Heringtons hold franchises or contracts allowing us to advise on family, criminal, mental health and personal injury matters. The help we can provide ranges from "Legal Help" which is general advice and negotiation, including the preparation of a case if you have to appear before a court, to full representation in proceedings, subject to rules laid down by the LSC which vary from case to case.
In criminal matters, we have a team of solicitors who are on the Hastings and Eastbourne duty solicitor schemes, providing free advice at court and at police stations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To qualify for Legal Aid, you have to meet certain criteria, in particular financial tests. We can tell you the tests that will apply in your case and whether you qualify for full Legal Aid or are required to make a contribution towards the costs. These are all things we will look into at our first meeting with you.
Legal Aid has formed an important part of our work for many years. Over the past ten years we have supported the introduction of the Legal Aid Franchise scheme which has now changed into the Legal Services Commission (LSC) contracts scheme.
The LSC is the body that administers publicly funded legal advice. It awards contracts to firms meeting its standards and monitors the performance of those firms by regular visits.
