Why do I need a legal representative (a lawyer/solicitor)? Expand It is important that you speak to a legal representative at the earliest opportunity. A legal representative will: give you information about the asylum process help you translate your documents arrange for any additional reports to be submitted to the Home Office give you advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your case help you prepare for your main asylum interview provide interpreter for your sessions if needed represent you in court if you are refused and appeal get any further information you may need to explain your claim
How do I get legal advice: in England or Wales? Expand Contact one of these organisations: Law Society Direct Gov OISC- level 2/level 3 adviser Your legal advisor must be registered as a qualified lawyer with either the Law Society of England and Wales OR the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), which has a register of advisers who are Level 2 or 3. Level 2 or 3 means that the adviser is qualified to give you advice regarding your asylum application and represent you in all your asylum matters. You should ask your legal representative who they are registered with. The logos of the above organisations should appear on any letters you receive from them. You will also be able to check directly with the organisation that your legal representative is registered with them. You can also contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, via webchat on our Service User Portal, migranthelpuk.org and we can assist you with finding a legal representative.
How do I get legal advice: in Scotland? Expand Contact one of these organisations: Scottish Legal Aid Board OISC- level 2/level 3 adviser The Law Society of Scotland: 0131 226 7411 Your legal advisor must be registered as a qualified lawyer with either the Law Society of Scotland OR the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), which has a register of advisers who are Level 2 or 3. Level 2 or 3 means that the adviser is qualified to give you advice regarding your asylum application and represent you in all your asylum matters. You should ask your legal representative who they are registered with. The logos of the above organisations should appear on any letters you receive from them. You will also be able to check directly with the organisation that your legal representative is registered with them. You can also contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, via webchat on our Service User Portal, migranthelpuk.org and we can assist you with finding a legal representative.
How do I get legal advice: in Northern Ireland? Expand Contact one of these organisations: Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission Law Society of Northern Ireland Your legal advisor must be registered as a qualified lawyer with either the Law Society of Northern Ireland OR the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), which has a register of advisers who are Level 2 or 3. Level 2 or 3 means that the adviser is qualified to give you advice regarding your asylum application and represent you in all your asylum matters. You should ask your legal representative who they are registered with. The logos of the above organisations should appear on any letters you receive from them. You will also be able to check directly with the organisation that your legal representative is registered with them. You can also contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, via webchat on our Service User Portal, migranthelpuk.org and we can assist you with finding a legal representative.
Can I get free legal advice? Expand As a person seeking asylum you may be entitled to free legal advice if you meet the criteria for legal aid. You will be classed as an asylum seeker once you have been fully screened. To be eligible for legal aid you will need to prove that you are on a low income and that your case has a realistic chance of success. If you are in England or Wales contact The Legal Aid Agency If you are in Scotland contact The Scottish Legal Aid Board on 0845 122 8686 If you are in Northern Ireland contact The Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission.
I have been asked to provide Proof of Support Expand If your legal advisor asks for a letter from the Home Office confirming you are on asylum support then you or your legal representative can email to request a copy, if you no longer have the original copy.
How can I complain about legal advice I have received? Expand If you believe that you have received bad legal advice, you have a right to submit a complaint. Your legal representative should issue you with a client care letter when you first meet. This letter confirms the work they will do for you as well as their complaints procedure. This will also confirm how long it will take to investigate your complaint. Submit a written complaint to the firm dealing with your case, including the following details: Your name and full contact details Full details of the complaint (including times, dates and places) Details of any witnesses (if relevant) Copies of letters or papers that are relevant Your case reference number