You have to be on the legal aid panel to take on cases. For example I am not on the panel so if the judge is looking for a solicitor to represent someone in the district court they can't ask me to do it which is deliberate on my part. Many firms just do not go on the panel. However many of the solicitors ON the panel are the best and most experienced in family law or criminal law.
Hi vanilla,would you care to name a good family law firm (or pm me).I am also wondering why free legal aid will not pay for a barrister for her? thanks