JOHN HURLOCK · ADVICE & REPRESENTATION
Litigation & police interviews
Legal advice, representation at police interviews and litigation services within agreed instructions. Support for individuals, businesses and solicitors, from early investigations to court proceedings.
AT THE INVESTIGATION STAGE
Police interviews & pre-charge advice
He handles voluntary interviews, attendance following arrest and advice during an investigation before a charging decision.
Advice and attendance at interview
He can advise before an interview and attend at the police station. When contacting his clerks, explain whether the interview is voluntary or follows an arrest, and give the location and proposed time.
Advice before charge
He advises on the allegation, available evidence and the next steps in an investigation. Mention any interview date, bail conditions or other deadlines so the work required can be assessed.
Evening and weekend attendance is offered.
PREPARING AND MANAGING PROCEEDINGS
Litigation services
He is a registered litigator and provides litigation services alongside legal advice and advocacy. The conduct of litigation can be included in the agreed instructions where appropriate for the matter.
The agreement will explain who is responsible for correspondence, court documents, deadlines and procedural steps. It will also identify any tasks that remain with you or an instructed solicitor, so you know which parts of the case he will handle.
If you already have a solicitor, he can work with your legal team on the advice, preparation and representation required.
Instructions from solicitors and legal teamsDIRECT ACCESS
Direct Access
Individuals and businesses can enquire without a solicitor through Public Access, commonly called Direct Access. He will assess the facts, complexity and work needed, and whether this route is suitable for you.
Direct Access concerns how you instruct him; litigation concerns the work agreed for managing proceedings. Before work begins, the client care letter will set out the services, fees, terms and responsibilities. Litigation is included only where it forms part of that agreement.
If a solicitor is needed, he and the clerks will explain the options. Suitability is kept under review as the matter develops.
Direct Access is privately funded. For legal aid and other funding information, see Fees and funding.
ADVICE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR MATTER
Further advice & second opinions
You can seek advice on a specific issue or a second opinion without instructing him to handle every stage of a case. The documents to review, scope of advice and fee are agreed at the outset.
His wider advisory work includes financial investigations and cross-border matters. He works with clients in the UK and overseas, with the relevant jurisdiction and any need for local legal advice considered before instructions are accepted.
BEFORE YOU ENQUIRE
Common questions.
Does he attend voluntary police interviews?
Yes. He handles voluntary interviews, including advice and attendance. Contact his clerks with the police station, the proposed interview date, the allegation and any papers or correspondence you have received. They will confirm availability and arrangements.
Can he attend following an arrest?
Yes. He offers attendance following arrest. Call his clerks with the person’s full name and date of birth, the police station or custody location, the alleged offence if known and whether an interview is imminent. If you are calling for someone else, explain your relationship to them. Attendance is subject to confirmed availability.
Is evening or weekend attendance available?
Yes. He offers evening and weekend attendance, including for police interviews and attendance following arrest. Call his clerks to explain the situation and when attendance is needed. Availability and arrangements must be confirmed for the particular matter.
Can he conduct litigation?
Yes. He is a registered litigator. He can undertake the conduct of litigation as part of agreed instructions, alongside advice and advocacy. The client care letter will set out the work covered and who is responsible for correspondence, documents and procedural steps.
Will I need a solicitor as well?
Not necessarily. He is a registered litigator and can provide litigation services as well as advice and advocacy where agreed. Whether you also need a solicitor depends on the matter, funding and scope of the instructions. He will explain who will handle each part of the case before work begins.
What should I include in my first enquiry?
Include the full name and date of birth of the person needing advice or representation, your contact details, a short outline of the matter and any hearing date or deadline. Mention the other parties and any solicitor already instructed. If applicable, include the person’s prison number and current prison. If you are enquiring on someone else’s behalf, explain your relationship to them.
Can Direct Access be funded by legal aid?
No. Direct Access is privately funded. If you have legal aid, instructions to a barrister must come through a solicitor. If you may qualify, speak to a solicitor about funding and your choice of barrister. Your solicitor can contact the clerks at 2 Bedford Row to discuss his availability for the case.
THE NEXT STEP
Contact John Hurlock.
Email him directly about your case or call the clerks at 2 Bedford Row. Evening and weekend attendance is offered, with availability and fees confirmed when arranging instructions.