In limited circumstances, we permit a Grace Period of up to 14 days between matter opening and receipt of CDD documents. This allows very limited preparatory work to proceed while CDD is being finalised.
The Grace Period should only be used where absolutely necessary to avoid interrupting normal business. No work can be undertaken if your matter concerns anything transactional, concerning tax or related to estate administration, trust settlement or probate You must also be satisfied at all times that the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing is minimal.
During the Grace Period, you must not give an undertaking, use the Client Account or submit an Invoice. Work should be strictly limited to preparatory steps such as initial meetings, fact-finding, and reviewing documents.
Where consumer regulations apply, you must also wait until you have received both the signed Engagement Letter and the signed Notice to Commence Work before starting any work. See Contracting with consumers for further details.
The Grace Period is an exception, not the norm. Clients are usually more responsive if they know work cannot begin until CDD is complete. Any work carried out in this period is at risk: if CDD is not provided and the file is closed, time provisionally incurred cannot be invoiced.
The Clients Team will confirm receipt of CDD by email to the client (copy to Acting Lawyer and Client Owner).