I have tried to get legal representation for me as a carer, and my brain damaged son. The first one seemed good, wrote to the LA, then left without warning. He was then replaced by a second, then a third, all for my son covered by legal aid, to no avail. Mum was dying, so I gave up. Later, not using legal aid, but directly funded, the same thing happened. 3 different solicitors who promised lots, delivered nothing. I had spent many hours preparing documents. So disappointing. Now I need a lawyer to try and get my Carers Assessment redone. The LA are being deliberately obstructive.
Iām wondering if CUK could find a lawyer who was interested enough in our cause to properly pursue councils who steadfastly refused to comply with their statutory duties? Iām prepared to pay a reasonable sum to get my life back before itās too late?
Hi @bowlingbun
Have you tried emailing the Carers Uk helpline?
@bowlingbun you could try emailing Luke Clements and team Legal Action Group | About Us
They may be able to sign post you, though they donāt have a helpline.
When Iāve needed legal aid and a solicitor for S (twice) the advocacy service were able to provide me with a list of solicitors
I tried his law practice some time ago, got a flat āNoā.
I was unaware of any Legal Action Group. Will try tomorrow.
@bowlingbun I have often thought that there must be some āno win no feeā solicitors who would take on the case of so many Carers. What about our human rights? We are just used as ācannon fodderā. I really hope you can find someone who can work with you.
@bowlingbun That sounds very frustrating and disappointing. It might be worth contacting The Law Society if you havenāt already: https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/. You could also try the Free Legal Answers website: Free Legal Answers UK. They can respond to questions via email, which can be a helpful resource if you have any concerns or need clarification.
Iāve spent ages being repeatedly signposted to irrelevant or incompetent people, Iām afraid. After 6 different lawyers Iām very disillusioned.
Yes, in my experience the Law Society is not specific enough to help, and no-win no-fee cases are those where a large sum of compensation or similar may be awarded, so donāt work here. Mellyās suggestion of the LAG might work, though I have no experience of it, but they have been around for a long time and have a good reputation.
The silly thing is Iām very familiar with the law and support lots of other people but Hampshire are steadfastly determined to ignore their statutory duties, and chose to ignore an Ombudsmanās report! I made a subject access request recently, initially emailed to me in no particular order, so I asked for it in paper form, with numbered pages printed double sided. Still no onvious order, so now Iāve asked for it printed one sided. Theyāve just agreed and sent me an index, but itās still neither in date order or in order of author. Itās so bad Iām going to ask the Information Commissioner if thatās acceptable? Theyāve even said that any further reprint will cost me Ā£98. As I pointed out in my reply to that, no printing at all would have been needed if it was done properly in the first place!
which area of law did the lawyers who helped you cover? maybe thatās something that could be re-visited/expanded to try and find someone better?
They were recommended by the Disability Law Service! Supposedly Community Care Specialists. The first one was funded by Legal Aid, for my son. The second funded myself.
It just occurred to me that I slightly knew a woman who was a solicitor for Leigh Day. She was originally a midwife and later qualified and worked on difficult birth cases - just up your street, BB! The firm is often in the news, e.g. working for the Chagos islanders or for underpaid interpreters, and they say they represent āthe underdogā. So I wonder if they might either help you or give you a further referral. I think itās worth a phone call. https://www.leighday.co.uk/