Rule 15(3) of the RPC) and appellate Courts. [Rule 15(3) of the Rules of Professional Conduct provides that:“In his representation of his client, a lawyer shall not (d) fail or neglect to inform his client of the option of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms before resorting to or continuing litigation o behalf of his client”.
-Other Alternative Dispute Resolution methods-especially Mediation, conciliation and negotiation: For the purpose, we have a Mediation Centre Crime victim representation We also provide anti-fraud advice and investigations to investors and visitors; seek justice for crime victims, through “watching briefs”, petitions for recovery and other legal representations in courts and other administrative/security agencies. Mediation Centre(link) FreshGreywigs MC offers our clients and others good offices and opportunity for Mediation, conciliation or negotiation, as alternatives to litigation and arbitration. This is in recognition of the advantages these alternatives may have in certain cases in terms of costs, time, social harmony, etc, to both litigation and arbitration. This offering of alternative (appropriate) dispute resolution forum requires both a sharpened understanding of the basic values and goals of mediation and process as well as the mediation skills and strategies. We have trained neutrals (mediators) and partnerships with chartered mediators and conciliators that afford the best out of court settlement procedures. The parties choose their neutrals/mediators; we simply provide the good offices. Note: ADR (Mediation) is a means of achieving social harmony-we do not take the decision, you choose the means of resolving the dispute and play a more active role in the process. And the once warring parties could be friends again.
Company and Corporate Practice
We offer a full range of company and corporate law practice. We have expertise and reputation in the representation of private clients in core areas of corporate transactions, including: to incorporate, set up or restructure companies: company securities and capital markets, advising on statutory compliance, disclosure, and corporate securities regulatory and governance matters. Our solicitors and associates act as Company Secretaries and Legal advisers to companies, using especially the Fresh Greywigs network platform to achieve effective representation. The firm could be of special assistance in:
- Company formations and administration
- Company secretarial services/Meetings/corporate governance
- Company Restructuring, Mergers/acquisitions
- Securities and Capital markets
- Private equity and Public Investments
- Employment.
In our commercial practice, the firm assist clients negotiate, draft and conclude commercial contracts, such as non-disclosure and secrecy, agency and franchising, licensing, sales and leases, assignments. We also help in obtaining necessary permits, Licenses and approvals from statutory agencies, including NAFDAC, SON, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, etc.
We also render export/import advisory services to clients involved in or intending to go into non-oil export business from Nigeria. The firm’s Solicitors are quite knowledgeable in the intricate dimensions of international trade vis a vis the local legal regime for the protection of both exporters and importers of goods.
Regulatory and Compliance
We provide regulatory and compliance services with regards to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, National Agency for Drug and Food Administration, Standard Organisation of Nigeria, Industrial Training Fund, Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund, Federal Inland Revenue Service, States’ Internal Revenue Service, etc.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is prevalent in this jurisdiction, and hardly litigated. Our firm is collaborating with ethics-driven medical experts, associates from other jurisdictions and non-governmental organisations to provide assistance/justice for the defenseless victims of medical malpractice.
Pro bono
For charities, NGOs and the indigent as well as in public interest issues-we offer pro bono legal services: For a free Solicitor’s consultation fill and send this Form
Company Secretaries
We provide company secretarial service to both new and existing companies-in incorporation and related matters, advisory-regulatory and compliance issues, reconstructions/reorganizations; company meetings, and corporate governance. The Fresh Greywigs Solicitors are company secretary to many prominent companies, and the expertise and spread of our associates have been of great service to clients. – Company secretarial services/Meetings/corporate governance
Labour/Industrial Law
Our firm is deeply involved in labour and industrial law practice-from employment issues and contracts, employment of aliens, termination, trade union, social security matters-workplace injury, employees’ compensation and NSITF, maternity issues, pension rights and resolution of trade disputes. Our managing partner is well published in this area…
Patents and Trademarks
We assist in the protection of intellectual property rights. The firm is actively involved in handling applications for trademarks and patents registration and renewals, licensing and franchising, trademark infringement, passing off and opposition proceedings copyright and design right, confidential information disputes and protection.
Real Estate
With our knowledge and long practice in estate matters, at FreshGreywigs Consult we assist our clients in real estate transactions. The complexity of property and real estate transactions in Nigeria make the engagement of experts imperative in such dealings.
Billing
Our billing policy is transparent, and dictated by the nature of services required or rendered to the client. Fees charged for services are based on variable elements including:
- The time spent on client’s behalf
- The service performed
- The complexities of the issues involved
- The monetary exposure
- The extent of required expertise
- The degree and type of anticipated resistance
- The extent to which any work is required to be performed as an emergency basis.
Except time, these stated elements are not easily predetermined but our billing is generally reasonable. In terms of time, standard hourly rates are charged to client’s bill for time spent working on his/her case or matter by our Attorneys or other staff.
Fresh Greywigs have different Hourly Rates for Consultants:-
- Senior Attorneys
- Junior Attorneys
- Para Legal staff
This will cover all activities on client’s behalf, including meetings, conferences, telephone calls, e-mail, preparing correspondence and memoranda, drafting documents, research, consultations, attending at court, and travel time. However, we are reasonable in calculating travel time hence the use of our network-we assign client’s brief to our office and member-firm closest to the venue to reduce travel time to the barest minimum. This is one advantage of the network.
Other Billings subheads
In addition or alternative to the hourly rate, when appropriate bills may be charged on any of the following heads:
- Consultation
- Transport
- Experts/consultants
- Retainer
- Cost of Legal Services
Disbursements/Payment on Accounts: Depending on the cost implication or other good reasons, the firm may demand disbursements or part payment on account pending completion of brief.
The practice is to give a fair estimate, in so far as that is possible, as to what a particular service will cost; and thereafter to bill for attendant costs and disbursements.