Civil cases

• Legal Aid Agency: responsible for civil, criminal legal aid in England and Wales
• Role of the LAA:

  • legal aid services are provided: solicitors, lawyers, barristers
  • fund the Civil Legal Advice Service (CLA)
  • run the public defender service: give a range of services within the criminal defence market
• Civil Legal Advice Service (CLA)

  • provides free and specialist initial legal advice (who qualify)
  • advises on matters: debt, education, discrimination, housing, family issues
• Civil Legal Aid

  • Funding for claimants in certain disputes when legal: advice, mediation, representation in court are required
  • claimant: pass a means test (income, capital)
  • Merit test: seriousness, chance of success
  • repossession of property, homelessness, asylum, immigration cases
  • will pay for: advice, assistance, representation