Legal Aid

We are one of the firms that has a Legal Aid contract. We have been extensively audited by the Legal Aid Agency and we are an approved supplier. This means that representation at the police station is free unless private representation has been discussed, which we also provide. This means that if you are arrested by the police and request Harewood Law to act on your behalf, you will not be charged unless previously agreed. In the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court, you may also be entitled to Legal Aid, which means that we can again represent you for free, but there is a means test, which considers your income, and a merits test, which looks at the allegations you face. In most circumstances, people get Legal Aid in the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court, but in some circumstances, where a person's' income passes a certain threshold they must contribute to the cost of their Crown Court case. Please contact our offices to discuss Legal Aid for your case.

Explanation of Fees

Fixed Fees

In many situations, we are able to offer to act on your behalf for a defined service for an agreed sum of money. This is a “fixed fee”. This is very common when we provide quotes for cases. For all fixed fees, please ask your lawyer when you speak with them. Please note that disbursements are payable in addition to our fees.

Hourly Rate with Estimate and Agreed Limit

While all clients can opt to pay our fees privately on an hourly rate, there are some situations where we would not recommend it and others where we are in fact unable to provide any alternative method of payment. Our hourly rates will be discussed with you at our first meeting and will be confirmed in writing. We will provide you with a cost estimate and a cost limit if you wish to ensure that you will not incur costs beyond a certain level. Please note that disbursements are payable in addition to our fees.

Senior Solicitor: £500 per hour

Solicitor: £350 per hour

Paralegal: £250 per hour

Insurance Funding

It is not uncommon for clients to have insurance cover to fund the cost of lawyers acting on their behalf. If this is the case, we can ask your provider to see if they are prepared to support your case and authorise us to act for you.

Solicitors Fees and Disbursements

Clients want to know how much a particular service will cost and be told in simple terms. The estimate, quote or agreement offered will always include two elements – Solicitors fees and disbursements. Solicitors fees are what we as a firm are paid for the work that we carry out on your behalf. Solicitors fees attract VAT. Disbursements are additional costs incurred as a consequence of the instruction. Examples include court fees, expert fees, barrister fees etc.