Practice Areas — Criminal, Family, Civil, Employment & Wills

Practice Areas

Legal Services & Areas of Practice

Start with the help you need: a consultation, a review of your documents or preparation for your next step. We agree a defined piece of work rather than assuming you need full representation. Where proceedings or other reserved work are needed, we can arrange access to SRA-regulated solicitors acting through appropriately authorised arrangements, subject to acceptance and agreed terms. Our guidance focuses on England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different laws and procedures; enquiries concerning either jurisdiction need separate assessment. The information below is general guidance, not advice on an individual case.

Legal Consultations & Advice

Discuss your situation, the documents that matter and what you want to achieve. Receive plain-English advice on your position, potential risks and realistic next steps.

Legal Drafting & Document Review

Help preparing letters before claim, draft claim particulars, responses, witness statements and evidence bundles, where this is unreserved work. The scope of each document is agreed with you first.

Solicitor-Led Court Applications

Access to SRA-regulated solicitors for court forms, claims, injunctions and enforcement under appropriately authorised arrangements. Before instruction, you receive confirmation of who will act, their regulated practice, the work covered, fees and complaints arrangements. AJW itself is not an SRA-authorised firm.

Civil Litigation, Tort & Personal Injury

A tort is a civil wrong that can give rise to compensation or another remedy. Claims depend on the legal duty, the facts, causation and the loss suffered — not every unfair act is actionable.

Debt Recovery & Money Claims

Advice on unpaid invoices, loans, contractual disputes and money claims in the County Court or High Court where appropriate. We help assess evidence, proportionality and recovery prospects; an appropriately authorised solicitor can handle proceedings under an agreed instruction.

Judgment Enforcement & Recovery

Once a judgment remains unpaid, enforcement normally requires a further application. We explain how to obtain the appropriate order, what it can reach and whether the likely recovery justifies the fees.

Criminal Defence & Police Station Advice

Understanding allegations, evidence, police procedure and the route through the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. For police-station representation or court advocacy, an appropriately qualified solicitor or barrister may be required.

Family Law & Protective Injunctions

Sensitive, practical guidance on protection, separation and arrangements for children, with safety and the welfare of the child at the centre of the discussion.

Employment Law & Workplace Disputes

Guidance for workplace disputes, from contractual rights and fair treatment to dismissal, settlement discussions and Employment Tribunal proceedings.

Police & Public Authority Claims

Assessing whether police or other public-body conduct gives rise to a civil remedy. A complaint, a compensation claim and judicial review are different processes with different purposes and deadlines.

Debt, Financial Guidance & Insolvency

General information on personal debt and insolvency in England and Wales, including budgeting, dealing with creditors and understanding formal solutions. Personal recommendations about regulated credit debts and arranging or managing repayments require an appropriately authorised or exempt debt adviser; SRA status alone does not establish permission for these activities.

Property, Housing & Possession Proceedings

Guidance for landlords, tenants and homeowners on possession disputes, rent arrears and mortgage repossession. An appropriately authorised solicitor can handle court proceedings under an agreed instruction.

Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney & Estate Planning

Private-client advice on recording your wishes, protecting your interests and planning for the people who matter to you. Wills and lasting powers of attorney can be prepared within an agreed scope, with specialist solicitor input where needed.