A SHORT NOTE TO HELP YOU GET TO KNOW US BETTER

People, like you, have been using our services since 1978. They find that the level of commitment and the prompt and personal attention is second to none.

You may not know that George Hatzis has had over 20 years experience and so is well qualified to handle any legal matter you want to talk to him about. It is this level of experience you cannot buy from any Law Book. It can only be gained from experience so you know you will be looked after.

When you talk to us about any legal matter, wherever possible, we will give you a sincere estimate of your investment in our time before you appoint us. This way you will not be shocked by any unforeseen costs. We have set our own standards of conduct and believe our values and ethics rise above the standards set for the Legal Profession. This should be of great comfort to you.

So we can help you solve your legal problems at all times, please:

come and give us clear and concise instructions;

let us know if there are any time constraints we need to work to;

keep us up to date of any changes in your contact details;

keep asking questions until everything has been explained to your satisfaction;

stay in touch. If you don’t, we will. We want you to be comfortable that everything possible is being done to help you.

For your convenience, our doors are open from 8.00am to 5.30pm every day, so if you are passing and want some advice, or just want a progress report, please drop in. Sometimes things don’t go exactly according to plan, so this is a great time to tell us so we can put things right. We do not want unhappy clients!

You may not know that you can contact GEORGE HATZIS (as principal of the firm) or Quality Officer, MICHELLE BLY on 07 3345 4388 if you are not completely happy with the service we provide. If you have any concerns about the performance of the work the Queensland Law Society’s Client Relations Centre should be contacted.

Our guarantee to you is, “If you are not completely happy with the service you receive, we will gladly refund your investment in our time in whole or in part or try to fix things at no cost to you”. That’s how sure we are that we will do the job you ask. We look forward to solving your legal challenges.

Please ring us on 07 3345 4388.

Hatzis Lawyers ….changing the way lawyers work for you.

OUR PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SERVICE DELIVERY

We know that you approach a law firm with a specific result in mind; to win your case or have your problem resolved to your satisfaction.

We cannot guarantee the success or outcome of your matter but we do guarantee the standard of service delivery we provide to you.

We pride ourselves on consistently delivering legal services of the highest standards to all of our clients.

If you feel that we have regularly failed to meet the high standards we have set, then we will gladly refund the whole or part of the professional fees charged or we’ll try to fix things to your satisfaction at no cost to you.

Our standards of service are:

  • Your call will be returned on the same day.
  • All deadlines on your matter will be met.
  • You will be contacted immediately if there is a development in your matter.
  • You will be provided with a regular update on what is happening on your matter.
  • We will honour any estimate of fees given.
  • You will be provided with an accurate assessment, together with all options, for you to make an informed decision.

What we ask from you is so that we can fully satisfy your needs that you keep in touch and:

  • Provide us with clear instructions.
  • Advise if you have any important time limits for resolution of the matter.
  • Advise us urgently of any change of address or contact phone number.
  • Make sure we have understood your needs, and ask us if you are unsure of anything we have discussed.
  • Keep in regular contact. Don’t hesitate to ask for extra progress reports if you are worried about your matter, or if you do not hear from us when you expect to.

OUR SERVICES

It is our aim to give the best service to all our clients by ensuring prompt and personal attention to our clients’ needs in most areas of the law.

  • Personal Injury claims
  • Family Law
  • Buying and Selling your Home
  • Buying and Selling a Business
  • Debt Recovery
  • Litigation
  • Commercial Leases
  • Wills and Powers of Attorney
  • Estate and Asset Planning
  • Mortgages
  • Deceased Estates
  • Small Business Advice and Planning.

Contact us on 3345 4388 to discuss how we can assist you with your legal matters.

OUR VISION

The Queensland Law Society has prescribed minimum standards of service which are required to be met by all Solicitors practising in Queensland. Our aim is to exceed these standards and to provide you with a service delivery second to none, throughout the duration of your matter.

Hatzis Lawyers has won awards for our consistent delivery of the highest standards of service to our clients; and we pride ourselves on having staff all of whom have a vital role within the practice to ensure that you receive the best possible service at all times.

