Switalskis is looking for a Legal Aid Costs Specialist
Switalskis is recruiting an experienced, commercially minded and motivated Legal Aid Costs Draftsperson or Costs Lawyer to join their Costs Department. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong technical knowledge of legal aid billing, CCMS/SILAS and high costs work who is looking to work within a specialist and supportive environment. You will play a key… continue reading
Switalskis is looking for a Billing Coordinator – Legal Aid
Switalskis is recruiting a Billing/CCMS Coordinator to join their internal Costs Team. This role will work closely with Costs Lawyers & Draftsman dealing with legal aid billing and will be responsible for submitting legal aid claims for payment to the legal aid agency via their dedicated billing systems (CCMS/SILAS) and raising bills for Solicitors fees… continue reading
Release is looking for a Supervising Solicitor (Housing – Legal Aid)
Release is recruiting a Supervising Solicitor (Housing) – Legal Aid – available on either a part‑time or full‑time basis—to help shape and expand their legal services at the intersection of social justice community care law, and harm reduction.to help grow Release’s rights-based legal services for marginalised communities. If you’re an experienced housing legal aid practitioner committed to social justice, harm reduction… continue reading
LAPG announces winners of the 2026 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
A lawyer acting for Palestinian rights protesters; a family solicitor doing groundbreaking work with Gypsies and Travellers; and a defence lawyer challenging music video evidence in criminal trials, were among those honoured at this year’s LALY awards. Now into their 24th year, the awards are organised by Legal Aid Practitioners Group on a not-for-profit basis… continue reading
Asylum Aid is looking for an Immigration and Public Law Supervising Solicitor (maternity leave cover)
Asylum Aid is recruiting a practising solicitor with substantial experience of litigation. This is a maternity cover for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension. For over thirty years, Asylum Aid has been providing legal representation to some of the most vulnerable people seeking asylum. They have built an expert service, delivering… continue reading
PAMELA Event – Strength Training Through Perimenopause & Menopause with Neema Sempebwa
Following the recent session on navigating GP appointments during perimenopause and menopause, Neema will be returning for a practical workshop focused on strength training during this stage of life. The session will explore why strength training matters during perimenopause and menopause, including support for muscle mass, bone health, energy, mobility and long-term wellbeing. We’ll also… continue reading
Coram is looking for a Head of Legal Aid and Billing
Coram Children’s Legal Centre is recruiting a Head of legal aid and billing to provide leadership and management for CCLC particularly focused on the Legal Practice Unit’s legal aid billing operations. Through systematic and efficient management, the post-holder will play a pivotal role in CCLC’s financial and operational sustainability. The role will be accountable for… continue reading
LAPG announces the 29 individuals and organisations shortlisted for this year’s Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards.
A solicitor fighting for compensation for Windrush victims; a Bristol-based barrister with unique expertise in Welsh law; and two law centres both celebrating 50 years of delivering justice to their local communities are among the finalists in the 2026 LALY awards.The LALY awards, now into their 24th year, are organised by Legal Aid Practitioners Group… continue reading
Nominations for the 2026 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are now open!
Winners in 10 award categories will be announced 3 July; deadline for entries 21 April. Legal Aid Practitioners Group is proud to announce the launch of the 24th annual Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards, the only event dedicated solely to celebrating the social justice legal community. As well as awards covering all areas… continue reading
Legal Aid Supervision Course
For new LAA Supervisors or those wishing to refresh their supervisory skills.
Legal Aid Supervision Course
About Make sure you comply with the supervision requirements in the current crime and civil contracts. If you need to attend a course to qualify as a legal aid supervisor, or check that you are up to date with the latest requirements, this is the course for you! Legal aid supervisors need knowledge of their… continue reading
Managing a Civil Legal Aid Contract Toolkit
We have developed a Toolkit that draws together key information to enable practices to understand their legal aid contract.
Introduction to Immigration & Asylum Legal Aid
We have developed the third module in our Legal Aid Training series which provides a general introduction to Immigration & Asylum Legal Aid aimed at trainees, paralegals, junior lawyers and those that wish to refresh their knowledge in these areas.
Introduction to Mental Health, Mental Capacity & Community Care Legal Aid
We have developed the second module in our Legal Aid Training series which provides a general introduction to Mental Health, Mental Capacity/Court of Protection and Community Care Legal Aid aimed at trainees, paralegals, junior lawyers and those that wish to refresh their knowledge in these areas.
Introduction to Mental Health, Mental Capacity & Community Care Legal Aid
This is an eLearning module covering Mental Health, Mental Capacity & Community Care Legal Aid, it is aimed at those new to working in these areas of legal aid.
Managing a Civil Legal Aid Contract Toolkit
This toolkit seeks to draw together basic information to enable practices to gain an overview of how their legal aid contract works, and will be particularly useful for those new to delivering legal aid.
