As a diverse specialist immigration law firm, we deal with a wide range of clients from different backgrounds. We often get asked whether the firm accepts legal aid. The answer, without hesitation, is a resounding ‘no’.

We recognize that, occasionally, our callers may not appreciate—or even consider—the reasons why we don’t accept legal aid instructions.

That got us thinking…

Perhaps we should share the philosophy and logic we rely on to keep us unashamedly private (and proud).

But legal aid is a good thing, right? Wrong. Our view is that it used to be. The fact is, relentless legal-aid cutbacks introduced over the last four years have been steadily eroding the quality of representation and thus, by default, failing to deliver the very objective they were created to meet—justice.

The UK has witnessed numerous barrister protests and strikes against legal-aid cutbacks.

Ian Kelcey, senior partner at Bristol firm Kelcey & Hall and Law Society council member, said: ‘It’s a myth that clients get the same level of service on legal aid rates as when they pay privately—that disappeared about 10 years ago.’

Speaking at a Law Society conference, Kelcey said there is a limit to what firms can be expected to do on legal-aid rates: ‘We can’t supply a platinum level of service with base-metal rates of pay.’ He suggested that firms be open with clients about how much the government pays and explain the constraints this puts on them.

In short, cuts to legal aid and courts make a mockery of equal access to justice. Early legal advice is incredibly important. It means that people can deal with a problem before it becomes a crisis.

Early advice and detailed preparation of legal arguments are often the tipping point between a decent but unpersuasive argument and an exceptional argument that yields results. In practice, the essential consideration for the solicitor or firm is whether the fees paid warrant the level of work that it takes to get the job done to the best of their ability.

This, at first glance, may seem unfair from a client’s perspective, but let’s put that thought aside for a second and ask ourselves why this is the case.

Disclaimer

This website and its articles are not meant to provide legal advice, but rather to offer general information. We make every effort to ensure that the content is accurate, but we cannot guarantee that it is comprehensive or applicable to specific situations. If users have any particular legal issues or concerns, they should not rely solely on the information given and should instead consult a solicitor. We at UK Immigration Solicitors are not responsible for
anything that people do—or don’t do—after reading our articles.

For tailored advice or to discuss your specific situation, please contact our experienced UK immigration solicitors on 020 3384 4389.