Legal Aid forms
All the legal aid forms can be obtained from the Legal Services Commission's website; they change fairly regularly so check 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.
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 MEANS2 - for clients on IS, income-based JSA, or pension credits.
- 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'
Keycards
The keycards provide useful guidance on filling in the means assessment forms.