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Campaign groups, charities, NGOs and other organisations
We do not work for government departments or local authorities. However,
we do work with campaign groups, charities, NGOs and other organisations
on a regular basis providing training, carrying out advisory work,
and providing legal representation.
In carrying out this work we are alive to the difficulties many organisations
have in financing legal advice, particularly small and medium-sized
voluntary sector organisations. For that reason we are flexible
in agreeing funding arrangements, particularly for judicial review
test cases. In particular, our public law and human rights team will
normally provide initial pro bono (free) advice both about the merits
of any proposed challenge and about funding issues. For example:
- Whilst Legal Aid is only available for individuals, in some
cases it may be possible to find an individual who is affected
by the issue in dispute and for that person to bring a test case
funded by legal aid.
- In cases where that it not possible we may be willing to act
for reduced hourly rates, or on a fixed fee basis, or, exceptionally,
on the basis of a ‘no win, no fee’ agreement.
- We are also experienced in providing advice about securing
Protective Costs Orders and costs capping orders to limit the
exposure to an opponent’s costs in the event that a case is not
successful.
- We can also advise about the pros and cons of forming a limited
company to bring a claim for judicial review.
For more information about funding please see our Judicial
Review Advisers’ Guide or email our public
law and human rights team.
Individuals
We act for the majority of our clients under the Legal Aid scheme.
We are contracted with the Legal Services Commission (LSC) to provide
representation under the Legal Aid scheme in all the areas of work
in which we specialise. Legal aid is means-tested so only those with
income and capital below the relevant thresholds are entitled. If
you contact us for help with a case we will work out whether you are
eligible for legal aid. Alternatively, you can check this yourself
using the LSC's online calculator.
If you are not entitled to legal aid we will discuss with you other
ways of funding your case (and ways of protecting you from exposure
to your opponent’s costs). For example:
- It may be possible for us to represent you for free under a legal
expenses insurance policy (legal expenses insurance is often provided
as an additional benefit on contents and other insurance policies,
mortgage policies, credit card agreements and as a benefit to members
of a trade union or association). We will help you work out whether
you have a relevant policy. If you do have such a policy your insurer
must allow you to instruct a solicitor of your choice.
- In a small proportion of cases it may be possible to provide
funding through a 'no win, no fee' agreement. We can provide further
information about this in appropriate cases.
- In some cases you may need to instruct us on a privately-funded
basis. Privately-funded work is normally paid for at an hourly
rate, with the hourly rate set according to the level of experience
of the solicitor. We will also take account of your ability to
pay. We may also agree to work for a fixed or capped fee up to
a particular point in a case. We will provide you with full information
about this when you first contact us, and we may offer you an
initial, free interview so that we can work out the likely costs
and so that you can decide whether to proceed.
- We may exceptionally agree to carry out work on a pro bono (free)
basis.
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