Legal Aid Online applications for solemn legal aid

You should apply to us using Legal Aid Online.

We require that your client complete an accurate declaration that must be signed by them. This is a pre-requisite of a valid application.

The client’s declaration

To ensure this is completed correctly, you should note this guidance:

• The form must be signed by or on behalf of the nominated solicitor to confirm that they are willing to act in the case
• Another solicitor may sign the declaration on behalf of the nominated solicitor
• Complete all parts of the online form
• You must also send us evidence of your client’s income, outgoings and capital.

We are provided with copies of the relevant petition, any previous convictions and summary of evidence directly from the Crown Office. Where the Crown link is unable to provide a copy, we may ask you to submit scanned copies of these documents.

Covid-19

For the duration of the Covid-19 period, solicitors may not be able to meet clients in person.

This means that legal aid declarations cannot be signed by people. There may also be concerns about sharing pens with people.

If you are consulting with people remotely, or have any other health concerns such as sharing pens, we can accept applications without the client’s signature in these circumstances for the time being.

In the online application, when you are asked to confirm that the declaration has been signed by the client, you should say ‘No’, and give the explanation ‘Coronavirus‘.