Many VHCC cases start their life with a solicitor who does not have a VHCC contract. The legal aid regulations require the original solicitor to pass the case to a solicitor that has a VHCC contract as soon as the case is confirmed as being subject to the VHCC provisions.
The current VHCC notification regulations require that all cases where the trial is likely to last 25 days or more must be notified to the Legal Services Commission. If a non-VHCC firm fails to notify the LSC of such a case they would be in breach of contract and risk not being paid for any work undertaken.
We realise that the transfer of a case in this way can cause anxiety to a client who will have established a relationship of trust and confidence with their original solicitor. In order to minimise such stress and to better prepare the case we will strive to involve the original solicitor and their firm whenever possible in the progress of the case.
This can include involving the original firm with carrying out enquiries of potential witnesses, attending at court to support our advocates and using their office facilities for conferences. We believe that this approach provides a better service and improves trial preparation.
Sub-contracting Arrangements
We are also permitted within the terms of a VHCC contract to "sub-contract" certain areas of work. This is especially useful where the client is vulnerable or has an established reationship with the original solicitor. In such circumstances the lengthy task of taking instructions can remain with the original solicitor. The full VHCC rates are payable to the original solicitor as part of the sub-contracting arrangement.
We can also instruct suitably qualified in-house advocates from the original firm of solicitors as part of our advocacy team. This also allows for continuity of representation and maintains the professional relationships that might have been established.
Any solicitor who would like to discuss a case referral should contact our VHCC Case manager;
We realise that the transfer of a case in this way can cause anxiety to a client who will have established a relationship of trust and confidence with their original solicitor. In order to minimise such stress and to better prepare the case we will strive to involve the original solicitor and their firm whenever possible in the progress of the case.