Legal Aid funding for expert evidence
Legal Aid Agency (LAA) funding may be available for expert evidence in asylum and immigration cases where the claim has merit and the expert evidence is necessary. Prior authority is often required before instruction.
AfricaExpertWitness supports Legal Aid instructions. Confirm funding status and prior authority requirements when you submit your case note so matching and timelines can be planned accordingly.
Prior authority process
Apply for prior authority before instructing the expert where required. Provide: the expert's CV and qualifications; proposed scope of report; and an explanation of why expert evidence is necessary. The LAA assesses whether the engagement is proportionate to the issues in the case.
Multi-issue reports (LGBTQI+, FGM, trafficking combined) and multi-country reports usually need a clearer scope note so prior authority can be sought for the full instruction.
Urgent instructions
Where a hearing is listed within 5–10 days, urgent instruction is possible subject to expert availability. Contact AfricaExpertWitness immediately with the hearing date, funding confirmation, and scope of report required.
Confirm that any prior authority covers the urgent timetable before instruction.