Civil cases

• 1. many ways a claimant in civil cases: obtain legal advice
• 2. Claimants don't have to rely solely on lawyers for such advice and assistance
• 3. may sources of free or cheap advice are specialist in their fields - greater knowledge and skills that high street lawyers in matters of employment law, housing, entitlement to welfare benefits
• 4. Possible to obtain advice; representation in a number of fields - necessary to take a case further than just obtaining advice
• 1. legal fees: lawyers unable to give estimate on costs at the start of the case - client also has to pay 2 amounts of fees (loser pays the winner, legal representation)
• 2. CFA problems:

  • lawyer has to be convinced: high chance of success before agreement
  • Potential claimant: 'after the event' insurance policy - costly
  • Amount of compensation paid to the claimant will be reduced by the deduction from the lawyer success fee, which cannot be recovered: defendant
• 3. Civil legal aid funding has been cut

  • 1 bil (2010-11) - 600 million (2015-16)
  • number of civil court claims has increased - more prepared to take action
• 4. cuts to funding, expenses of using lawyers - more pressure is being put on other advice agencies at a time when their budgets are stretched - more delays in accessing