Training Discounts
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LAPG research on the ‘hidden costs’ of delivering legal aid
Senior staff working through the weekend. Employees working well beyond their contracted hours. Weeks spent preparing for audits. LAPG research suggests practitioners are spending around a quarter of their time on unpaid work propping up the legal aid system. Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG) has today published the findings of a study on ‘non-chargeable work’… continue reading
Training & Support
We offer legal aid specific training as well as management training for private practice and not-for-profit agencies.
LAPG Introduction to Civil Legal Aid
This course provides a comprehensive overview and introduction to the Civil Legal Aid scheme and the critical aspects of working within a legal aid contract.
Campaigns
Keeping you informed with latest news on Legal Aid.
Introduction to Immigration & Asylum Legal Aid
This is an eLearning module covering Immigration & Asylum Legal Aid, it is aimed at trainees, paralegals and junior lawyers.
LAPG announces winners of the 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
The Belfast law firm acting for Kneecap; an immigration KC described as a ‘once in a generation barrister’; and a legal exec making her mark representing category-A prisoners were honoured at last week’s LALY awards. Belfast-based Phoenix Law were named as winners of the 2025 LALY award for Legal Aid Firm/Not-for-profit Agency at a sold-out… continue reading
Response to Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announcement on Increases to Housing and Immigration Civil Legal Aid Fees
Housing Law Practitioners’ Association (HLPA), Legal Aid Practitioners Group (LAPG), Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association (ILPA) and Law Centres Network (LCN) respond to Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announcement on Increases to Housing and Immigration Civil Legal Aid Fees 2 July 2025 HLPA, LAPG, ILPA and LCN welcome today’s confirmation from the MOJ that fees for housing… continue reading
LAPG Introduction to Civil Legal Aid
This module is designed for trainee solicitors, paralegals and anyone starting work in civil legal aid who will need to know how the scheme works and be expected to deal with new client enquiries.
LAPG announces finalists in 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards!
A chartered legal exec praised for her work representing Category A prisoners; a personal assistant to a busy human rights department ‘who always shows patience in the face of short-tempered-ness’; and the solicitor who secured a ‘blistering’ inquest ruling following the death of a two-year old, which was the first fatality linked to the Home… continue reading
LAPG’s response to the civil legal aid fees consultation
We have published our response to the MOJ’s civil legal aid fees consultation: Civil legal aid: Towards a sustainable future The MOJ consultation is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/civil-legal-aid-towards-a-sustainable-future/civil-legal-aid-towards-a-sustainable-future We welcome the proposals to increase Immigration & Asylum and Housing & Debt fees and would like to see these changes implemented as soon as possible. As the… continue reading
Nominations for 2025 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards are open!
Nominations close on 22 April 2025 Winners in 10 award categories (see below) will be announced at central London ceremony on 4 July. Legal Aid Practitioners Group is proud to launch the 23rd LALY awards in celebration of the life-changing work of social justice lawyers. LAPG CEO Chris Minnoch says: ‘For more than two decades… continue reading
LAPG responds to MOJ announcement about consultation on increasing some civil legal aid fees
Today’s announcement by the Lord Chancellor of a consultation on increasing fees for two critical areas of civil legal aid represents a significant step forward. It represents a continuation of the positive shift in approach by this government after decades of regressive policymaking in relation to legal aid. It is also encouraging that the government… continue reading
Legal Aid’s 75th Anniversary: A diamond in the rough
Something incredible happened 75 years ago today. The Legal Aid and Advice Act 1949 received royal assent, paving the way for the establishment of the legal aid scheme. The scheme was described by the AG at the time as a ‘charter of the little man to the British courts of justice […] without regard to… continue reading
LAPG announces winners of the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
Solicitor behind legal challenges that halted flights to Rwanda named as winner of Outstanding Achievement award. Former MP Karen Buck honoured for commitment to legal aid and housing justice with a Special Award from LAPG Board. Toufique Hossain, Director of Public Law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, has been named as winner of the top accolade… continue reading
LAPG announces shortlist for the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
A billing team who saved the day after their Bolton-based firm’s IT supplier was subject to a cyberattack; a solicitor described as ‘an extraordinary force for good’ for her work with Albanian children seeking asylum in the UK; and the managing director of a legal aid firm in rural West Wales have all been selected… continue reading
Nominations open for the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards!
