A new ‘Escape Cases Electronic Handbook’ is available providing useful guidance for legal help and controlled legal representation matters escape cases in these categories:

• civil
• mental health
• immigration and asylum matters.

As with the ‘Civil Finance Electronic Handbook’, which we made available in August 2013, this is the same information available to our caseworkers.

Although both documents are designed for caseworkers, they include caseworker queries and clarifications on specific issues that you may find useful.

Making this information available is something providers have been asking for.

Using our handbooks

Both handbooks should be used with the contract specification and other guidance, such as the costs assessment guidance.

The handbooks are available online and will be updated regularly to reflect current processes.

Updates will be recorded at the beginning of the handbooks and we will highlight major changes in Legal Aid Bulletin.

Further information

Funding and costs assessment

Electronic handbook

Civil forms: controlled work claims

Contracts and tenders