Fees and legal aid

Wallet

Fees

There are a variety of ways to fund your legal advice. We will always be happy to discuss the funding options with you.

Private funding

We can offer an initial or a one-off consultation to discuss your case and advise you on the possible ways forward.

The standard fee for this consultation (which would not usually exceed one hour) is £145 plus VAT.

In cases involving personal injury/compensation claims where it appears someone else was at fault we will offer you an initial consultation free of charge.

Hourly rates

We have hourly charge rates that vary depending upon the seniority of the person (or people) assigned to your case.

Fixed fees

Some types of work can be undertaken for fixed fees. This gives you certainty at the outset of the case as we will agree the fee before we start work.

Contingency fees / No win no fee

Other types of work, particularly personal injury/compensation claims, can be undertaken on the basis that if you do not win your case you do not have to pay.

Legal Aid

We have been awarded contracts with the Legal Services Commission which allows us to do some work funded by Legal Aid.

Generally Legal Aid is only available if you have a low income (or no income) and little or no savings. In some circumstances legal aid is the equivalent of a loan and you would be required to repay your legal fees from money or property you already own or obtain through your case.

If you wish us to assist you on legal aid you must bring to the first appointment proof of your income and savings over the last month for you (and your partner). If you are on benefits this must be a letter proving you are in receipt of that benefit. Alternatively, it could be documents such as your latest pay slips, bank statements or letters of support from family members who give you money.

We are not allowed to work on legal aid unless we have documentary evidence of your income.

You can check whether you are likely to be eligible for legal aid by going to the DirectGov website.

As the availability of legal aid is reduced by the Government over the next few months and years we will be offering competitive private rates and arrangements in order to help those who are not quite eligible.

Both of our offices provide a 'drop in' service for Immigration clients between 2pm and 4pm every Tuesday. No appointment is necessary although the time spent with each client may be limited depending on numbers attending. The session is run on a first come first served basis.