Introduction
1.1This chapter’s title is probably a counsel of perfection, and will be an unfulfilled aspiration for most caseworkers! However, the point we are trying to make is that there are lots of rules and guidance about how you should do legal aid work; you need to be aware of what they are, and consult them where necessary. This is particularly important following the serious cuts in the scope of legal aid from April 2013, which has left it very tightly defined.
1.2If you don’t ensure you are aware of the statutes, regulations, rules and guidance, you may have applications or bills delayed or rejected by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) for technical errors (and there is a contract key performance indicator that limits rejects to five per cent as part of the schedule), or refused because you have not explained your client’s case in an appropriate way, or you may have claims for payment disallowed. All these things are important because they may cause your client unnecessary delay, waste your time, and could even threaten the financial viability of your organisation. If you are not sure what to do, look it up and discuss the issue with your supervisor.