Nominations for 2024 awards close: 22 April; winners announced: 5 July. LAPG is proud to launch the 2024 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) awards, the only annual event solely dedicated to celebrating the work of grassroots social justice lawyers. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of these non-profit-making awards, which continue to… continue reading
Legal aid community celebrates its heroes at central London ceremony last night
Family of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who took her own life after viewing online material ‘romanticising self-harm’, their lawyers and those providing IT and media support, received LALY judges’ top accolade. Deighton Pierce Glynn named Legal Aid Firm of the Year for its ‘life-saving work’ for former MoD interpreters in Afghanistan at risk from Taliban reprisals…. continue reading
Winding down of top legal aid firm demonstrates urgent need for civil legal aid support
LAPG is extremely saddened by the news that Mackintosh Law is winding down its services. The specialist mental capacity and community care law firm has been a member of LAPG since it was established and has a national reputation for cutting edge caselaw for vulnerable and disabled people. The firm has also been at the… continue reading
LAPG Statement on the Government’s published response to the Legal Aid Means Test Review
Following a long engagement and consultation process, the Government has now published its response to the Legal Aid Means Test Review. This sets out the changes it intends to make to the process of determining who is financially eligible to receive civil and criminal legal aid services in England and Wales. The Government has put… continue reading
LAPG announces shortlist for 2023 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
This year’s LALY finalists include: the young barrister who founded Black Protest Legal Support; young law centre solicitor who won additional financial support to protect asylum seekers from destitution; lawyers who have brought multiple successful challenges over the British government’s refusal to relocate Afghan nationals at risk from the Taliban. Legal Aid Practitioners Group is… continue reading
The Fragility of Civil Legal Aid by Matthew Howgate
“At the heart of any review of the civil legal aid scheme should be the simple principle that legal aid should always pay enough to cover costs and, if possible, allow just a little profit to invest in its future.” By Matthew Howgate FCMI, Organisation Development Consultant and Head of the LAPG Management & Leadership… continue reading
The Fragility of Civil Legal Aid by Matthew Howgate
“At the heart of any review of the civil legal aid scheme should be the simple principle that legal aid should always pay enough to cover costs and, if possible, allow just a little profit to invest in its future.” By Matthew Howgate FCMI, Organisation Development Consultant and Head of the LAPG Management & Leadership… continue reading
LAPG opens nominations for the 2023 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards!
Nominations close: 24 April 2023; winners announced: 12 July. Legal Aid Practitioners Group is proud to launch the Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year (LALY) awards, the only annual event solely dedicated to celebrating the work of grassroots social justice lawyers. This year marks the 21st anniversary of these non-profit-making awards; and we are… continue reading
Getting to know LAPG’s Co-Chair – Jenny Beck KC (Hon)
Director of Beck Fitzgerald. Running niche family law firm with 25 full time staff whilst managing a small but complex caseload and actively campaigning for improvements to the family justice system LAPG role: Co-Chair What does this involve? Active engagement in all 3 arms of our work. Policy and influencing– attending meetings, drafting campaign… continue reading
The frustrations of being a Legal aid lawyer – Volume 1 by Patricia Beckett (Wilsons Solicitors)
Not a day passes when I don’t feel intense frustration about the government’s unconcealed disdain for legal aid lawyers. Legal aid lawyers are an amazing, but fast dwindling, group of human beings. No-one really just ends up being a legal aid lawyer, it’s a conscious decision the practitioner makes either when looking for a training… continue reading
Judicial Review – even when permission is refused on papers, you can always claim something! by Paul Seddon (Seddon Costs Law)
I recently received a solicitor’s instruction to prepare a claim for costs on judicial review. The solicitor mentioned that there was another JR for the same client but she understood that nothing could be claimed because permission was refused. But this isn’t the case, at the very least you can claim the issue fee and… continue reading
LAPG Statement on the Government’s Announcement of a Review of Civil Legal Aid
The government announcement yesterday that it will carry out a formal review of the civil legal aid system, to include independent research and analysis, is a welcome admission that so much more needs to be done to ensure that access to justice is a reality for all citizens and not simply empty rhetoric. However, we… continue reading
LAPG announces shortlist for 2022 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards
The lawyer acting for an autistic teenager denied a potentially life-saving kidney transplant; one of the defence solicitors in the Colston Four case; and the first UK university advice clinic to secure a legal aid contract, are among the 29 individuals and six organisations selected as LALY22 finalists. New for LALY22: Legal Aid Support Staffer… continue reading
LAPG publishes the findings of the 2021 Legal Aid Census
LAPG publishes the Legal Aid Census – the first piece of research of its kind to look at the social justice sector as a whole. Unique research tells the story of legal aid lawyers across England and Wales – from entry to the profession, throughout their careers, and beyond. As legal aid deserts spread throughout… continue reading
Nominations now open for the 2022 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards
LAPG opens nominations for its 20th ‘legal aid Oscars’! Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year awards mark 20th anniversary, with return to an in-person ceremony, after 2 years’ of virtual events. Nominations close: 25 April 2022; new award category for LALY22: legal aid support staffer. Legal Aid Practitioners Group is proud to launch the 2022… continue reading
We are recruiting! Join us to support the training and development of specialist legal practitioners
We have today launched two concurrent recruitment processes to find project management specialists to deliver and expand our learning and development offer for legal professionals. We are seeking two Service Co-ordinators to manage our training and support services. While the two posts will work closely together, one will co-ordinate our existing programme with a focus… continue reading