Associated civil work is defined in clause 1 of the Standard Crime Contract 2022 and the work is described in Section 13 of the 2022 Standard Crime Contract Specification.
There are significant differences between criminal and civil legal aid to keep in mind in the application process and when managing a case.
Where you have access to the Client and Cost Management System (CCMS) we would ask you to use this system to make your applications.
However, you can apply using the CIV APP1 and relevant means assessment form. Email completed applications to:
LAAassociatedcivilapplications@justice.gov.uk
We will enter the application into CCMS when we have made a determination. Please note, you will need to use CCMS to manage the case if legal aid is granted, including making amendments to certificates and submitting claims for payment.
This document includes step-by-step guidance for CCMS. Pages 4 to 14 provide information about civil legal aid procedures and regulations that apply to emailed applications as well as those made using CCMS.
The merits test is central to the application for legal aid. This must be addressed in detail to satisfy the relevant criteria and demonstrate the client’s financial eligibility.
The application also needs to include details of what the client seeks to achieve. This must include a reasoned argument as to the prospects of success and cost-benefit. Funding requests can be made as emergency applications where appropriate and can be backdated where the provisions of Civil Legal Aid (Procedure)(Amendment) Regulations 2019 are met. Further information on emergency funding can be found on page 4 Backdating requires that urgent work had to be undertaken immediately or at short notice, and the application was made at the first opportunity. This is particularly relevant given funding cannot be granted under delegated functions. Further information and guidance on backdating provisions is available at: Civil news: discretionary backdating powers on civil applications – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).