Can anyone recommend a very good lawyer in the South east who will take a leagl aid case?

[redbaren]

Ive recently lost my job and tenant ...I know just before Christmas what bad timing! I have therefore had to sign on to income based job seekers allowance.
I've just called the job centre and they have processed my claim. I have also contacted legal aid who said I could ask a lawyer to apply for an emergency certificate to entitle me to legal aid, however the lawyer I have chosen to represent myself is not being very helpful at the moment and is out of the office on Monday and her secretary could not even confirm an appointment for me on Tuesday until they had the faxed notification (On Monday am)
My hearing is on Wednesday and I have to try to write a witness statement by Tuesday lunchtime!
I dont think legal representation is going to happen which I think is unfair if my ex has full legal representation.
In the meantime does anyone know of any good legal aid lawyers in the South east? I am prepared to travel to see them!

Where in the SE, it's a huge area!

I'm a family lawyer in the SE but don't do legal aid, and most people really hate taking on cases where there's a hearing within a day or two because they have to drop everything to find time to look at the case, make an emergency application for legal aid, then prepare for the hearing and either send counsel (and take the time to brief them), or go themselves, and usually not be paid for all the time travelling, waiting etc.

If you have a look at www.resolution.org.uk there's a list of family solicitors by town,and I think it tells you whether they do legal aid, but tbh, assuming you just have a directions hearing on Wed, you need to be prepared to self represent.

You can prepare your own witness statement, just make sure it's in brief, numbered paragraphs, is in double line spacing, is no more than a couple of pages of A4 and STICK TO THE POINT!.

Good luck.

btw, you're not going to get a hotshot lawyer on legal aid, you will probably get someone relatively newly qualified. Not that they're at all incompetent, but the more experienced the lawyer, the more they can charge privately, therefore the less likely to do legal aid.

Thanks for advice I am aware that Im not not going to get a hotshot lawyer on legal aid however something is better than nothing and I really need help!

Sheppersons Solicitors in Horley and Reigate (Surrey) I believe still do legal aid and used to take on a lot of last minute cases

mumblechum cheeky moo, I used to do legal aid and like to think I was pretty damm hotshot

MOS, clearly you are the exception to the rule!

Indeed

Many thanks everyone!

biscoes are great