Quality Policy

We strive to ensure:

  1. That we are continuously familiar with the current law in areas in which we practice;
  2. That we keep abreast of developments and changes in relevant standards, legislation, technology and computing software support systems;
  3. That all support staff are trained in and effectively carry out the procedures required for all matters in which they are involved;
  4. That everyone is aware of our Quality System and understand the Quality Policy and objectives of the practice;
  5. that we at all times endeavour to work to defined performance standards, so that client requirements are satisfied, if not exceeded;
  6. that we will provide all necessary resources, both physical and personal, to ensure that any work undertaken can be efficiently completed, and that clients’ needs are always satisfied;
  7. that we provide a continuity of legal services;
  8. that we offer a full range of legal services; and
  9. that we deliver services to our clients in an approachable and friendly way whilst maintaining the client’s confidence in the quality of the legal services.

INITIAL LEGAL ADVICE CONSULTATIONS

If you’ve got a problem, it makes sense to find out where you stand

Legal problems can be simple to resolve or be more complicated than you ever imaged. Your problem may not require a solution provided by the legal system however by coming to see us we can give you options on how to solve your problem in the easiest, most efficient way.

We offer a range of consultations to suit every budget and at times to suit you.

Your initial consultation will involve sitting down with one of our Solicitors, experienced in the area specific to your problem, and once you have outlined what the problem is, he or she will:

  • Identify the scope of the problem.
  • Solve the problem right there and then if possible.
  • Offer self-help solutions if practical.
  • Tell you what your options are for the ongoing steps to resolve things, and the costs involved with these steps.
  • If appropriate, offer you a written quote for any further work to be conducted.

After the consultation, there’s no further obligation.

Because of the simplicity or complexity of problems that arise, there are several different consultation lengths and costs available to you. Our staff may suggest the length of consultation we think you might need – however the choice is yours. We also offer fixed prices for some of our services and telephone consultations if required.

How to book your initial consultation

Contact our office on 3345 4388 or our free legal helpline on 1800 671 732 any time to make an appointment time to suit you. We’re open from 8.00am to 5.30pm weekdays, but we can arrange an after-hours consultation, home visit or telephone consultation should this be your preference.

Our offices in Sunnybank Hills are located two doors down from Pinelands Plaza Shopping Centre, with a Council bus stop conveniently located directly outside our premises.

Parking is available on the premises.

YOUR LEGAL FEES

Your Legal Fees

The fees that you are asked to pay are based on the amount of time we spend on your matter. You will be provided with regular updates as to the professional costs and any disbursements incurred on your matter so that you are always aware of what your obligations are. Depending on the type of matter we are handling for you, we can give you a fixed price at the beginning, and then take things step by step once your initial instructions have been carried out.

Our Hourly Charge Rates

You will see that our hourly rates are higher than the minimum Court rate or relevant Law Society scale. Our fees are higher due to the level of expertise and experience, commitment and ability of our Solicitors, assuring you of the best possible service and guidance at all times.

The rates charged by the Solicitors in our firm are highly competitive compared with those of other Solicitors, and indeed with other Professionals in other industries, with similar years of experience or levels of expertise.

We recognise that one of the most important things to you at this time will be getting value for money and feeling that you have the best possible advice and service in return for the fees that you are paying. We welcome your feedback and comments as to whether you feel our fees are commensurate with our expertise or standards of service.

Payment of Our Fees

Unless prior arrangements have been made for us to carry your fees, we shall send you an account at pre-arranged times throughout your matter, thus ensuring that you don’t get any big surprises. This also allows you to budget for further work which may need to be carried out by us on your behalf, and which will be discussed with you prior to any further work being undertaken.

Keeping you informed throughout your matter as to costs likely to be incurred is an important step in our service delivery so that no-one has a nasty surprise when their account arrives.

Complaints Policy

We want you to be completely happy with all aspects of our service delivery to you, and we therefore welcome your feedback as to whether you were happy to do business with us or not, and in what areas you feel we can improve.

Please contact us promptly if you feel that something has not happened as you would have hoped, so that things can quickly be rectified to your satisfaction.

If you feel that your concerns have not been attended to, or if you feel that you cannot discuss the issue with us personally, please contact Kay Carpenter at the Queensland Law Society on 3832 5888 who will investigate the matter and contact you direct. There is no cost to you in this event.

Phone: 1300 HATZIS

1300 428 947

FREEIn-house Seminar schedule – 2007

Phone now to book your seat – places are limited, so don’t delay!

