Doctors facing a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing can choose to represent themselves or seek legal representation. While self-representation is an option, the MPTS strongly advises doctors to obtain legal advice and representation – and for good reason.
MPTS hearings are not informal discussions. They are complex, formal, and adversarial proceedings, similar in many respects to a courtroom trial. They are often described as daunting, prolonged, and highly legalistic, with potentially career-altering consequences.
Doctors who opt to self-represent must:
Understand the full hearing process and legal framework
Prepare their own case and supporting documents
Speak on their own behalf
Cross-examine GMC witnesses and expert witnesses
This is a demanding and high-stakes responsibility. Without legal training or experience in tribunal proceedings, doctors may find it extremely challenging to manage effectively.
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A civil litigation or commercial dispute resolution is where a legal representative tries to resolve their client’s disputes. These can include:
· Landlord and tenant issues
· Neighbour disputes
· Unpaid bills
· Professional negligence
· Breach of contracts or agreements
· Intellectual property disputes
· General business disputes
When you explain your dispute to your legal representative, they might suggest this kind of resolution if they don’t think your case is very strong. Or they might suggest it because a claim’s been made against you that you have a strong defence for.
A direct access barrister can give you as much help as you need in civil litigation and dispute resolution. They can simply prepare an initial letter for you, or they can attend mediation or settlement meetings and represent you throughout the whole process.
Commercial Contract Disputes
We have access to specialist commercial lawyers supporting who operate in a range of sectors including manufacturing, technology, banking and the utilities, as well as public sector clients.
Their aim is not only to ensure that your commercial contracts are legally robust and compliant but that they clearly reflect the nature of the relationship with your customers, suppliers and partners and that they help your business control and manage its risk.
As commercial lawyers we want to understand your business and become your trusted advisor. Some of our barristers have worked as in-house counsel so they understand the need for clear, pragmatic and commercially focused commercial advice that provides solutions not problems for your business.
Small Claims
Small claims are for simple cases that don’t involve large amounts of money or complicated issues. They’re often used to get compensation or your money back if something’s gone wrong. Small claims are never usually for more than £10,000.
You can use small claims for things like:
a faulty product
poor service
being owed a refund
disputes with your landlord - for example, if they haven’t done minor repairs
being owed money for work you’ve done
accidents when you’ve been injured - for example, a car accident
Small claims are sometimes called ‘money claims’. They’re meant to be simple, so you probably may be able to deal with these matters yourself. Call today and arrange a conference with a specialist barrister who can review your claim.