Applications by members of staff other than solicitors

Regulation 5(5)

Applications for legal aid can be made by paralegal and clerical members of staff in the following circumstances:

• Private family law proceedings in the District Court and appeals of the same matters to the Circuit Court
• Childcare
• Divorce/judicial separation
• International protection appeals

It is only appropriate for a non-solicitor member of staff to make an application where the recommendation will be Grant, or the recommendation will be to refuse on some ground other than the merits of the case (e.g. financial eligibility). If the recommendation will be to refuse on merits grounds, the submission should be made by a solicitor.