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Following successful litigation by PLP, Exceptional Case Funding (ECF) should now become more available in suitable cases.  PLP is offering this training so that providers and their clients are able to access the scheme more effectively in the future.

The training carries 2.5 CPD/BSB (this may be revised up to 3 closer to the course).
Training runs from 10.00 (9.30 for coffeees / Teas) and runs for three hours with a short break.  A light lunch at 13.00 is included in the price.  The trainers are Joe Vester and Polly Brendon, The Public Law Project and Chris Buttler, Matrix Chambers.

The training will be suitable for:

  • Solicitors
  • Pro Bono lawyers
  • Caseworkers and Paralegals
  • Voluntary sector advisers

ECF can be applied for in any area of law where neither civil nor criminal legal aid is available, including immigration, family and employment cases.

Since the implementation of LASPO in 2013, PLP has made over 100 applications for ECF, and obtained funding for legal aid providers, individuals without representation and organisations without a legal aid contract. Changes introduced following PLP’s recent litigation (here) should make the ECF scheme more accessible for people who cannot deal with their cases themselves.

This includes changes to the merits regulations and changes to what the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) should count as ‘exceptional’.

The training will assist lawyers in both private practice and the voluntary sector in making the scheme work for clients, maximising your client’s chance of success when dealing with the LAA in making ECF applications. It will cover the application process, the relevant forms, what information and documents to provide, and how to identify cases which are more likely to be granted funding.

The course fees are
£30 + VAT for voluntary Sector
£60 + VAT private practice, including solicitors, barristers and paralegals
The course runs from 10.00 to 13.00 and includes a light lunch following the training, where we can meet and discuss the scheme’s operation, and talk more about the experience of making applications.

Supported by our friends Matrix Chambers
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