Legal Aid forms

All the legal aid forms can be obtained from the Legal Services Commission's website. There are links below to forms and pages on the LSC website, so that you can check for less-common forms and for updates.

Contracting forms

These are the main forms which are needed day-to-day. See the LSC's list to check for updates.

The main ones are:

• CW1 - Legal Help (LH). For non-MHRT cases which your firm is allowed to open.

• CW2 - Controlled Legal Representation (CLR). For MHRT applications.

• CW3 - Application for extension of upper costs limit. This is initially £500 for LH and £1500 for CLR, but you can apply to have these initial limits extended.

• Guidance CW3 - A contentious topic.

Application forms

These are required for judicial reviews and some other matters. See the LSC's list to check for updates.

The main ones are:

• CLSAPP1] - The application for Legal Representation (or Investigative Help)

• New applications checklist

• CLSAPP8 - Application for amendment (e.g. costs or scope amendment) or prior authority

• CLSAPP11 - Application for discharge, at the end of the case

Means forms

These are required in conjunction with the application forms. See the LSC's list for a full list to check for updates.

The main ones are:

• CLS MEANS1 - for clients who can't fill in MEANS2. There are some associated forms (e.g. CLS MEANS 1a, 1b, 1c, L17) which may be relevant

• CLS MEANS 1 'The guide'

• CLS MEANS2 - for clients on IS, income-based JSA, or pension credits.

Keycards

The keycards provide useful guidance on filling in the means assessment forms.