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Shieldacre undertakes bill preparation for provisional detailed assessments and assessments where there is a Legal Aid element. Representation thereafter or any disallowed/reduced items. Claim 1 maximising returns. Membership of panel for generality of enhancements.



You may need to consider the following questions when assessing whether you feel you are maximising the return on your file in Legal Aid matters:




  • Is the W.I.P figure on file always obtained?

  • Are sensitive matters dealt with in house, rather than files leaving your office?

  • Speed of return in assessment procedures? Are forms dealt with?

  • Are your bills showing enhancement generally, on a varied rate, whether membership or not, where a file justifies enhancement under the criteria of exceptional.



If not, perhaps you need to call us on 01963 33580 or click here to send us an enquiry.



We have considerable experience in drawing bills for provisional detailed assessment and for assessment by the LSC (Claim 1). A major change in matters from 1st October, 2007 throws up new problems for the busy Legal Aid Practitioner. New forms; new rates; new interpretations means a new concept of funding and recoverability. Private and public law now divide on sums and formulae for recovery.



Three levels replacing the previous charge rates but only for instructions and certificates from 1.10.07



















There are different rates of charge for work between 1.4.07 to 30.9.07 (and continuing) relating to certificates issued after 1.4.07 (click LSC website for rates).
Representation on reductions made on Claim 1’s need to be carefully prepared, where a Fee Earner is aggrieved that reductions have been made by the LSC unilaterally on specific items of work.
Directing costs to LSC for assessment in court depends on the costs limit from 1.10.07 rules and availability of the alterations have changed and there are now alternatives.




In respect of your present costing service, consider the points mentioned as to maximising your return.



Maximising returns. Use of enhancement. Membership of panels or not.



Are you being penalised by the LSC and asked to make repayments. We can advise and make representations. Judicial review has been considered and settlements reached.



Attending reviews to argue against reductions made.