Claiming legal aid is becoming increasingly difficult but not impossible, a local law firm has told the Turkish-speaking communities.
Adriana Syrimis and Gülizar Candemir from Fahri Jacob Solicitors
Fahri Jacob Solicitors said recent changes to legislation had significantly reduced the number of cases when legal aid could be paid.
The firm, which operates out of offices in Crouch End, offers legal services in a range of areas from divorce and family matters to personal injury and employment law,
Gülizar Candemir, who has worked at the firm for three years, said Fahri Jacobs had a large client base in the Turkish community.
As a Turkish speaker herself, she is one of two solicitors at the firm who can work with members of the community.
She told Londra Gazete that one of the most common problems encountered by her Turkish clients is domestic violence – towards men as well as women – but that many were daunted by the evidence needed for legal aid applications.
Legal aid authorities require a comprehensive portfolio of evidence before a request for funding is granted and Ms Candemir said the paperwork can be substantial.
“I remember once case where we submitted a 40-page application, but the legal aid authorities rejected it. We then added a letter from the woman’s GP, and suddenly it was accepted.”
She said her firm tried to be open and welcoming to clients who might be daunted by the size of legal bills, offering fixed fees and payment by instalment even if they are not eligible for financial support.
But Ms Candemir stressed she would always make time for a telephone call to hear whether someone has a case.
“Some people come to us and say ‘I’ve been to five solicitors and they all turned me away, what can you do?’
“We don’t provide advice over the phone but we will tell them whether we think they have a case.”