Covid-19 Meetings & Communications
We are very much ‘Open for Business’ although to enable us to prioritise the safety of our clients and staff, we are working a little differently.
From Monday 19th July 2021, as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, each of our four offices will continue to operate on an appointment only basis in addition to telephone and video conferencing. A pre-booked appointment is essential and unfortunately at this time, we are unable to see clients or visitors who speculatively arrive at any of our offices.
Will I be able to have a face-to-face appointment with my solicitor?
The short answer is ‘yes’ but all appointments must be booked in advance.
We are also offering face-to-face video meetings via Microsoft Teams. This works as follows:
1. When making your appointment, you will be asked whether you have a Microsoft or Outlook e-mail account. If you do not have an Outlook account, you will need one to take part in the Teams video call. You can register for a free Microsoft account very quickly via the following link: https://account.microsoft.com/account?lang=en-hk and clicking ‘Create a Microsoft account.’
2. Closer to the time of your appointment, we will send you an invitation via e-mail. When you wish to join the meeting, you simply need to click on the link which says ‘Join Microsoft Teams Meeting.’
3. If you are accessing this through a traditional computer or laptop browser, you can either enter the meeting via your web browser or download the Teams App to join the meeting, it is up to you. If you are accessing the link through a mobile device like an iPad or smartphone, you will need to download the Teams App for free from your App Store. Please then select ‘Join Meeting.’
4. You will then be given the option to activate your camera and microphone and join the meeting. Position your camera so that you can be seen clearly and aren’t too close to the screen and you are ready to go. If there are any problems with the connection, we can call you to assist.
Will I be able to see my solicitor in person?
Again, the answer is ‘yes,’ although we are trying to limit the number of face-to-face appointments to reduce the risk of our clients and staff falling ill. However, any such meetings are being held on an appointment-only basis. Full details are shown in our Covid-19 Charter for Safe Working Practices which you can access here: https://www.timms-law.com/covid-19-charter-for-safe-working-practices/
What are the steps involved in a physical meeting at our offices?
1. We are encouraging Clients to make telephone and Teams appointments rather than physical meetings
When making an appointment, we will first discuss with you whether your needs can be met by way of telephone or video meeting and if not, some members of our team are able to meet with Clients at our offices. Please note that we are limiting the number of people in the office at any one time and are only seeing one Client at any time so there may be limited availability for appointments.
2. Before your appointment
If you are physically well and are showing no symptoms of Covid-19, we ask that you confirm this to us by e-mail or telephone the night before your appointment so that we know it is safe to go ahead. If you or a member of your household are/is unwell, please tell us as soon as possible and we will look at other options for your appointment.
3. When you arrive at the office
You will notice that the doors are closed. You will need to wait until the arranged time for your meeting, at which point, we will open the office doors and let you in. You will notice that there is no one stationed at our reception desks at present.
4. Please use the hand sanitiser provided near to the entrance of the office
5. Your meeting room will have been cleaned and sanitised in advance of your appointment. PPE is also made available for you. Please feel free to use this should you feel more comfortable doing so. In the meeting room, you will notice that there are Perspex screens separating one side of the desk form the other.
6. Although we are doing what we can to ensure that you feel safe and welcome in our offices, please note that we will not be able to offer you a drink or use of the toilets at this time.
7. Following you appointment, the meeting room will be sanitised ready for any other Clients who may be visiting the office after you.
If you have any concerns about an upcoming appointment with us, please let us know and we will be happy to help and to answer any questions you may have.
July 2021