Criminal Injuries Compensation

Finding a solicitor to take on a case

Most survivors submit the initial application themselves, or with help from a support worker, there is not necessarily a need for a solicitor unless there is some complication or the amount of compensation is likely to be very large, including financial losses.

Unfortunately, all work on CICA claims is out of scope for legal aid, which means that legal aid is never available.

In some cases where the value of the claim is large enough specialist solicitors will represent on a “no win no fee” basis, and take their legal costs out of the client’s compensation. This is more likely to be at the review stage or for Tribunal rather than the initial application.

Beware of claims management companies or some solicitors who offer to put in applications and charge large fees from the compensation awarded. Always ask for a clear explanation of what fees will be charged and how they are going to be paid so you are sure you want to receive the help. 

Organisations providing volunteer barristers to represent in Tribunal

For hearings in the Criminal Injuries Tribunal it may be possible to obtain a pro bono barrister from one of the two organisations below, but they cannot assist all applicants:

• Advocate
  They can’t guarantee to take every case, and you have to meet their criteria:
  This includes applying at least around a month before the hearing (no less than 3 weeks) and showing that you do not have the finances to pay for legal representation but also don’t qualify for legal aid. 

• Free Representation Unit
  Cases need to be referred by a referral agency, and they only assist people in London and the South East, or Nottingham.

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