Applications for prior approval before a grant of full legal aid is made

While carrying out special urgency work, you can apply for approval for:

  • the employment of counsel
  • employment of an expert
  • work of an unusual nature
  • work likely to involve unusually large expenditure

You should follow the usual procedures for applying to us for prior approval. The prior approval request has to be linked to the work you are doing under special urgency cover.

Availability of special urgency cover after full legal aid is refused
Status of your client

In this section

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Special Urgency cover for steps in 2011 Act court proceedings before a decision is made on a legal aid application

Find out about the scope of legal aid for special urgency work and the criteria to be met to ensure payment for this urgent work in 2011 Act proceedings.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

The Declaration

Find out about the online declaration, what it is for and how it ensures payment for work carried out.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Guidance on applying for special urgency cover under the 2011 Act and the 2019 Act

Learn about what you need to include in your application and view examples of when special urgency will be granted.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Availability of special urgency cover after full legal aid is refused

Find out if you can apply for special urgency cover when the full legal aid application has been refused.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Status of your client

Find out whether your client is a legally assisted person when work is done for them under a grant of special urgency.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Legal aid application must be submitted within 28 days of commencement of urgent work

Find out how to avoid non payment of the special urgency work you carry out.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

Extent of a grant of special urgency

Find out what work will be covered by a grant of special urgency.

Special Urgency for proceedings under the 2011 and 2019 Acts

What happens if your client does not comply with our requests for information?

Find out what happens if your client does not provide information requested by us to enable a means assessment to be carried out.