✅ Benefits of Using SPH for Legally Aided Cases:

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• Higher recovery rates on LAA claims.

• Fewer rejections or queries from the LAA.

• Time saved for solicitors to focus on casework.

• Expert understanding of hourly rates, fixed fees, and claim categories.

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What our Clients say:

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“We have used SPH now for about the last three years to do our legal costing and bills work. We have always found them to be a highly professional organisation. There is a very quick turnaround in their work, and we have never had to chase them for work to be returned. What we have found particularly helpful is if difficulties arise in cases that we can ring and ask them for general advice.  That advice is always forthcoming, and we have found it accurate and helpful. We would recommend them to any other law firm" - Legal Aid Solicitor"

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Our Service:

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​​​For Legal Aid cases, we:

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• Prepare detailed bills for submission to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

• Ensure compliance with the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations and the LAA’s Standard Civil Contract.

• Advise solicitors on how to maximise recovery of costs while staying compliant with LAA rules.

• Check files for errors or omissions before submission to avoid LAA rejections or reductions.

• Deal with the submission of outcome codes.

• Upload costs, claims and supporting documents to the LAA portal.

• Deal with all associated LAA notifications.​

• Handle requests for payments on account, applications to extend funding limits, and allocating Counsel's Fees.

• Prepare High Costs Case Plans.

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We regularly deal with cases to include:

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• Family cases (care proceedings, child arrangements, domestic abuse)

• Housing and community care matters

• Judicial Review cases

• Public law children matters

• Mental health and Court of Protection case

 

Legal Aid claims are tightly governed by:

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• Hourly rates fixed by the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)

• Strict time recording and scope limitations

• Escape fee thresholds (when work exceeds fixed fees)

• CCMS (Client and Cost Management System) submissions

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Increasingly, the process is paperless for those clients who do not operate with traditional paper files.  We have various methods for receiving electronic instructions including our portal.  Traditional paper files can be collected by our in-house or external courier.  We meet with LAA case handlers to ensure that claims satisfy their current requirements and this ensures claims are paid and processed expeditiously.

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Upon receipt of the payment notification, we will report to you with a note of our fees.

 

We have a dedicated and highly experienced Legal Aid Department that processes CCMS online claims and High-Cost Case Plans for a large number of Solicitor clients.  

 

Our enthusiastic team, headed by Elisse Bradbury, has an enviable knowledge of LAA practice and procedures. Our experience also ensures that your claims are prepared in such a way to ensure that your key performance indicators are not affected. 

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The Company, which has been providing specialist costs services since 1995, includes qualified and experienced Costs Lawyers who are regulated by the Costs Lawyers Standards Board. ​We provide a comprehensive range of legal costs services geared to maximise both your fee income and cash flow.​

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A priority service is available for urgent matters.​

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Please contact Elisse Bradbury to discuss your requirements: egb@sphcosts.com  T: 01772 435550.​​​​​​