FUNDING
We know that every client has different financial circumstances and although we are not taking on new cases this information may help to explain how legal aid and privately funded legal advice and representation works.
Funding falls into two areas:
Legal aid
Unfortunately as the firm is gradually winding down we no longer offer a legal aid service and we do not have a contract with the Legal Aid Agency.
We cannot formally recommend specific firms to take on your case but we can make suggestions where possible.
Legal aid is based on two tests – your means (finances) and merits (the strength of the case). You can use the Legal Aid Agency’s eligibility calculator to see if you might be entitled to legal aid but unfortunately we cannot advise you.
The Government’s Civil Legal Advice service has details of organisations who offer a legal aid service – www.gov.uk/civil-legal-aid
The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service also has information about organisations providing a legal aid service.
Privately funded cases
If you are not entitled to legal aid for your case, your legal adviser may agree to represent you privately. Private funded rates depend on a variety of factors.
Sometimes clients have household (contents) insurance which can cover some or all of their legal costs. Please check your insurance policy carefully as this may be an option.
It is important that if you pay for legal advice on a private basis, your legal adviser is transparent and upfront about charges. It can be difficult to predict costs but you should be provided with as much information as is reasonable about the charges.