Commitment to Clarity
We firmly believe in providing our clients with reasonable and transparent fees. Legal aid is available for a range of our services although in some instances this may be subject to means and merits assessments conducted by the Legal Aid Agency.
Our clients can benefit from legal aid funding in criminal defence and family law services we offer. Legal aid is subject to eligibility and more information can be found here.
Merits Tested
Assessed based on the likelihood of success and reasonableness of costs.
Means Tested
Assessed based on your income, benefits, savings, and financial status.
Transparent
Clear guidance on whether you qualify or require private funding.
Criminal Defence
From police station interviews to Crown Court representation, we provide expert legal support at every stage.
Emergency Rule
NEVER BE INTERVIEWED WITHOUT LEGAL ADVICE AND REPRESENTATION
Police Station Representation
Arrest is a shock. We have an incredibly experienced team responding 24/7 x 365 days a year to advise and represent you in the police station.
The police often “invite” people to attend “voluntary” interviews under caution. It is also increasingly common for police to invite themselves into your home to interview you there.
There is such a world of difference between words used to explain an event – “I head-butted him” or “our heads collided”? On your own you may give in to pressure and suggestion that you are to blame.
We act in the most serious cases, murder, conspiracies, drug supply, and financial investigations:
Evert case is unique, every case needs skill and care.
Emergency Rule
Legal aid funding for police station attendances is available to everyone and is not subject to any means or merits testing. Our fees are paid in full by the Legal Aid Agency.
Note: Private representation by a specific solicitor is available upon request.
There are occasions where clients want a particular Solicitor of the firm to represent them and we can undertake such work on a private basis. Our private fees are detailed below.
Magistrates Court
If you have been charged by the police or summons the court, legal aid is available for representation in the Magistrates’ Court.
Legal aid funding is subject to an application being made to the Legal Aid Agency. It is assessed both on the merits of the application and the means of the applicant.
We can advise on whether you will qualify for legal aid and more information can be found here.
Private Funding & Recovery
If you do not qualify, or wish to instruct us privately, we can discuss with you an hourly rate or fixed fee depending on the nature of the case. Where you instruct us on a private basis, and you are acquitted, or charges are dismissed you may be entitled to reclaim a portion of your legal costs from central funds. We assist clients, free of charge, with this process.
For more information please visit our private fees section.
Crown Court
Legal aid funding is available for clients in the crown court. Legal aid is usually granted on merits but are also subject to means testing.
We can advise on whether you will qualify for legal aid and more information can be found here.
Generally, if your household has an annual income of £37,500 or more you will not qualify for legal aid.
If you do not qualify, or wish to instruct us privately, we can discuss with you an hourly rate or fixed fee depending on the nature of the case. Where you instruct us on a private basis, and you are acquitted, or charges are dismissed you may be entitled to reclaim a portion of your legal costs from central funds. We assist clients, free of charge, with this process.
Cost Recovery in Crown Court
Unlike Magistrates’ Court, you may ONLY recover a portion of private fees if you:
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Applied for legal aid
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Were refused legal aid on means
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Are acquitted
From 10 December 2015 onwards, applications for post-adoption contact under section 51A Adoption and Children Act 2002, either where there is evidence of domestic violence or child abuse or for a child who is party to the proceedings.
Where legal aid funding is not available, we can be instructed on a private basis. Depending on the nature of the case we can offer an hourly rate or fixed fee service. For more information see our private fees section.
Eligibility Criteria
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Scope: The matter must be within the scope of legal aid.
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Means Test: Proof that you cannot afford legal costs (income, benefits, savings).
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Merits Test: Likelihood of success and reasonableness of costs.
Covered Issues
Non-molestation & occupation orders
Restraining orders (Protection from Harassment Act 1997)
Child Arrangements Orders (if risk of violence/abuse)
Representation for children in proceedings
Forced marriage protection orders
Care or supervision orders (Local Authority)
Child abduction (taken out of UK without consent)
Post-adoption contact (with evidence of abuse)
Family & Matrimonial
Most family cases will be means tested; so, you will have to show that you cannot afford to pay legal costs. You will be required to give information about your income, benefits, savings, property and shares and those of your partner.
For some cases you can get legal aid regardless of your financial means. Non means tested legal aid is available if your child is subject of care or supervision proceedings. You may qualify for legal aid for some injunctions, such as a non-molestation order, but you might be required to make a financial contribution.
Immigration & Asylum
Unfortunately, we do not offer legal aid for immigration and asylum matters. You may find alternative firms who provide legal aid services using the government search service located here.
For details on instructing us on a private basis in relation to your immigration and asylum matter please visit our private fees section.
Employment
You cannot get legal aid for employment cases unless your case involves discrimination. We do not offer legal aid for employment matters and the work we undertake is typically limited to advising on settlement agreements.
Settlement agreements are normally paid for by your employer in full and there is no subsequent charge to you for our services.