Seminar / South Brisbane / Sunnybank Hills /
ForestLake
Family / Tuesday, 6th February / Wednesday, 7th February / Wednesday, 14th February
Small Business / Tuesday, 6th March / Wednesday, 7th March / Wednesday, 14th March
Buying and Selling Homes / Tuesday, 3rd April / Wednesday, 4th April / Tuesday, 17th April
Family / Tuesday, 1st May / Wednesday, 2nd May / Wednesday, 9th May
Small Business / Tuesday, 29th May / Wednesday, 30th May / Wednesday, 6th June
Buying and Selling Homes / Tuesday, 26th June / Tuesday, 10th July / Thursday, 12th July
Family / Tuesday, 24th July / Wednesday, 25th July / Wednesday, 1st August
Small Business / Tuesday, 21st August / Wednesday, 22nd August / Wednesday, 29th August
Buying and Selling Homes / Tuesday, 18th September / Thursday, 20th September / Thursday 11th October
Family / Tuesday, 16th October / Wednesday, 17th October / Thursday, 25th October
Small Business / Tuesday, 13th November / Wednesday, 14th November / Wednesday, 21st November

For further information please visit our website

Seminars to be held at the following addresses:
Sunnybank HillsSouth BrisbaneForestLake

64 Pinelands Road9/88 Boundary StreetForest Lake Hotel, Forest Lake Boulevard

Sunnybank Hills Office:

Address: 64 Pinelands Road, Sunnybank Hills QLD 4109

Postal Address: PO Box 3063, Sunnybank South QLD 4109

Phone: 1300 HATZIS (428 347)

Fax: (07) 3344 2081

South Brisbane Office:

Address: 9/88 Boundary Street, West End QLD 4101

Postal Address: PO Box 3063, Sunnybank South QLD 4109

Phone: 1300 HATZIS (428 347)

Fax: (07) 3344 2081

Forest LakeOffice:

Address:Shop37aForestLakeVillage Shopping Centre

Forest Lake Boulevard

FOREST LAKE QLD 4078

Phone:(07) 3278 8855

Fax: (07) 3278 8893

DEBT RECOVERY

Taking the right steps to being paid what’s owed to you!

If you are owed money it makes sense to try and recover that money, but not to spend too much doing so.

You could spend a huge amount of money recovering what’s owed to you, however we’ve come up with a voucher system which takes some of the expense out of the necessary action of chasing your debtors for payment.

By purchasing 10 vouchers from us, at a fixed price, we guarantee to send a letter of demand to your debtor, within 24 hours of receiving your instructions and the details of the debtor. Should this course of action not be effective or not yield results, other steps we can undertake for you include:

  • Negotiating with the debtor to find a repayment schedule which works;
  • Initiate Court proceedings if necessary, for the recovery of monies;
  • Examine the financial standing of the debtor as part of the Court process;
  • Seize assets if your debtor is declared bankrupt.

All these services can be budgeted for separately, thereby letting you make the choice on how much of your overheads you want to spend chasing up the monies.

Contact our office for more information on 3345 4388.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

Make sure you get what you are entitled to!

Have you been injured at work or in an accident involving a car? You may be entitled to compensation for injuries you’ve sustained and possibly seek damages against the negligent party.

When you have suffered an injury in a motor vehicle accident, or if you have lost a family member in an accident, it is critical that you get legal advice immediately. Delays can seriously affect your chances of receiving compensation.

If you are planning to claim for a personal injury, there are strict time limits which apply from the time of the accident, as follows:

  • You must give notice to the relevant insurer one month after first seeing us, or
  • Nine months after the accident, or
  • At the first sign of the symptoms of injury following the accident.

If the accident in which you were involved was caused by an unidentified driver or vehicle, you must lodge your claim within three months of your first consultation with us.

There are many issues which will need to be discussed with us at your first consultation and you may be able to claim compensation for not only your pain and suffering, but also any expenses you may have incurred for treatment, medication and possibly for any assistance given to you by family members, plus loss of wages or, depending on the severity of your injuries and the long term effects of them, for future loss of wages.

It is important that you keep a diary of all your attendances upon Doctors for treatment following any accident, together with all receipts for medication and treatment, so that your expenses can be fully recovered as part of your claim.

There are also very strict time limits which apply to any claim for injuries sustained in an accident where the other vehicle was unregistered at the time of the accident.

In approved cases, we may be willing to assist you by carrying our fees until the conclusion of your matter at which time we shall then render our account, which may assist to lessen the financial burden of making a claim following an accident or injury.

You should feel free to discuss this option with us at your first consultation, or contact us on 33454388.