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<div data-wrapper="true" style="font-size: 12px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif"> <p>It is important that you speak to a legal representative at the earliest opportunity.</p> <p>He/she will be able to assist you with information regarding the asylum process, help you translate your documents and arrange for any additional reports to be submitted to the Home Office. A good legal representative will give you advice on the strengths and weaknesses of your case, help you prepare for your main asylum interview, provide an interpreter for your sessions if needed, represent you in court if you are refused and appeal, and get any further information you may need to explain your claim.</p> <p>You need to ensure that your legal representative is registered with one of the following organisations:</p> <ul> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Law Society of England and Wales as a qualified lawyer</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Law Society of Scotland as a qualified lawyer</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Law Society of Northern Ireland as a qualified lawyer</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC), which has a register of advisers who are level 2 or 3. Level 2 or 3 means that the adviser is qualified to give you advice regarding your asylum claim and represent you in all your asylum matters.</li> </ul> <p>You should ask your legal representative who they are registered with. The logos of the above organisations should appear on any letters you receive from them. You will also be able to check directly with the organisation that your legal representative is registered with them.</p> <p><strong>Free legal advice</strong></p> <p>As an asylum seeker, you may be entitled to free legal advice if you meet the criteria for legal aid. You will be classed as an asylum seeker once you have been fully screened.</p><p> To be eligible for legal aid, you will need to prove that you are on a low income and that your case has a realistic chance of success.</p> <p><strong>Legal aid England and Wales</strong></p> <p>The Legal Aid Agency oversees legal aid in England and Wales.</p> <p>To find a legal representative, visit:</p> <p><a href="https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/">Law Society</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.gov.uk/find-a-legal-adviser">Direct Gov</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser">OISC- level 2/level 3 adviser</a></p> <p><strong>Legal aid Scotland</strong></p><p>The Scottish Legal Aid Board oversees legal aid in Scotland. Further information on legal aid can be obtained on 0845 122 8686.</p> <p>To find a legal representative, visit:</p> <p> <a href="https://www.slab.org.uk/public/solicitor-finder/#register">Scottish Legal Aid Board</a> </p> <p> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser">OISC- level 2/level 3 adviser</a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.lawscot.org.uk/">The Law Society of Scotland</a>, or call on 0131 226 7411</p> <p><strong>Legal aid Northern Ireland </strong></p>The Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission administers legal aid in Northern Ireland.<p></p><p>To find a legal representative, visit:</p> <p><a href="https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/topics/legal-aid">Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.lawsoc-ni.org/solicitors">Law Society of Northern Ireland</a></p> <p><strong>You can also contact Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503 or via webchat on our <a href="/">Service User Portal</a> and we can assist you with finding a legal representative.</strong></p> <p>How to complain about bad legal advice</p> <p>If you believe that you have received bad legal advice, you have a right to submit a complaint. You must first submit a written complaint to the firm dealing with your case. You need to include the following:</p> <ul> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Your name and full contact details</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Full details of the complaint (including times, dates and places)</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Details of any witnesses (if relevant)</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Copies of letters or papers that are relevant</li> <li style="list-style-position: inside">Your case reference number</li> </ul> <p>Your legal representative should issue you with a client care letter when you first meet. This letter confirms the work they will do for you as well as their complaints procedure. This will also confirm how long it will take to investigate your complaint.</p> </div>
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