Q1. How do I make an emergency representation lower application?
If your case is in court within the next two working days, you should email a representation lower urgent hearing notification form to: replowermerit@.lsani.gov.uk.
You should then make your application on LAMS in the usual way within 10 working days of the submission of the urgent hearing form. You will need to upload the representation lower urgent hearing notification form and the submission email as supporting documents (using the appropriate document names from the drop downs).
Q2. How do I make an emergency representation higher application?
If your matter is so urgent that you cannot make an emergency application on LAMS please follow the process set out in Circular 25/19. Otherwise, please make an emergency application on LAMS. If we accept that it is an emergency (as per Regulation 17 of the 2015 General Regulations), and your client is in receipt of a passport benefit, the Agency will refuse the emergency aspect of the application administratively so that the merits can be considered substantively. If granted, you will receive a certificate of legal aid.
If your client is not in receipt of a passport benefit, you can complete either limited financial details or full financial details. Please endeavour to provide as much information/documentation as possible to allow us to complete the necessary assessment. If you submit limited financial details and an emergency certificate is granted, you will receive a notification from LAMS asking that you complete and submit the full financials. This should be submitted within 21 days of the notification or consideration will be given to discharging the emergency certificate.
For guidance on how to submit an emergency application request in LAMS, refer to Section 18.0 of the LAMS Supplier Manual and ‘Submitting an emergency application’ in the Instructional Videos.
Q3. How do I make an emergency application outside of usual business hours?
The Agency’s normal business hours are Monday–Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm (excluding Bank and Public Holidays). If an urgent matter arises outside of these hours, please follow the process in Circular 06/2020.