Prior Authority Requirements
Legal Aid cases require prior authority from the Legal Aid Agency before instructing an expert witness. Apply with a clear scope of work, proposed fee within LAA rates, and justification for why expert evidence is necessary to the case. Do not instruct before authority is granted.
Fee Rates 2026
LAA expert witness fee rates for country experts are set annually. Standard country condition reports typically fall within the published rates for expert witness work in immigration proceedings. Complex reports, oral evidence, and urgent instructions may require exceptional funding applications.
Independent Country Expert provides fee estimates compatible with LAA rates. Contact us with your case details for a scope-specific estimate before applying for prior authority.
CRM Documentation
Record the instruction timeline in your CRM: date of prior authority application, date granted, date of instruction, report delivery deadline, and date of exchange. Accurate CRM records support LAA audit and billing.
Exceptional Cases
Where standard rates are insufficient — for example, complex multi-country analysis, urgent hearings, or extended oral evidence — apply for exceptional funding with detailed justification. The LAA considers the complexity of the case and the necessity of the expert evidence.